I am teaching Burmese subjects in the Marist Education Programme of Marist Mission Ranong.
In fact, I didn’t have any interest in teaching back when I was still in Burma. However, when I reflected why I am teaching happily to the students, I come to know that I love my job deeply.
Furthermore, there were many events and situations that took place which brought me to a realization that I truly love my job.
So many Burmese migrant people are working here in Ranong in different ways. Their jobs are mostly very physical, and sometimes they are discriminated in their works because of the language and lack of education. Moreover, they have no choice, but they need to work for their families survival.
I was very surprised when I noticed all these things and started to ask myself about their children’s education and their future?
Every year we have a chance to meet students parents during enrollment time, parent meetings and students home visitation.
Until now I cannot forget some stories that some parents told me that they have to work harder under the sun shine for the whole day.
While they expressed all their feelings, tears were falling down on their faces. They love their children, but they don’t have enough free time even just for conversation with their kids. They don’t want their children to experience life’s miseries especially if they don’t go to school.
When I heard all these things, I am very sorry, and I come to understand fully how hard Burmese migrants lives are here in Ranong.
And then, I asked myself “how can I help them?”
Because of these experiences, I am really moved and that I should be for my people. I should share to this new generation the things that I know, to be able to lead them to a better life. This is the time to help my people, to love my neighbor.
– Aung Tun Lay (Ambrose – age 28) has been in Ranong, and working with Marist Mission Ranong (MMR) for almost two years.