Every year 150,000 Burmese migrants flood the border into Thailand and the majority of these come to Ranong to work in the fishing industry and factories.
The work is repetitive but demanding, non-exploitive jobs are hard to come by.
Migrants, generally without work permits, can work for up to 12hrs a day in cramped, dark and stinking conditions for up to 20 hours a day on trawlers, returning home only every few months.
In these conditions, education is a leg up.
Burmese learning centres offer a primary level education to the migrant children, providing basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Secondary education is limited to those accepted to Thai schools and whose parents can afford to let them study.
HIV is a massive problem in Ranong, money is needed to pay for ARV and other related medical expenses as well as basic living expenses.
Some Marist Mission Ranong students have now finished school and have been inspired to serve and become ‘teachers’ for these children. They are participants or graduates of the online diploma class run at the Marist Centre in Ranong.
Sunday 23rd June Marks World Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants.