Marist Asia Foundation serves Burmese Migrants on the Thailand Burma Border with Health, Education and Migrant Support Programmes.
The Marist Asia Foundation (MAF), which is a Marist Fathers project, began in 2006 responding to the education, health and migrant worker needs of the Burmese community in the significant border crossing town of Ranong opposite the southern most town of Burma / Myanmar (Kaw Thaung). Searching for a better future for themselves and their children many Burmese come to Thailand either as refugees escaping conflict and living in refugee camps, or as migrants seeking work.
The 2017 MAF annual report is in and we would like to share their progess with the AMS community.
- In 2017 the Health Programme:
- Supported 86 HIV patients and families. Provided 1,172 translation services in hospital, 905 home visits, 674 nutrition packs, 10 HIV education workshops and 467 hospital visits.
- In 2017 the Education Programme:
- Resulted in 100% of preschool graduates starting primary school in 2018. 34 new students began Yr1. Over 85% attendance rate and 91% retention rate from Year 1- Year 4. 95% of Yr 4 students continued onto a further education programme. 16 new students began online university and have completed studies in English, management and international development.
- In 2017 the Migrant Support Programme:
- Provided teacher training and mentoring for Burmese Migrant Learning Centre teachers, supported 30 young adult migrants on the higher learning pathway with intermediate/ academic English.
Generous support from Marist Mission Centre and Lenity Australia will enable MAF to continue to focus its core work around education, health and migrant support in 2018 and beyond.