Children of Burmese migrants attending a USAID supported school along the Burma-Thailand border.

Burma: Improve Refugee, Migrant and IDP Access to Education

USAID provides a wide range of training and capacity building support and is active in most camps along the Burma-Thailand border, as well as numerous migrant and displaced communities.  USAID supports education programs for Burmese IDPs and those displaced into Thailand by providing primary education, literacy instruction, English language training, higher education (including university and vocational/technical training), and workforce skills development.

Support for education also includes teacher training and stipends, forums for Burmese community-based organizations, assistance for the development of national education plans, and advocacy for inclusive education.  USAID also provides educational scholarships and ongoing interim education to Burmese within Burma and refugees in Thailand who wish to continue their studies.  Priority is given to students who are willing to return to Burma to work for the democratic and economic rebirth of the country.

Support to Health, Information, Education, and leadership in Policy Dialogue (SHIELD)

The SHIELD project assists Burmese migrants and refugees in Thailand meet essential needs by improving access to primary healthcare and educational opportunities. SHIELD collaborates with the Royal Thai Government, community groups, international and community-based organizations to find local solutions to migrant and refugee concerns and priorities.

Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the SHIELD Project is jointly implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), World Education/Consortium (WE/C), with technical support from the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH).