MONS HONOUR STUDENT FOR EDUCATIO NAL ACHIEVEMENT

 (Kaowao, May 8, 2005)

The Mon community in Fort Wayne , Indiana , hosted a celebration in honor of Dr. Mi Jarai Mon for her personal achievement in completing her Ph. D in Agriculture.

The MRC reported that over 200 Mons including those who live in Washington , California , and Ohio States traveled to the one of the largest overseas Mon community to join in the celebration with members of the Monland Restoration Council and Mon Women Organization.  The two organizations jointly hosted the ceremony and the Chairman of MRC, Nai Pon Nya Mon and other community leaders delivered messages to the crowd encouraging the younger Mon generation to keep up with their studies and pursue post secondary education. 

“I could not have achieved this alone.  Many of you helped me one-way or another. In particular, I have gained strength and motivation from the Mon people in Burma .  When I was in Burma , I would hear people say: "The Mons are not well educated".  It was hard for me to convince them otherwise.  As you know, in Burma , we have very few Mon doctorates. Universities in Burma have not offered Ph.D. degrees until just the last few years.  We usually have to be selected as a “government scholar” to be able to go abroad and study for our doctoral degree.  I have always believed that no matter who we are - Mon, Burman, Chin, or Shan - anyone of us can achieve great things if we are given the opportunity to do so.  I hope my achievement in my education would help prove that this is indeed the case,” said Mi Jarai. 

Presently, Mi Jarai Mon serves as the Chairwoman for the Mon Women Organization (USA).  In her local community and at university in Burma , she was an active member of Mon Literature and Culture Association. She was thrilled to receive letters of congratulation from overseas Mons.

Fort Wayne , being the largest overseas Mon community has built Mon Buddhist temples for the Mons who practice Theravada Buddhism and established head offices of MRC and MWO for community works.  Over 500 Mons are now United States citizens living in the USA ; mostly in Fort Wayne .