Mae To Boarding School 1-7-08

By Kelley
We visited the Mae To boarding school in Mae Sot today to witness the daily life of a Burmese student taking refuge in Thailand. While most of our group decided to sleep in, a select few (six students) ventured out early to catch a few classes.

When we arrived, a warmhearted man, with whom we had celebrated at the AAPP party, greeted us and took us on a tour. We first visited with the principal of the school, who had just moved from Burma two years ago where he was a computer teacher. He expressed his gratitude to the Thai government for turning a blind eye to their school full of illegal immigrants - most of the students were sent to the school by their parents, who are still in Burma.

Both a Canadian and an Irish English teacher invited us into their lessons, and we were able to watch their amazing energy and pride while they taught. At one point in the day, one girl who we had many friends with at AAPP hugged Lauren while others smiled and waved, obviously surprised and thrilled to see us again. I found it incredible that a person could get the attention of these children with a symphony of distraction in the background (stray dogs, chickens, thin walls, and yes, we American students). Jodi and I were able to reminisce when a shy, giggling girl reminded us of our bashful days. It’s funny that you can travel around the world, and still find yourself in the people you meet.

by Kelley and Aneta
Later in the day, the whole group returned to the school to have arts and crafts time with the young children. As we walked by the classrooms, we could already feel the excitement of the kids through their smiling faces peeking through the windows. We had a set activity for the children, sample and all, but as we revealed the bag of wonders (glitter, feathers, stickers, markers, and colored paper) , they became a stampede of grabbing hands. Nevertheless, everyone had an amazing time. Each child was able to create their unique masterpiece as we marveled at their genius. In the end, while some of the supplies made it to the paper, most of it found a home on the children’s faces, in their hair, and all over their eager hands. Another thing that ended up in their hands was our digital cameras, which they found fascinating (and we now have literally hundreds of pictures to tell the tale). All and all, the children gave their whole heart to this project and proved to the group the power of art at any age.