Marist Asia Foundation provides education and training programs for Burmese migrant youth, equipping them for entry into both the mainstream education system in Thailand and the workforce.
According to International Organization for Migration (IOM) report of February, 2015, “Thailand has an estimated total of around 3.5 million migrants (regular or irregular status) with an estimated 2.3 million migrants originating from Myanmar”.
Ranong has the highest density of Burmese Migrants in Thailand and one of the highest rates of working children in Thailand. Only 10% of these children have started school as they face significant barriers and hardships. Sadly, 85% of children who attend school actually leave education around the age of 12 because of family poverty.
The latest education data from 2017 reveals Ranong has the highest drop-out rate of students from Thai schools in all of the 78 Provinces in Thailand. ‘Save the Children’ reports show up to 60% of Migrant Children are not attending school and those who are at school are struggling with 35% unable to read the basic Thai alphabet.
Thanks to the support of Marist Mission Centre and Lenity Australia, the Marist Asia Foundation (MAF), which is a project of the Marist Fathers, is working with these poor and isolated minorities to provide better educational and health outcomes for the Burmese youth. The major programs include:
- Burmese Migrant Secondary Education Programme (BMSP);
- Burmese migrant Preschool Programme;
- Migrant Outreach Programme; and
- HIV AIDS Health Programme.
With the school year coming to an end, Marist Asia Foundation have provided a snapshot of their educational programs to date.
Burmese Migrant Secondary Education Programme (BMSP)
95% Retention Rate
- Of the 84 students, only 5 students have dropped out.
- Reasons for students departure from the BMSP Programme are mainly needing to work to support the family, parents move to another town or return back to Myanmar.
- 15 of the 17 students finished the 4 year secondary programme.
Increase in the number of BMSP students seeking further education opportunities or employment
- In 2016, 16 of the Year 4 students apply for the 3 month (Intermediate English Programme) in preparation for the epopasia.org Academic English Programme to potentially sit the entrance exam for University Online Diploma Programme (May 2017).
- In 2016, 32 students in Ranong involved with English Learning through our partnership with epopasia and Thabyay Foundation.
- In 2015-2016 , 10 students had gained employment as teachers at Burmese Learning Centres.
- 4 Graduates are now working in International Organisation Migration, World Vision, Diocesan Social Action Centre (DISAC).
- 2 Graduates are studying with University of the People (Management Studies) and 1 graduate is studying at University in Bangkok (Primary Teaching).
- 16 students (graduated from BMSP) who passed the Entrance Test and have been accepted to Australian Catholic University Online Diploma Programme for 2017.
Burmese migrant Preschool Programme
Numbers
- 78 students began preschool.
- 70 students completed the year.
- 4 students returned to Myanmar with their parents and they told us their children will continue study in Myanmar.
- 4 students move to other place with parents.
Attendance
- Average attendance rate is 84.70 % which is a very positive sign that children enjoy coming to preschool programme (N-A 79.60 %, N-B 87.20 %, KG 87.36%).
Academic Results
- The graduating kindergarten students scores [12=A, 6=B+, 1=B, 3=D].
- 100% of parents said they would start their children at school next year.
There is a better future possible for Burmese migrants. Donate now to our work in Thailand and help us enhance their skills through education and empower them to change their lives.