Empowering Burmese migrants through support of education for employment
Many Burmese migrant children living in Thailand are undocumented and therefore denied access to the Thai education system. Because their parents cross the border to find work in factories that only offer low wages and poor conditions, the children are often forced to work alongside them. There are an estimated 200,000 Burmese in Samut Sakhon alone.
In 2011 the Marist Brothers established The Centre for Migrants in Samut Sakhon, a coastal province with a number of fish processing factories. 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. On weekdays the staff teach children aged between the ages of 5-16, using community-based, participatory programs. The classes follow the Burmese curriculum so that if the children return to home they can continue their studies there. There are also classes in English, Thai and computing, which improve the likelihood of gaining access to mainstream education in Thailand.
The project has been expanded to include after work training for young adults in computer skills and language in the hope that this will lead to more highly skilled employment and greater acceptance within the Thai community.
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.
