The RNDM Sisters provide sewing training so young women can earn an income
In the southernmost town in Myanmar, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) provide education for children and skills training for young women in this poor border town. Kawthaung is a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions and cultures, and is an entry point for migrant workers into Thailand. Children and young people in Kawthaung are vulnerable due to family poverty, which increases their exposure to human traffickers. Lenity Australia are funding the Sisters through Australian Marist Solidarity to ensure that young people can escape this grinding poverty and are safe from predatory behaviour.
The story of Htwe*
Htwe is a 17 year old girl who is the youngest of 7 siblings. The family migrated to the Kawthaung area after her father died and now live with her mother’s elderly sister. As the family was in great financial difficulty and unable to earn enough income to support everyone, Htwe left school in grade 7.
The rest of her siblings are now married and some have migrated to other places in Myanmar. They remain quite poor and one Brother has been working in Thailand and sending money back to sustain the family. Htwe intended to join her Brother in Thailand as it seemed like a good way for her to make money to support her family. However, after meeting the RNDM Sisters and learning how to sew, she decided to remain in Kawthaung as she felt more confident that she could secure an income from sewing.
Htwe has now come to realise the dangers and difficulties of working in Thailand and the hard life that her Brother lives. The Sisters have educated Htwe and other sewing students about the risks of being a migrant worker in Thailand and how it is an undesirable situation for young girls.
Htwe proudly remains in Kawthaung and wants to earn and live a decent life in Myanmar. She thanks the Sisters and the people who have helped her develop her sewing skills and grow as a young woman. Htwe wants to keep working with the Sisters so she can gain experience and save money to open her own shop.
*Name has been altered to protect her identity