Meeting between the Karenni refugees residing in Thailand and the executives of the AMIDHRP

Dr Paul Thu

On the 31st of December 2022, a meeting between The Karenni refugees from Thailand and the directors from AMIDHRP were held via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications).

Attending the meeting from the AMIDHRP were Go Suan Pau, President, Kingsley Head, Secretary and Dr. Paul Thu, Director. Representatives from the Karenni National Leadership College who attended the meeting were Kyaw Bui, teachers from the Karenni Refugee Camp in Mae Surin (Thailand).

The two groups had a discussion on how to enhance resources to improve the education system within Karenni state.

Also, the followings have been identified as:

To provide a supportive environment that is conducive for the youth’s learning and education

To enhance the capacity of aspiring youth leaders to take on leadership roles in their community and to become assertive in community and society building.

To increase greater opportunity for the Karenni young people to become economically independent.

Other options that have been put into considerations are:

How to advocate or lobbied the Thai government in prohibiting refugees from using the internet and learning Thai language and further studies beyond Grade 10.

AMIDHRP and Karenni National Leadership College will explore the refugee rights and to consider advocating in this matter after discussion with other organizations in Australia and abroad.

According to the KNLC, there are 70 students with 11 teachers in 3 classrooms teaching English, Science, Math, Social Studies, leadership, management and Thai etc in Maesurin Classrooms. They have 2 laptops, 1 desktop and 1 projector. The use of electricity is via generators.

A further meeting will be held later in the year to progress matters agreed upon.