Literacy Education for Thai Minority Community

The Community Learning Centre is one of several projects developed and implemented by DEPDC/GMS.  Since its founding in February 2005, the CLC has provided human rights education and literacy training to undocumented migrants, refugees, ethnic minorities, and other community members living along the Thai-Burmese border.  Traditionally the CLC has provided courses to a wide range of ages in various languages.  Due to a shortage in both monetary support and human resources, the CLC has had to reduce class types and sizes. 

Typically the CLC is run through a collaboration of DEPDC staff members, community tutors, and volunteers. With a lull in volunteers and current budget restraints Kruu Mai, an MYN member and devoted former daughter of DEPDC/GMS, has taken on all of the responsibilities.  In the past CLC has provided literacy courses in Burmese, Thai, and English.  Currently, the CLC is only capable of holding English classes.  During the evenings Kru Mai teaches two levels; primary and older students in one of the second floor classrooms of the Patak Half Day School.  These evening classes are at the heart of DEPDC’s mission.  Opening our doors during the evening enables children who must work during the day to continue their education. 

Support CLC

The Community Learning Centre is still in need of donations.  With increased funding we will be able to expand our classes and curriculum.

Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to help teach English speaking and literacy skills.  If you are interested, you can find the application on our webpage under “Opportunities in Mae Sai.”

On behalf of all  the staff members and children sincerely thank you for your support.  WIth your generous donations we are able to provide free education to at-risk children and youth in the border town of Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, Thailand. DEPDC/GMS could not do this without the kindness of people like you.

The evenings at DEPDC/GMS have been quite busy with both beginner and advanced classes being held regularly throughout the week. Offering these classes to the surrounding community members is just one more way that DEPDC is able to continue its mission to prevent human trafficking through education and awareness.

These classes provide essential life skills training as well as language lessons. The classes can be tough but the students rise to the occasion every time. The students are eager to learn and the fact that they are taking time to educate themselves is a testament to the hope that lives in our communities; hope that change is possible.

The advanced students curriculum included learning singular, plural, countable and uncountable nouns, compound words, apostrophes and pronouns. The beginner students curriculum included learning different fruits and vegetables, animals, opposite words, and of course a new song each week. Because who doesn’t love learning a new language through song?

We are happy to report that it wasn’t all just hard work! For the New Year students participated in a gift exchange. Each student prepared a hand made gift and all shared in preparing food and drinks for the party.  It was the perfect way to end the year and celebrate all the hard work and progress they’ve made.

DEPDC’s students, staff, and volunteers would like to thank all our current, future, and past donors for their generous support without which we would not be able to do our work in preventing at-risk children and adults from human-trafficking through our CLC classes. Many thanks to all!