Summary
Since 2002 a growing number of Shan refugees have found shelter in the Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp next to Piang Luang, Thailand. Although many Burmese refugees in Thailand must contend with uncertain legal status and are required to stay inside their camps, Thai authorities have granted young refugees permission to pursue an education outside the camp.
Through generous donations secured by us, a total of nine students from Koung Jor have received supplementary funds to cover essential living expenses while furthering their education at quality English schools. While there, the students receive the training and education necessary to support and develop their communities.
Background
Over the past 30 years Burmese ethnic minorities have fled their homeland in the hundreds of thousands to escape the country’s internal armed conflicts. Over 400 of these refugees are living in Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp, located on the Thai-Burmese border.
In principle the residents of Koung Jor are not allowed to leave the camp. However, Thai authorities have shown lenience in allowing students to pursue an education outside the camp.
The camp leadership runs projects to secure a safe and dignified existence for the camp population. One of these projects is an educational programme to prepare students for entrance exams at two schools that offer scholarships: Wide Horizons and the English Immersion Programme (IEP). The scholarship includes a two-year study programme (including a one-year internship) at these quality English speaking schools in western Thailand. The schools equip students with leadership skills to develop communities as teachers, translators, peacebuilders and human rights defenders.
Since 2012 we have been working with camp leadership to award supplementary scholarships to students within the camp. These education support funds cover basic living costs such as clothing, hygienic needs and food. With the aid of academic and supplementary scholarships students have a better chance of succeeding in school, improving their livelihoods and helping their communities.
Goals and Results
14 students have now been awarded supplementary scholarships that were funded by us.
Sai Yord Tai started his first year of studying at Wide Horizons in May 2016.
In 2015 two students completed the intensive English course at English Immersion Programme in Umphiem Camp (Sai Loakur) and Wide Horizons in Mae Sot (Sai War Ling). Their internship took place at Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp where they taught English to the community. Sai War Ling used the knowledge he gained and took on a leadership role as caretaker at the boarding house for 19 children inside the camp.
Four other students have also successfully completed the programme including the 10 months at the respective English schools and the one-year internship.
In 2019 -20 we were supporting two students in the IEP programme and one student in the Global Border Studies (GBS) programme. One of the students was a former boarder at the KJSRC Boarding House that we support.
Sponsors
What's Been Happening Recently
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗦
As Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp is regarded as only a temporary solution for refugees fleeing the violence in their country, the camp is not connected to the local electricity grid. As a result, children often walk back home in the dark. Thanks to Bike Tour Asia, their path home is now illuminated.
Six Solar Panel Auto-Lights (SPAL) have been installed, and the SPALs will last for at least three years with a one-year warranty. This will benefit everyone in the camp, especially the children returning from evening English classes. Everybody will be safe from poisonous animals, they will not slip during the rainy season, and they will feel safe at night even if their houses have no light.
Here is a video of the students first walk under the light 💡
#kjsrc #lightforeducation #rideforlife #refugees
𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 🏍💡
On 4th February 2023, Bike Tour Asia visited the Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp (KJSRC) and all the riders contributed to the solar lamp project on this trip, which will enhance the safety on the dusty road in the camp from poisonous animals and allow students to safely walk home after their English evening classes.
The riders were given a tour of the camp and discussed ways to provide further support, such as purchasing new tables, providing computers, and installing more solar cell lights.
KJSRC is a home for approximately 300 refugees who have escaped the internal armed conflict in Burma. Despite being displaced from their homes, the people of Koung Jor are making the best of their situation and work to improve their opportunities in any way they can.
Thank you to Bike Tour Asia for organising the tour and to the riders for their contributions to the project and for their continued support!
Read more about the project here: philanthropyconnections.org/partner/kjsrc
#BTA #Sponsoring #rideforlife #kjsrc
good news for people in the camp
𝗔 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗟 𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥
H.E. Mr. Remco van Wijngaarden, the Dutch Ambassador to Thailand (Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand), recently spent a whirlwind day with us. Starting at 6:00 am with a long drive to the KJSRC camp in northern Thailand, and finishing with a reception for the Dutch Community in Chiang Mai.
It means a great deal to a small organisation like us to have the Ambassador spend so much time with us. We look forward to seeing him again soon!
#thenlembassy #krjsrc
Thank you Jake Mooney for producing this wonderful video.
Keep up the good work Sallo. You are the most dedicated and committed person I know.
Always proud of your works! Cheers!
Great work Sallo!
beautiful r🌱
Fantastisch🥰
Beautiful with love ❤️ 😘🌹🙏
Werd dus goed besteed 👍
