Pi Kwe

Hammock

My cousin is twelve months old. His name Eh Klo Mo means "a person who maintains their culture".

In Karen State each village has one healer who gives massage. Massage is traditional health care for people who are old, sick or tired. This woman is well known in the refugee camp as a medicine woman and midwife.

Father & Sons

They were so excited when I took their picture.

Old &Young

Many generations live together in one house.

Young Masseuse

We sleep under mosquito nets to protect us from malaria.

Soft Songs

He likes to play soft slow music. Soon he will attend the Leadership Management Training College in the refugee camp.

Refugee Numbers

In the camp each person and each family is assigned a number. That’s how they keep track.

Family

So much love.

My Story

My name is Pi Kwi but my family calls me Topipi which means bird song in our Karen language. I was born on the Thailand-Burma border and moved to Huay Kaloke refugee camp when I was three years old. Over 6,000 people lived in the refugee camp until 1997 when the Burmese army crossed into Thailand and attacked our camp burning it to the ground. My family survived by hiding in the forest. After the Huay Kaloke attack, I moved to another refugee camp. My parents returned to Burma to take care of my grandparents.

I love to play the piano. Both my mother and grandmother play the piano very well. For many generations people in my family have played the piano and now I too am learning. It is our family heritage. One day I hope to help people in need, especially people with disabilities.