Supporting children who have fled from Myanmar to Thailand
School for migrant children in Thailand
Since the coup in February 2021, fighting has intensified between the Myanmar junta and a coalition of pro-democracy forces and armed ethnic groups. Peace Winds staff members are reporting from the ground in Mae Sot, along the Thai-Myanmar border, where they are running programs to support those who have fled the war.
Each time the battles intensify, thousands of evacuees flee to Thailand. While some stay there for only two or three days and then return home when the violence subsides, others are forced to live in Thailand on a regular basis. Often, the journey back home is far, and the situation can be dangerous for returnees even in periods of relative calm. With each new battle, the number of Burmese seeking safe haven in Thailand is steadily increasing.
Amid the instability that comes with traveling back and forth across the Thai-Myanmar border, Peace Winds recognizes the right that children have to an education. It is difficult for these students to enroll in formal educational institutions in Thailand, so they often attend educational facilities called “migrant learning centers.” Many of the students who attend these centers have fled from border areas such as Karen State, Kayah State, Kachin State, or others. Some children leave their parents in Myanmar and live in dormitories, and others attend migrant schools in the villages where their families have fled. The teachers here have typically participated in the pro-democracy movement and fled Myanmar, and most are volunteers. Since the coup in February 2021, the number of students at migrant schools has increased by 60 percent.
The summer break in Thailand lasts from March through the end of May, the hottest period of the year. Peace Winds is preparing to distribute hygiene kits to students as they begin returning to class. These consist of items that are constantly in short supply, such as soap, detergent, toothpaste, and menstrual products. Our work in Myanmar is made possible by the Japan Platform as well as individual donations. We are grateful for your continued support.
School for migrant children in Thailand
Migrant village in Thailand