Summary
Established in 2005, Ban Nai Soi Community Learning Centre (BNSCLC) provides secondary education, vocational training, and community development programmes to underprivileged migrant and minority secondary school-aged youth. The selection process for these students is not solely based on their academic skills but also on their motivation to contribute to their communities. An essential aspect of the programme is to promote better relationships and understanding with the surrounding Thai community by organising and hosting cultural and sporting events.
The students at BNSCLC are Burmese migrants and ethnic minorities living near the Thai-Myanmar border in Thailand's Mae Hong Son province. Most of these youths do not possess legal documentation allowing them to attend Thai public schools, thereby limiting their educational opportunities. Additionally, there are no educational facilities or schools near their hometowns.
Teacher salaries at BNSCLC are found to be insufficient, as teachers are remunerated for just ten months of the year and have trouble meeting their basic living expenses. As a result, supplementary funds have recently been introduced with the aim of improving their financial well-being and boosting morale by recognising twelve months of their hard work.
Background
BNSCLC is able to welcome students from the most deprived communities through the provision of food and medicine. This support allows staff, teachers, and students to concentrate fully on education, without the distraction of basic needs. Consequently, BNSCLC can place greater emphasis on the four principal goals of its education programme: Physical Development, Cognitive Development, Emotional Development, and Social Development.
Since 2021, the project has expanded to include a two-year online programme for disadvantaged youth in Myanmar. This programme supports students who have fled conflict areas or faced significant family challenges, such as being orphaned or separated from their families. Some of these students reside in the Sacred Heart Convent Orphanage and the Holy Infant Jesus Convent (Home for Orphans and Persons with Disabilities) in Shan State. The online programme underscores its broad impact and a strong commitment to uplifting communities through education, providing crucial support during the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Without BNSCLC, educational opportunities for these youths are particularly scarce, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation. Upon completing their education, most students are motivated to assist their communities—a vital aspect of the project’s curriculum, which equips them with essential skills. Additionally, some students will pursue other professions, supporting themselves and their families while achieving their personal ambitions.
Goals and Results
When asked to assess their satisfaction, the teachers indicated a high level of satisfaction among teachers, with most ratings ranging from 7 to 9.5. Educators valued the significant impact of their work, particularly in reaching students in Myanmar and Thailand through online education, and observed growing interest from educational networks.
Confidence in their teaching abilities was strong, with ratings between 7 and 10, and they reported success in enhancing students' proficiency in Thai, Karenni, and English. Practical teaching methods, including hands-on activities and culturally significant practices like textile weaving, were effective in engaging students and preserving cultural heritage.
Students showed significant improvements in various areas. They developed better reading and writing skills in different languages, including Karenni and Thai. They also gained confidence, improved social skills, and enhanced leadership abilities. Students became more comfortable speaking in front of large groups, performing at community events, and working effectively in teams. They also demonstrated an ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.
Online learning for students in Myanmar progressed well, although challenges with Zoom persisted. BNSCLC considered purchasing a one-year subscription to improve the online learning experience. Student progress was regularly assessed through assignments, tests, and Facebook group meetings. Both students and their parents valued this learning method, which provided a safe educational option amidst the instability in Myanmar.
Sponsors
Bill Mapstone | 2023 | 1.919,91 GBP
Des Wood | 2023 | 1.919,91 GBP
John Wright | 2023 | 81.919,91 GBP
Phil Burgan | 2023 | 1.919,91 GBP
