Thailand: Melada's escape from Myanmar

Melada was born in Karen State in eastern Myanmar. One of the world's longest-running civil wars is raging there: since 1948, the Karen National Union (KNU) has been fighting for an independent state, while the Myanmar military government is trying to break the resistance through forced relocations and military offensives.

This repeatedly leads to massive displacement and destruction. Melada's mother had to flee the war pregnant and alone: ​​Under the constant threat of shelling and bombing, she fled through forests and across streams – often without access to medical care, food, or shelter. "My mother says that back then there were no lullabies and no warm home. There were only gunshots, explosions, and the screams of people running for their lives." 

Like many others, the mother and little Melada eventually crossed the border into Thailand in search of safety. They were able to stay with an aunt. But there were constant sounds of gunfire and explosions, and sometimes grenades landed in the village. "I never knew where the next bomb would land or if I would make it home. I didn't know if my mother was alright. I often trembled so much that I couldn't walk. I had the same nightmares every night."

Later, Melada was able to attend school in Thailand – but without full residency status and the right documents, many things remained out of reach for her. "I often felt excluded, as if I were always just watching from the outside," she says. Hope only came with the Mobile Classroom Program of Terre des Hommes partner organization, the Development Center for Children and Community Network (DCCN): staff members came to Melada's school and informed her about her rights. "It wasn't just about paperwork or ID cards. It made me feel: I exist." 

Today, Melada is 15 years old. With the help of DCCN, she was able to obtain full residency and dreams of becoming a designer – a creator who transforms nature and things that others often throw away into something meaningful. "I want to turn what is overlooked into something beautiful and vibrant. Just like I used to be a quiet, unassuming girl that no one noticed."