Minmahaw School – Mae Sot, Thailand
Minmahaw is a boarding school based in Mae Sot, Thailand, on the Thai/Burma border and begins its sixteenth year on June 1, 2022. The school offers a comprehensive English immersion program, including math, social studies, art, science, and elective classes such as small business, cooking, music and bike repair. The 10-month school serves disadvantaged young people between 17 and 23 years old from Burma, who may have completed up to the 10th grade. Unlike the compulsory rote education they receive in Burma, Minmahaw focuses on critical thinking, research, and open dialogue.
Minmahaw has had a rough couple of years since Covid began, just like everyone in the world. The school has been opened and shut down so many times, we’ve all lost count. Students have weathered community Covid break-outs and yet continue to function with the help of many foreign, Burmese and Thai teachers bringing classes to them remotely. Principal Marc Rangel (Spain) has made vital connections with Hong Kong University students who run an online program to enhance students’ writing, speaking, listening and reading skills. A South Africa organization is pairing their teachers with Minmahaw students to improve English skills.
A new academic year begins in June 2022, with a full house of 40 students. We’re all hopeful that this will be the year the pandemic settles down and classes can be held in person at Minmahaw. Volunteer teachers from many parts of the world are anticipating being able to return to Thailand and once again teach at the school.
Minmahaw’s needs remain relatively modest and run about $1,000 per student each year. Fundraising is done on all levels: volunteer teachers raise funds amongst their friends and family; small international grants have been awarded through GloCal action (Taiwan). Brackett Foundation (USA), and Stepping Stones (Switzerland). Additionally, students maintain a crafts cabinet, selling simple items they have made and occasionally put on an event which features food they sell to raise funds.
Minmahaw School is grateful for Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary’s support for these past five years! Thank you for being a part of what has become an international community supporting this small, crucial school on the Thai/Burma border.
