School lunch project for children

                    "Every child has the right to adequate nutrition"

• 100 children are being provided with lunch every day

Despite the governmental policy that states that all children have the right to education in Thailand, it is very difficult for Burmese migrant children to attend school in Southern Thailand. Most Burmese children (and their parents) are still unable to read or write. Because Thai schools are often unwilling or unable to provide support for these children, ChildTRAC ’s partner Foundation for Education and Development (FED) has initiated an education program.

The Education Program at FED now operates 5 learning centers (informal schools) for migrant children in the coastal areas in southern Thailand. In these centers are 30 teachers and over 400 students. The school curriculum follows the standard Burmese curriculum, which includes Burmese, English, Mathematics, and social studies. In addition, students learn at least one hour of Thai language every day.

Most of the families of migrant children have themselves received little or no education and as such it is extremely difficult for them to find any work other than low paid, unskilled labor jobs. These jobs are referred to as the 3 D’s; dirty, dangerous and difficult.

Due to severe economic hardships in Burma and also in Thailand, migrant parents cannot afford to educate their children. Without education this cycle of poverty will continue. Providing Burmese migrant children with an education also means that the time at which they enter the labor force is delayed. A good education can provide them with the skills for better job opportunities. Being at school also offers the children a safe environment in which to study, play and socialize.