Avoda Mission work in Thailand

 

A Turning Point in Life: Education is the Hope that Transforms Lives!

In a world filled with opportunities and hope, there are still many children and youth trapped in a cycle of poverty and fear—especially among refugees fleeing the war in Myanmar and seeking safety in Thailand. These refugees face violence and insecurity in every aspect of their lives.

One shining beacon of hope is the Avoda Learning Center, a place of support and education for refugee children and youth from Myanmar living in Thailand. Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty and displacement. The foundation firmly believes that providing quality education is the key to transforming the lives of these refugee children and youth—empowering them to move toward a future of stability and dignity.

Image from the Real Situation: Avoda Learning Center

Our Learning Center offers educational programs in three main areas:

1.    1. Preparation for Entrance into Thai Schools:
Children around the age of 7 receive Thai language instruction to prepare them for the entrance exams required to attend Thai public schools.

2.     2. Support for Students Enrolled in Thai Schools:
Students who pass the entrance exams and are admitted into Thai schools receive continuous support and guidance from the Learning Center. This ensures they can adapt to the Thai education system and successfully keep up with their studies.

      3. Non-Formal Education:
Youth aged 15 and older who are unable to enroll in Thai schools are provided with non-formal education programs. These programs help them complete their high school education or obtain an equivalent qualification.

| The Story of Pa-Yaw-Pe: A Testament to the Power of Opportunity

Pa-Yaw-Pe, a 10-year-old girl from rural Myanmar, grew up in a family that wasn’t wealthy, but was full of love and warmth. Her parents worked hard every day to support the family. Before heading out to work, they would always tell her, “Study hard, so you can have a good career.” Those simple words became a powerful motivation in Pa-Yaw-Pe’s heart. She loved learning and studied diligently, believing that education was the key to changing her life and lifting her family out of poverty.

Life in the countryside was simple and filled with warmth. Though not rich, the family shared smiles and hope every day. But everything changed in an instant when the sound of gunfire and explosions began creeping closer. The growing conflict in the country had erupted into a civil war. Fear replaced the peace that once filled the hearts of Pa-Yaw-Pe and her family.

Image from the Real Situation: Refugee Shelter

Amid the chaos, her parents made the painful decision to flee for their lives. As they hurried to gather their belongings, the heavy sound of boots and shouting pierced the air — “All men must join the fight!” Myanmar soldiers had arrived at their doorstep with brutal orders. If they refused — the entire family would be executed. 

In a single moment, the warmth of home was shattered. Pa-Yaw-Pe’s father was taken away by force right before her eyes. Her mother and she had to fight back their tears and flee their homeland. Pa-Yaw-Pe cried the entire way — crossing forests, wading through streams — in search of safety in Thailand, her heart broken, not knowing whether any safety truly lay at the end of their escape.

Even after crossing the border, life did not get any easier. Pa-Yaw-Pe became an “invisible child” — without documentation, without opportunities, without a school, and without a future. She lived quietly, following her mother to work in the fields and farms, doing odd jobs in exchange for rice just to survive. The little girl who once loved learning and dreamed of a better life had to stop going to school, with no idea what her future would hold.

Everything seemed hopeless. There was no way forward…

Until one day, a small light of hope shone into Pa-Yaw-Pe’s life. A teacher from Avoda visited the border communities to check on children enrolled in their learning program. That’s when she happened to meet Pa-Yaw-Pe — a face she didn’t recognize. Concerned, the teacher gently bent down and asked, “What’s your name? Would you like to go to school?”

Pa-Yaw-Pe’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Yes, I want to learn,” she replied without hesitation.

Pa-Yaw-Pe always remembers:
"Study hard so you can have a good job."

This good news brought tears of joy to her mother’s eyes. Pa-Yaw-Pe was finally able to return to school—and she continues to study diligently, always remembering her parents’ words: “Study hard, so you can have a good job.”

Today, Pa-Yaw-Pe is no longer a child who must hide in the shadows. She is walking a new path filled with hope, purpose, and a deep belief that one day, she will be able to change her future—and care for her mother in return.

But many children are still waiting for that same opportunity...

Avoda Learning Center is not just a school. It is a bridge—from a painful past to a brighter future. Investing in this program means investing in the lives of children like Pa-Yaw-Pe, who still wait along the border, hoping for their chance.

Are you ready to be part of the change in their lives?

You can become part of this journey of hope. A donation of just $10 per month can open the door of transformation for one child—and could be the beginning of many more inspiring stories to come.

Join us in changing lives today. Because everyone deserves a chance at a better future.

Knowledge is the key to the future that every child deserves.

👉 Join us in supporting this project at Avoda Foundation.