My Sister's Keeper

This Myanmar Life

Ein Cho Khin’s personal aspirations take a backseat to helping her sister live a better life

Twin sisters Ein Cho Khin and Ein Cho Zin (22) are nearly inseparable, often sitting or standing together, hand in hand.

Their lives are linked by more than just their shared birthday; Ein Cho Zin was born deaf.  In the city of Mawlamyine, there were no services to support her, and the nearest is 8 hours away in Yangon.  Unable to attend a specialized school to help her learn to read, she relies on her sister for nearly all communication and never leaves the house without her.  While they haven't learned sign language, they have been able to create their own system of gestures and signs to communicate with one another.

The impact of this on Ein Cho Khin's life is hard to deny.  While she had entertained the idea of university in the past, an illness when she was in Grade 10 left her unable to continue her classes.  Although still young, when it comes to marriage, it's something she's no longer interested in.  Holding her sister’s hand, she says, “We will stay together for life.”

When asked what she would say to Ein Cho Zin if she could hear, she replied that she would ask, "Are you happy?"