Kin Ya Da Wa Thein, 13, is a farmer’s daughter originally from Ma Lot. She is dynamic and charming, known for her sweet singing voice. Her hobby is house construction and she wants to be a civil engineer. She said one of the most rewarding experiences after Nargis was rebuilding houses in her community. Her own house completely collapsed, and she worked with her father to rebuild it. Her parents are her heroes.

Beautiful Ban Ei Saw is 10 ½ years old and is originally from the nearby village of Ka Nyin Kwe. A shy girl who excels in school, particularly history, Ei wants to go into business and learn about agriculture. Her lack in confidence hides sharp analytical skills. During Nargis, she hid under the bed in her grandmother’s house, and still to this day recalls the night of the cyclone vividly. She lost her eye early on in an accident while playing with other children.

Like many young boys in the delta, Win Aung, 15, wants to join the army. His hero is General Aung San, who in his view brought the country together and fought for ordinary people. Shy, Win spoke about the need to build community to strengthen the social fabric of Burmese society. He is from the village of Ma Lot. He is known to be a hard worker and excels in his studies.

Cherry Soe, 12, comes from Ma Lot as well. She is a devout Buddhist who wants to be a lawyer. Her parents were teachers, but her mother died a year ago from cancer. She lost her closest female relative in Nargis. She spent a few months in the northern city of Saigging after the cyclone in a monastery. She is hopeful for the country’s future and inspiringly sees the world as full of hope, despite her own losses. 

Hlaing Paw, 11, is the son of teacher. He wants to be a football star, and is passionate about the sport. His favorite team is Manchester United. His biggest regret after Nargis besides the loss of life was the loss of his football field which still remains flooded. He travels long hours to come to school from the area of Lot Min. He feels that education opens the world to him and remains eager to learn and engage.