Week 2: Thai-Burma border

Khin Thai-Burma border

Khin’s family fled to Ranong in Thailand to escape conflict in neighbouring Burma.

Khin was unable to go to school in Burma until she was helped by Caritas Australia’s partner, Jesuit Relief Services (JRS).

Ranong is 5000km from Australia

Ranong is by the Andaman Sea. In Ranong, most Burmese migrant workers (workers who have migrated, or moved, from another country) work in the fishing industry.

In the poorest areas of the town, migrant workers often live in houses with no running water, sewerage or electricity supply.

JRS provide community-based schools for the children of migrant workers who cannot go to Thai schools because they do not have papers, fees or language. Khin loves to be in school.

Khin is also helped by JRS to improve her English.

Her family think it is very important for Khin to have a good education.

One day she hopes to be a teacher.

Lots of other children attend the six schools run by JRS. For example, 171 students attend Soi Samakki school.

This is Aung. Moses, a volunteer at Soi Samakki school, is translating the schoolwork into Burmese for Aung.

Here is Aung at home with his family.

Children in Ranong play some of the same games as children in Australia.

Children in Ranong play some of the same games as children in Australia.

Khin says, “Please open more schools like this one. This is very good for poor families who cannot afford to send their kids to Thai schools.”

Picture credits

Molly Mullen, Oliver White and JRS Ranong