Thank You for Your Contributions
The Schools for Shan Refugees board is grateful to each person who contributed in 2022. By the end of
the year we met our goal of $18,000.00. During the year the Schools for Shan Refugees was able to
award 77 scholarships and continue to provide in-person teaching within the three camp schools.
The majority of the information in this newsletter comes directly from the school’s July through
December 2022 report to the board. The report was written by Aom Phon, lead teacher, and Mo Kham,
Shan Youth Power, as well as other camp school teachers.
How Students Learn in the Migrant Camp Schools
COVID is currently stable in Thailand and weekly testing is no longer required by the Thai public
schools. The 99 students in the three migrant camp schools are now meeting in-person four days a
week.
One of the subject areas taught in the camp schools is English, along with the other subject areas. The
students learn to introduce themselves and read stories in English. Following reading they explain the
main idea of the story, again in English. In addition to their own studies, older and adult students help
the teachers prepare, manage, and teach.
Scholarships Awarded to 77 Students
Educational scholarships were awarded to 77 students. The scholarships provide the essential items
required to attend the Thai public schools, whether it is uniforms, shoes, books, or transportation. The
camp school teachers meet with the scholarship recipients to talk with them about their education
and the challenges they face. They also assist them in applying for university scholarships.
Meetings with Parents Provide Support to the Families
Meetings were held for parents in each of the camps past fall. The focus of these meetings is the
difficulties of raising a family in the migrant camps. Financial difficulties are a major issue facing
families. Contributing to this is the ongoing need to spend about 15% of their income annually on
passports and visas alone.
Another challenge is ongoing instability as families are moved from camp to camp as the work
situation changes. The construction camp moves most frequently; as one construction project is
completed the camp is moved to a new construction site. This is unsettling for parents and students.
In a recent move families had to give up their pets because they were not allowed in the new site.
Ongoing Unrest in Shan Region of Myanmar
Since the first of this year, there have been 33 civilians killed in the southern Shan region of Myanmar.
In the village of Nam Neang 21 civilians were massacred by troops and then 150 houses torched.
Other casualties in the Shan region were caused by bombings. The refugee camp schools continue to
receive students from families that have fled Myanmar due to this unrest.
Fundraising Goal for 2023
The goal of the Schools for Shan Refugees board is to raise $20,000 during 2023 for the education of
the Shan children and youth, primarily operating the camp schools and providing scholarships for
those attending the Thai schools. An incredible number of children and adults are given hope and
their lives made better with your contributions.
For more information see http://www.shanrefugeeschools.org or contact us by email:
shancampschools@gmail.com.
Contributions may be made on the website or by check. Write checks to Schools for Shan Refugees
and mail to the treasurer:
Mary Worner
28424 Water Street Road
Underwood, MN 56586
Schools for Shan Refugees Board Members
● Sue Grosse-Macemon, President
● Bernice Johnson, Founder
● Deb Carpenter, Secretary
● Mary Worner, Treasurer
● Josh Kletschka, Member-at-large
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