In Myanmar, where culture, Ethnicity and pride is so deep within the roots of the country it can be hard to believe there is so much atrocity. Myanmar appears from the outside to be beautiful and unblemished. However, within some states of the country lies a dark underbelly of genocide, occupation, and human rights violations. Within Karen state specifically, families are in hiding deep within the jungle to seek refuge from the conflict that is happening around them, no matter how careful they are the Burmese Military can find them and attack them with helicopters, jet fighters, bombs and bullets. To grow up as a child within the jungle has its limitations, little to no healthcare, unstable education, a limited diet, and no safe place to call home. Many children have moved multiple times before they reach their teenage years. Constantly being displaced and in search of a new location that their family believe will be safe for them.

Children within Karen State learn at a very young age about community, many of the older children look after the younger ones when their family are busy working. They stay at home doing house chores and babysitting. It is safer for them to be at home as it is close to the bunkers that they have constructed. These bunkers are usually 10-20 meters away from their homes. Families are able to rush over to the bunkers once the radios alert them of incoming airstrikes and artillery. However, even under a brutal genocide with no end in sight many children still keep their curiosity in life and passion to be successful in school to make a better future for their people.

When this series was captured Scott was on assignment with Partners Relief and Development.