Education is a tool for one’s hope and dignity.

“Education is hope and dignity.” This was the core message of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon during the launching of UN’s global education initiative entitled: “Education first.” The said launching was attended by state leaders from all over the world.

One of the attendees during the launching was Burma’s Nobel Prize for Peace Laureate, Aung San Su Kyi. During the military regime in Burma, education was one  of those who have been left behind. Truly, with the help of this initiative, Burma will be able to reclaim their right to education. (to see the video of the launching, click this, video from:  UNECOSOC)

As to this note, the Marist Mission Ranong Team (MMR ) is so pleased that their education initiatives for the Burmese migrants are in lined with this global education promotion. For more than 6 years now, MMR education program has been giving the poor Burmese migrants, here in Ranong, hope and dignity through education.

One of MMR volunteers during his class with the burmese students.

A few days ago, I went back to the Education Centre  tired, after attending several meetings and concerns in a long rainy day here in Ranong.  I thought my day has just finished, and I was excited to take a rest and do some physical exercise, until I saw a little girl. She was trying to reach the huge rubbish bin near our education centre to get some junk stuffs, take them to a shop and sell them there.I took the courage to approach her and be able to talk to her.

Shwe (not her real name, means gold) is nine years old, daughter of Burmese migrant workers.  Her mother died already and the father has a new wife and family.  She is now staying with a neighbor who survives by collecting rubbish for recycling.

I invited her and her adult companion to collect the empty bottle and plastics in our education centre.  I ask one Burmese teacher to talk to the girl and invited her to study with us.

My heart was deeply disturbed to see her collecting rubbish along the road.  She should be in the classroom enjoying classes with other children rather than checking every garbage bin in a rainy crossroad.

I hope the world will pause for a while and listen to the stories of children like her. 

The United Nations’ (UN) ‘Education First’ Programme                                                                      

Last Sept 26 was a historic moment when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon personally launched “Education First“ (click here for the UN’s article) in the presence  of Heads of States and Government Dignitaries, from all over the world, during the 67th Session of the United Nations’ General Assembly.

In the said Assembly, the Secretary General highlighted the three priorities of Education First Campaign:

1. putting every child into school

2. improving the quality of learning

3. fostering global citizenship

He declared, “We are here today because we know every child everywhere deserves that same chance. Education is hope and dignity. Education is growth and empowerment. Education is the basic building block of every society and a pathway out of poverty.”

Mr. Ban Ki-moon challenges the leaders of the world by saying,  “We cannot stop until every child, youth and adult has the opportunity to go to school, learn and contribute to society. This is our assignment. This is our homework. Let us pass the test for the world’s children.

“Let us put Education First”

I hope and pray that children, like Swe, will be in school soon instead of collecting the garbage for survival. May she enjoy soon the education, “that is quality, relevant and transformative.”

Fr. Kevin Medilo, sm

MMR Director

Shaun and Carmel amazed by the story of an MMR student.

The Marist Mission Ranong (MMR) team is delighted of the visit of Mr. and Mrs. Shaun Davison & Carmel Henry, all the way from New Zealand. Fr. Kevin Medilo met Shaun in New Zealand. He is a director of Religious Studies in a Marist school in New Zealand. With that acquaintance, Shaun planned to make a connection with what the Marists are doing in Ranong.

The couple stayed in Ranong for a week, and had an opportunity to experience to teach the students in Marist Education Centre. They were also able to visit Burmese migrants’ abode, especially the HIV patients. Before they left, the couple write something about their personal experiences in Ranong:

‘Our stay with the Marist Mission in Ranong has been a powerful combination of deep Marist Catholic values sharpened by a clear vision of social justice outreach to the poorest of the poor. It has been inspiring to see the commitment of Religious and lay working side by side at the education centers and health programme.

It has deepened our faith to be sharing prayers and Eucharist with the Marist family. Mostly it has been a humbling experience to

Shaun and Carmel initiated group dynamic to which they actively participated also.

meet members of the Burmese community, to hear of their dreams despite the overwhelming obstacles in their way.  Although our stay has been brief, we feel we have formed the basis of a strong connection between the students of the Marist Education Centre and Pompallier Catholic College in New Zealand.

Thanks to Fr Kevin and Br Arnold for the warmth of your welcome.

Kia kaha!

Shaun Davison & Carmel Henry.’

The MMR staffs and teachers received certificates of appreciation after the training.

The Ministry of Education Ranong province organized a professional development training for Thai and Burmese teachers who are working in migrant learning centres.  Seven MMR teachers attended this teacher’s training.

The World Education team led by its director, Mr Greg Antos, conducted the three day training for the 75 teachers last October 1^st – 3^rd.

One MMR teacher commented, “I am very grateful of the training. I learn more teaching skills and it builds up more my confidence.”

As part of the training, Fr Kevin Medilo gave a speech to the teachers during its opening ceremony.

Photos: 1.fr.kevin gives an inspiring message to participants;2.mmr staffs actively participated during the group dynamics.

15 Marist students attended the media training  held at the Eiffel Hotel in Ranong. With the help of Thai PBS News and the Foundation for Child Development, they learnt how to be creative in presenting the concerns and hopes of children in the media.

They were joined by students and teachers from Mae Sot. Students and staff worked together to create their own unique news video. The students particularly enjoyed learning photography.

Two MMR teachers, Christine and Ped, assisted the students during the training.  Christine explained, “Every photo has a reason. If you see a child crying, that has a lot of meaning.”

MMR students will now create their own news story about their school, and will present this in the next training sessions later this month in Bangkok.

The Ministry of Education Vice-Director talks to Mr. Prasit and to some of the MMR students.

The Marist Mission Ranong team was very grateful as Mr. Praromg Narkbamrong, the vice director of the Ministry of Education Ranong province, paid a visit to the Marist Education Centre lastweek.

He discussed with the teachers the issues and concerns of migrant education.  At the same time,  he also took time to listen to the students.

During his visit, Mr. Narkbamrong was very appreciative and grateful of MMR’s contribution and initiative in providing education to children of Burmese migrants and migrant workers.

The Education vice-director also went to the site of the ongoing construction of the Marist Education and Community Centre.

Mr Praromg is one of the key people in Ranong who is supportive of the migrant education.