Join us in the Hyla Library on
Tueseday, September 20th from
1:45-2:30 PM for
a conversation with Khet Mar,
Burmese writer, poet and activist.

In Humanities class in sixth grade, students participate in Hyla’s ongoing relationship with Educational Empowerment, a local non-profit devoted to promoting literacy and community in Southeast Asia. Over the years, Hyla students have connected with students in Myanmar, and contributed to many EE projects, such as making books for students in Myanmar, providing library books, and raising money for new schools. Last year we also supported EE’s efforts to translate the book I Am Malala for publication in Myanmar and distribution to teenage girls there. Khet Mar translated that book, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Hyla.

This is an exciting opportunity for students to meet a political activist from another country, and hear her story first-hand.

Khet Mar’s visit is sponsored by EE and a basket for voluntary donations will be available. 

More about Khet Mar

Myanmar is a country in transformation, shedding its dictatorial rule and becoming a democracy. Khet Mar is a writer who told the truth about the lives of ordinary people while it was ruled by the dictator generals.  Her work was banned; she was imprisoned for 10 years and exiled. After being released, she eventually made her way to Pittsburgh where from 2009 to 2012 she was writer-in-residence at City of Asylum, which provides sanctuary to writers exiled under threat of severe persecution in their native countries.

In addition to her writing, Khet Mar is a community developer and environmental activist. She founded Zagawa Environment Network, which brings together writers and journalists focusing on environmental issues in the region.  She currently works for Radio Free Asia in Washington, D.C.

Khet Mar is passionate about education and her country.  Melody Mociulski, chair and co-founder of Educational Empowerment said about Khet Mar, “Her experiences living under military dictatorship, where rights were abused and books were censored, forced her to seek asylum in the U.S.  Her message is inspirational and especially empowering for women and girls.”

Questions? Please call or email Melissa at melissad@hylamiddleschool.org