For the past three years, Marist Father Fr Frank Bird sm from New Zealand has been working on the border of Thailand and Burma, serving the very poor Burmese refugees living in desperate conditions in the fish-processing neighbourhood of Ranong.
Father Frank is based at the Marist Fathers’ Marist Asia Foundation—an organisation supported by the Marist Mission Centre in Australia, Australian Marist Solidarity, and other generous Australian and overseas donors.
There he works with a team of permanent staff, lay Marists, international volunteers, and other religious ministers and clergy to educate refugee students and care for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
In a recent letter to Marist Solidarity, Father Frank reported on activities that have been taking place in Ranong over the past few months.
In February, more than 500 Burmese families and the local community spent two days celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Marist mission in Ranong.
Father Frank says that it was a “such a beautiful sight” to see these families and the supporters of the Burmese learning centres enjoying the celebration.
“In the midst of a very poor community with many hardships, to see our students dressed in traditional Burmese clothing, performing both traditional and contemporary dances and songs with such joy and pride in front of their parents will be such a great memory to have of our 10 year celebration.
“I could clearly see the link. Education brings confidence. Confidence produces beautiful smiles. And the smiles revealed a sense of dignity and pride. Their talents and culture were celebrated in front of their parents. I will never forget this,” he says.
Father Frank says that, following the 10-year anniversary, staff members at the Marist Asia Foundation have been conducting surveys and focus groups with key stakeholders to better understand new ways of meeting the needs of the migrant community.
He has shared with us with some beautiful photos of students, as they commenced their new school year on May 16.
He says, “[It’s] great to have them back and the laughter and joy of students learning makes one feel a few years more youthful.”
This is just one of many projects that will directly benefit from the recently-announced new partnership agreement between Australian Marist Solidarity and the Marist Mission Centre in Australia.
For further information about how you can help to improve the lives of Burmese refugees through education visit our website Australian Marist Solidarity—Thailand or follow the Marist Asia Foundation on Facebook.