Rays of Hope School

A non-profit, registered Thai school for vulnerable Myanmar and Thai children Mae Sot, Thailand

Introduction

Help Without Frontiers Thailand Foundation (HWF) supports children and youth from Myanmar living in Thailand - in particular by linking them with relevant opportunities for education and training.

Thailand’s 2005 Cabinet Resolution on Educational Provision for Persons without Legal Status or Thai Citizenship reaffirmed its commitment to Education For All - guaranteeing 15 years of free education to all children in Thailand, regardless of nationality or documentation status. Since then, enrolment of migrant and stateless children into Thai public schools has indeed increased. However, barriers to enrolment remain at the ground level, concerning language, discrimination, and costs that migrant workers struggle to cover.

A key alternative is Migrant Learning Centres (MLCs) - community-based learning spaces that teach in Myanmar languages. However, these MLCs face their own difficulties in security and accreditation, and capacity for new enrolments has become extremely limited due to increased cross-border movements since the 2021 Myanmar military coup.

Our Education Department works to ensure access to education for migrant and displaced children in Thailand, through pathways that are relevant to each child’s needs and future plan. We work with Migrant Learning Centers, Thai public schools and colleges, and the Thai Non-Formal Education system. By promoting literacy, language development, and cultural exchange, we aim to equip students with essential skills for future success, while providing safe and nurturing environments for their daily learning and social integration.

“A bridge to a brighter future”

Key Focus Areas

The Education Department at Help Without Frontiers Thailand supports migrant children, teachers, and families through targeted programs that ensure access to quality education and resources.

Migrant Learning Centers (MLCs)

Migrant Learning Centers (MLCs): Support and build the capacity of Myanmar language centers that provide migrant children with education, protection, and access to health services.

Formal Thai Education

Formal Thai Education: Facilitate enrollment into Thai public schools, and offer scholarships for students at higher levels.

Non-Formal Education

Non-Formal Education: Assist children to access flexible learning options through Thai-based non-formal programs, especially for those unable to attend regular schools or who have fallen behind in their education.

Creating a Brighter Future: Increasing Access to Thai Certificate Education for Migrant Children

The Rays of Hope school is designed as a best practice alternative to achieving education for all – especially for the most vulnerable children along the border. Built on local community support and using eco-friendly designs, the school will provide learning space for essential primary level education for up to 560 students.

As a registered Thai school, Rays of Hope will benefit from financial support from the Thai government, and along with the collection of minimal school fees, will become self-sustainable within four years.

Using a hybrid curriculum that includes vocational training and multilingual education, the school will welcome both Myanmar and Thai children, fostering cooperation and social integration. In addition, this curriculum will provide students with an accredited education, crucial for opening future doors to higher education and safe and secure employment.

Construction of the school is divided into four Phases – each one is listed in this catalogue with mapping, renderings and budgets for each building.

The Challenge

Migrant and stateless children in Thailand face significant barriers to education.

No Accreditation: Migrant Learning Centres (MLCs) lost Myanmar Ministry of Education ties after the 2021 coup and remain unrecognized.

No Pathways: Without accredited credentials, children struggle to pursue higher education or decent jobs.

Persistent Barriers: Language, legal status, and financial hardship prevent access to Thai public schools.

Rising Demand: Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has increased migration, straining already limited education options.

Insecurity & Marginalization: Severed systems leave communities vulnerable and excluded.

Our Solution

The Rays of Hope Private School will:

Provide certified, accredited education pathways

Create an inclusive, multilingual learning environment

Ensure operational and legal stability

Teach Thai language and culture while preserving heritage, fostering integration and resilience

Expected Student Enrollment Growth

Yearly Projection (KG 1 - Grade 6)

Building brighter futures, one class at a time!

By Year 6, we aim to reach 640 students empowered through learning.

Step by step, building brighter futures.