La June Paw's Story
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The decades of conflict in Burma have caused a significant amount of displacement for the diverse Karen ethnic group and many other ethnic minorities. La June Paw is a child of this displacement. She lives at Blessed Homes in the beautiful village of Noh Bo which sits right on the border of Thailand and Burma.
June writes songs to cope with the pain and emotional burdens caused by displacement.
Her life at Blessed Homes would seem to some to be living in a jungle paradise. Surrounded by banana trees and bamboo, the home sits alongside a mango orchard overlooking the Moei River. Her life circumstances and education have allowed her to learn several languages including English, Thai, Sgaw Karen, and Burmese. Her father is Sgaw Karen and her mother is Pwo Karen.
Her strong personality and keen perceptivity have made her a leader among her peers.
June participates regularly in traditional celebrations of the Karen that include dancing and music. Like many Karen youths, June writes songs to cope with the pain and emotional burdens caused by displacement. When she writes songs she writes them in Sgaw Karen. She has a fine ear for music and likes to sing harmony in the local choirs. Her strong personality and keen perceptivity have made her a leader among her peers.
