Posted by Nick Dale on May 03, 2020

With the closure of schools, universities and exam centers, everything has been delayed till 1 July at the BEAM Education Foundation when the education system will be become operational, well that’s the plan for now. As to the writing of GED exams, the indications are these will take place in May or June -- dates, times and locations to be confirmed.

The delay in writing GED exams is one of many challenges the students have had to face, others include losing their jobs, sources of finance, accommodation or having to find alternative accommodation and, in some cases, returning to Myanmar. Thailand’s international borders are currently closed so the process to return to Thailand, and write exams is an additional complication.

BEAM Education Foundation has rallied to support the needs of the local community and health care system in its fight against Covid-19. They have gathered a team of volunteers to assist in the production of alcohol spray, hand gel bottles and the making of face masks. Below is an update on their efforts:

From BEAM Education web site:

Community Campaign for Fighting against COVID-19

COVID-19 is reaching underprivileged communities. They include migrant communities, grassroots communities, and communities along the border areas. Regarding this emergency situation, we are launching the Little Communities Campaign for fighting against COVID19. The campaign will include six sessions

1. Production and distribution of masks in the communities by following the prevention standards

2. Production and distribution of soaps in the communities

3. Production and distribution of hand sanitizers

4. Promotion of prevention awareness in the communities

5. Supporting community-based quarantine centres

6. Supporting healthcare workers at border areas 

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity! Don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you have any questions about our campaign. Please share our campaign with friends and partner organizations. You can directly donate by visiting the Global Giving website: http://goto.gg/46095

Update Date 18-04-2020 from Ko Phyo,

We are currently producing facial masks, hand gel, and soap for the needy communities in border areas and remote areas in Myanmar. 

So far we could produce nearly 3,000 masks and 1,000 bottles of hand soap. We are targeted to produce 7,000 masks, 1,000 bottles of hand soap and 3,000 bottles of hand gel. Some of the GED students who are still in Chiang Mai volunteer for this campaign.

2 meters distance determines our existence