Empowering Futures: Theo and the Growth of Dāna Education

Htay Aung (Theo) was born in a civil war zone in Northern Shan State, Myanmar. He left his family to become a Buddhist novice at five, where he gained access to basic education. After 12 years of monkhood, he received a scholarship to pursue higher education at the Eastern Mediterranean International School (EMIS), Tele Aviv, Israel. After graduating, he decided to take a gap year to volunteer and travel across Southeast Asia.

He volunteered at Mudita School in Mae Sot, Thailand, where he worked closely with migrant children from Myanmar, many of whom faced significant barriers to education. This experience deepened his understanding of the challenges faced by displaced communities and reinforced his commitment to educational equity.

Theo later settled in Chiang Mai, where he encountered the Ta’ang community, an experience that inspired him to organize a summer camp that now the Dāna Education Center. Through this initiative, Theo has worked to provide educational support and a safe learning environment for migrant children from 5-15 years old. Later with Maipheng Dāna Education expanded its programs into Laos.

Currently, Theo is pursuing a degree in International Business Management at the International College of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. Alongside his studies, he continues to lead Dāna Education, balancing academic life with hands-on teaching and organizational leadership. He remains actively involved in teaching Burmese migrant children, ensuring that education remains at the heart of his work.

He was selected as a Myanmar youth representative at the United Nations Least Developed Countries Conference (UNLDC5), OR PTT Seed 9 Ambassador, a program that supports young leaders driving positive change in their communities. In addition, Theo successfully completed the Aspire Institute Leadership Program, further strengthening his leadership skills and global network.

His work extends into international collaborations with several NGOs. Through these platforms, he continues to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and promote inclusive development.

From a childhood marked by conflict to becoming a regional changemaker, Theo’s journey is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and compassion.