Empowering Burmese refugees through support of education for employment
Migration from Burma to Thailand is increasing, with new arrivals often taking up dangerous and difficult jobs. These working conditions have a direct impact on young migrant children, whose early childhoods are among the most disadvantaged in Thailand. Under Thai government policy, all children have a right to primary education, regardless of their nationality or status. But only a fraction of the estimated 2 million Burmese migrants in Thailand can or have enrolled into public schools, mainly due to immigration status, financial and language barriers. Many of the Burmese refugees can be found along the shared boarder of Burma and Thailand where they have been exploited and taken advantage of, often working in squalid conditions for less than Thailand’s legal daily minimum wage of 135 baht ($5 AUD).
To aid the need of the Burmese youth, the Marist Centre for Migrants was established in 2011 and is based in the coastal province of Samut Sakhon. The Centre provides education and training programs for Burmese migrant youth, equipping them for entry into both the mainstream education system in Thailand and the workforce. To do this, the programs include Thai and English courses that they may be integrated into the local Thai society. Moreover, computer literacy courses which are aimed to equip students with access and understanding around information technology to better enhance their employability and better their livelihood. Education remains the key to integrating these children in society and improving their access to healthcare and other services.
There is a better future possible for Burmese migrants. Donate now to help us enhance their skills through education and empower them to change their lives.
For more information please visit: Marist Centre for Migrants | TH0004
Timor-Leste is the focus of the AMS Christmas Appeal in 2016. AMS is on the lookout for additional community support for projects throughout the region. For more information and to check out the projects please visit 2016 CHRISTMAS APPEAL: TIMOR-LESTE