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Learning Centre in Mae La Camp Mae La refugee camp currently houses 50,000 refugees, with more arriving each week from Burma. The Learning Centre gives young refugees, with a limited education, the opportunity to prepare for a brighter future. Mae La is the largest refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border, and the Learning Centre provides English classes, computer training and personal development enhancing art and drama workshops for post year 10 students.
Art workshop - "The Village in My Body" There are 4 teaching staff and 2 administration and finance support staff, managed by the ALCC committee. Visiting teachers are also arranged by the AKF which fully supports the Centre. Top: ALCC Sign, Bottom: ALCC Staff & Students
AKF's supporters provide funding for the operation ofthe school covering staff salaries, building construction, purchasing computers and other equipement and educational material. The centre is expanding and offers evening classes. The schools computers are in heavy demand by the students and the community. AKF has been requested to assist with additional computers, the construction of a volleyball area and funds for additional staff. If you would like to support the development of the school please contact us. Left: The ALCC Computer Room, Right: Joan, the School Principal
In 2008 John Bolton and Lindy Marlow introduced drama to ALCC students. Stuents receive drama training including juggling lessons in preparation of Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Men's Weaving Projects AKF has assisted in the formation and operation of a Men's Weaving Project through one of the churches in a camp. A men's group wanted to utilise weaving skills to produce cloth for sale in and outside of Mae La camp, and train others in the work.
AKF provided seed funding to purchase three large looms and thread, and continues to assist the weaving committee in business development and management. Two looms are used to train new weavers and one loom is used to produce cloth. Profit from the weaving supports the expansion of the project and asists people with needs in the camp. This includes new arrivals, who require food and housing.
Golden Home for Refugee Orphans, Tham Him Refugee Camp AKF supports the Golden Home for Children in Tham Him camp (see above map). The camp houses 7,000 refugees. This project provides opportunities for 52 students to study up to at least year 10. These opportunities are not available within Burma. Some students come from within Tham Hin camp, whose relatives (aunts and uncles) have gone to a third country, and there is no accommodation available to them. The Golden Home for Children has two dormitories and can accommodate up to sixty students (boys and girls). AKF is assisting the Golden Home Committee to seek funds for ormitory supervisors, clothing, additional food (ration are inadequate), dormitory improvement, computers, power, lighting and musical instruments. If you would like to support the development of Golden Home, please contact us. The home is managed by a Camp Committee - no administration costs are incurred by AKF - all donations benefit the children. The camp is close to the River Kwai and the 'death railway' of WW2, and the Committee have carved a sportsfield from the jungle.
Fun with Balloons on AKF visit in Oct 2009 
The Girl's Dorm at the AKF Sponsored "Golden Home" in the Tham Hin Refugee Camp
At night in the refugee camps it is dark, as there is no electricity provided to the small bamboo houses. most families only have small candles as a source of light at night-time, while some have small kerosene lamps. Both of these are costly and inefficient options that make it difficult to study at night, and kerosene lamps emit fumes that are dangerous to family health and the environment. One of AKF's founders, visited the Mae La and Tham Him refugee camps in July 2008. He took an LED lamp and small solar panel (the 'Barefoot Solar 12') and demonstrated how it works to groups of Karen. The same man is associated with providing solar technology to African villagers via Carbon Community Foundation and to Australians with Barefoot Solar. Charging the solar panel for six hours per day gives Karen families five hours of a bright and healthy light source at night. It also frees money that was formerly spent on candles and kerosene for other necessities like medicine and school supplies. Would you assist in bringing light to Karen families in Mae La and Tham Him refugee camps? For just $39.95 you can donate a Barefoot Solar 12 LED lamp and solar panel set to a Karen family. We will purchase them on your behalf and they will be taken to the refugee camps. To make a positive difference to a Karen family simply make a donation of $39.95 or more and indicate that it is for AKF's Solar Lights project. Visits and Trips Educational trips and visits to AKF Projects and Refugee Camps on the Thai/Burma Border are arranged regularly and interested persons are invited to apply to be a part of the visiting team. Write to the AKF Office or email akfinfo@westnet.com for more information. Also see Young Adult Leadership Project |
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