Feeding orphans of HIV+ Burmese women

Yes,we are 'cautiously optimistic', to quote many public health experts, on how life is opening up in Mae Sot after 2 years of being closed down.

The Mae Sot - Myanmar border is still officially closed due to continued fighting between the Myanmar army and several insurgent ethnic groups.  This has made contact between the orphans and family members inside Myanmar challenging and stressful.

In May, SAW decided to close its Migrant Learning Center (MLC) for two reasons:

1. Most students from the orphanage are attending Thai government schools, now open for in person learning.

2.  Lack of funds.

The orphanage students are now studying at the following schools/ organizations:

• 3 students are studying in HCTC (The Passport Restaurant) Hospitality and
 Catering Training Center.
• 13 students are studying in Thai Non-Formal Education program.
• 20 students are studying in Thai schools
* 48 students from SAW's MLC transferred to other MLCs in the Mae Sot area
• 3 students are working in DHL Express company after finishing Grade 10 at
  SAW MLC
• 15 students are working in other Maesot-based community based organizationss and NGOs
• 5 students are waiting to continue their education in Myanmar
• 2 Final-year students are studying in Chaing Mai University, in Social Science
  Department’s international program

The young people at the orphanage continue to grow vegetables and some fruit, as will as producing handicfafts for sale, and all with a positive attitude.

As always, a huge shout-out and thank you to Ms. Aye Mar, Social Action for Women Director, and Mr. Ko Myo, MSppa's man-on-the-ground in Mae Sot.

Thank you for your continuing support,

Susan Tileston

Project Leader, MSppa