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  Project  Name:   Foundation  for  Education  and  Development  (FED)     Project  Location   Khao  Lak,  Phang  Nga  Province,  Thailand     Implementing  Partner:   Child’s  Dream  Foundation  (CD)     Start  Date:   July  2011     End  Date:   May  2013     Reporting  Period:   March  2013  Update  

Impact of changes in Myanmar The FED School enrolments continue to be strong despite the many changes and uncertainties as a result of the rapidly developing economic and political circumstances in Myanmar. The border areas are likely to continue to see a constant flow of migrants from Myanmar in search of work. CD is monitoring the impact of the changes on the FED School. The founder of the FED has returned to Myanmar and a new CEO is currently being sought. The budget for the 2012/13 year has been monitored closely and breakeven has been achieved with the assistance of the Umenohana funding. In addition to the operational support, the balance of the Umenohana funds are being used for vital repairs and infrastructure upgrades: Repairs • New canteen lights to repair items

damaged due to high winds • Repair blocked toilet in nursery • Installation of safer, more effective

bathroom locks • Sink & tap repair in toilet buildings • Repair of office door locks due to

high winds • Purchase school camera for

activities documentation • Solution to flooding under nursery

door in heavy wind and rain. Infrastructure • Possible relocation of electrical

main breaker box for electricity into a separate house.

• Upgrading of draining Canals in school campus to drain heavy water – quotes are pending from contractor for the work. The process is likely to move slowly as it will require liaison with local government authorities

In 2013/14 the funding assistance sought for the FED School is likely to be higher as a result of traditional funding sources being diverted to Myanmar and increased in salaries and supply costs. The FED has submitted initial budgets to CD that are being analysed in the light of reduced overall funding. The final budget will be completed in coming weeks Reporting Period Achievements The new learning centre enabled the enrolment of 439 students for the 2012/13 academic year, doubling the intake prior to the development and the numbers continue to rise despite uncertainties as a result of the changes in Myanmar Students are transported to the school to ensure safety and encourage attendance.  

Student List M F T

KG 50 45 95 Grade - 1 47 35 82 Grade - 2 23 17 40 Grade - 3 23 18 41 Grade - 4 13 15 28 Grade - 5 11 7 18 Grade - 6 9 7 16 Grade - 7 8 9 17 Nursery 42 27 69 Integrated in Thai School 27 6 33 TOTAL 253 186 439

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The first semester progressed as expected. The term commenced with teachers attending a curriculum workshop reviewing all areas of teaching including teachers’ areas of responsibility, classroom management and methods of teaching with the session concluding that teaching methodology and student grades would be reviewed every 2 weeks. The implementation of this program has enabled teachers to share their challenges and exchange knowledge to improve their teaching skills. The students attend classes including Burmese, English, Thai, Mathematics, Social Studies, Computers and Arts. Health classes are an important element of the school curriculum and include a nutrition program in the nursery and health awareness classes held twice a month at the school teaching hygiene, self-health guidance and general health knowledge.

Source: CD English-speaking volunteers joined the school to teach English on a daily basis. Students integrated into Thai schools were provided with Burmese language classes to support the development of their native language. 20 students and 3 teachers participated in a mini-exchange with students from the American School of The Hague in October, which provided an opportunity to share experiences including the status of Burmese.

At the completion of the first Semester in October, a review of teaching methods was held with a focus on Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking and Early Reading Research. Ideas from the review were implemented in preparation for Second Semester commencing in November.

Source: CD Project Description FED was founded in 2007 as the first registered and approved foundation in Thailand managed by Burmese. FED plays a fundamental role in providing basic education and vocational training to children and youth from low-income Myanmar migrant families. FED aims to provide a safe environment for these children and youth to access education and thereafter opportunities to secure their livelihoods.

Source: CD FED runs numerous educational and outreach programs that aim to improve the welfare and quality of life of the Myanmar migrant community, especially lower income families. It provides basic education that ranges from nursery to primary level (grade 6) to support children in assimilating into Thai schools and Thai society.

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In addition, FED provides vocational training for Myanmar youth to better equip them to enter the Thai workforce. FED also offers legal aid and advice to the Myanmar community and programs that target issues related to women’s empowerment, health care and migrant development, Human Rights Documentation and Legal Aid/Public Relations. Background Mae Sot is situated in Western Thailand and is one of only two border crossings into Myanmar. It is estimated that up to half of the city’s population is Burmese migrants, both legal and illegal, and the local economy is reliant on this steady flow of workers. Conditions are difficult for many who end up working in poor conditions in factories and sweat shops for little pay and most have no way out with limited or no access to government education or health care.

Source: irrawaddy.org Significant changes are currently underway in Myanmar that will impact on all Burmese migrant communities. The recently elected government has eased restrictions on opposition parties and released the majority of political

prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, who has now taken a seat in parliament. The pace of change is significant with its impact being actively assessed by governments, organisations and Burmese migrants around the world. Sanctions have been eased and businesses, charity organisations and Burmese migrants are determining when and how to participate in this potential revival. Key changes include privately owned petrol stations, new cars, motorbikes and electronics, significant improvements in Internet and telecommunications access, 24-hour electricity in many areas of the country and roads and buildings are being repaired. The presence of military and police on the streets and at checkpoints has been significantly reduced.

Source: uk.reuters.com The downside of these changes is rising prices, particularly in Yangon and accommodation is insufficient to meet the rapidly growing tourism market. And tensions remain high in the Kachin and Rakhine states where armed conflict continues.

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Financial Report

FED FINANCIAL REPORT Academic Year 2012/13

Budget Actual Deviation

Salaries 14,323 11,968 2,355

Household & Kitchen 1,556 1,556 0

School Equipment & Stationery 10,484 7,374 3,110

Office Costs 3,097 2,080 1,017

Monitoring Costs 884 975 -91

Admin Overhead 2,124 2,124 0

Grant Funds dedicated to Repair/Infrastructure Work 12,882 19,273 -6,390

Total 45,350 45,350 0