Education

A good education can be the foundation for a brighter future. But on the Thai-Myanmar border, children from Myanmar face significant barriers in accessing education.

Help Without Frontiers is committed to promoting education equality for all children, regardless of their gender, religion, or ethnicity. HWF currently supports more than 2,500 Myanmar children in 10 Migrant Learning Centres (MLCs) in Mae Sot and Phop Phra Districts in Tak Province, where the students can learn in a safe environment, develop language skills, and have access to healthcare services. With the support of donors, HWF covers MLC running costs including teachers’ salaries, maintenance and utilities, and stationery and teaching materials. HWF maintains close coordination with the MLCs through regular visits and monthly meetings with the principals.

Another option available for Myanmar children is to enroll in a Thai school - although this comes with its own challenges regarding language, documentation status, and costs. HWF currently supports 130 Myanmar children enrolled in Thai schools in Tak Province with transportation costs, and a further 87 high school level students with scholarships at Thai schools and colleges. While enrolling in a Thai school can be more challenging, the language skills and accreditation it brings can significantly improve a child's long-term education and employment opportunities in Thailand.

HWF also works on a range of education-based activities in and around schools, alongside local partner organisations. In recent years, these have included First Aid training, Child Safeguarding, vaccine programs, sports activities, art classes, and sessions on emotional well-being for children who have arrived in Thailand since the 2021 Myanmar military coup.

In addition, HWF is developing a new project called the Rays Of Hope School - a non-profit Thai school for Myanmar and Thai children. More information can be found on the Rays Of Hope School page, and on the dedicated Rays Of Hope School website.