Computer learning center

In northern Thailand, near the border to Myanmar, live the families of the Shan people, a minority group that originated in Myanmar. Many families earn their living through the simplest of jobs, for example as harvest workers or unskilled laborers. The Shan live very traditionally, and many do not speak the national language, Thai, sufficiently well. This makes it difficult for the families to integrate, especially the children; they have few opportunities for education, integration, career choices, and advancement.

Our partner organization, the non-governmental Hope Alive Foundation in Chiang Mai, which is committed to Christian values, began supporting these people years ago. Gradually, a daycare center in a simple temporary building and a day school in the rooms of a disused restaurant were established in Fang, Chiang Mai. In these facilities, volunteers, volunteer teachers, and helpers teach the children in the local language, Thai, in writing and reading and in essential school subjects. The children's basic needs (meals, school clothes, learning materials, etc.) are also provided for.
The curriculum is based on the Christian concept of “Accelerated Christian Education”; in addition to regular school lessons, which are now state-approved, prayer and Bible study are also taught.

In the medium and long term, the plan is to purchase land and construct buildings to house a daycare center and school, as well as residences and farmland for the families' self-sufficiency.

The next step is to further expand the training infrastructure by equipping the training center with computers and integrating electronic training programs and online courses into daily lessons.