The recent visit by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat to Chiang Mai, Thailand – a province renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage – offers invaluable insights into the educational landscape of remote regions. This visit, orchestrated with thoughtful coordination by the Ministry of Education underscores the significance of addressing educational challenges in diverse and often marginalised communities. The destination is Wiang Haeng district, a three-and-a-half-hour journey from Chiang Mai International Airport, where schools cater to communities in rural, mountainous, or otherwise difficult-to-access areas.

Schools in Remote Area

Schools in Remote Area confront distinct challenges not typically found in urban educational settings. These include limited access to educational resources, difficulties in attracting qualified teachers, infrastructure deficits, transportation and accessibility issues, fewer extracurricular opportunities, cultural and linguistic barriers, economic constraints, and health and nutrition concerns. These factors collectively impact the quality of education and students’ overall learning experience.

Prime examples of these challenges are exemplified by Ratrach Uppathum School, which predominantly serves students of Yunnan Chinese ethnicity, and its outreach branch located in Lak Taeng village. This branch school was established to aid Tai Yai children, a minority group from Myanmar displaced by internal conflicts within the country. Initially the school was operated by volunteer teachers and supported by an NGO. Despite facing challenges, including certification issues that impeded students' opportunities for further education and employment, provincial officials from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Interior collaborated to integrate Lak Taeng School as a branch of Ratrach Uppathum. This strategic move facilitated its recognition as a government public school, thereby guaranteeing free educational access for students up to age 15, irrespective of their nationality. This initiative aligns with the Thai government's broader commitment, praised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to guarantee educational access to all children, showcasing a vital effort to bridge gaps in education and nationality status.

Overcoming Life Challenges Through School Support

Tai Yai students, some residing with their families and others on their own in refugee camps, face significant challenges in adapting to a new environment. Fortunately, they receive support from assistant teachers, who are also Tai Yai and volunteer at the school. The shared language between the students and assistant teachers facilitates a smoother transition into this new setting, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. However, these assistant teachers are not part of the government's educational system; instead, they rely on financial support from the NGO. Consequently, many of them undertake additional jobs to ensure they can adequately support themselves.

The majority of students at the branch school come from economically disadvantaged families, leading many to leave school at 15 to find work and support their families. Recognising this, the school administration has focused on equipping students with practical skills to help them thrive, even if they are unable to pursue further education. The school has successfully harnessed the expertise of the local community to offer students training in craftsmanship. Last semester, the older student demographic demonstrated a notable proficiency with tools, crafting exquisite bird models that captivated the attention of the supporting NGO, which purchased every piece. This semester, with a younger, less experienced cohort, the educational strategy has pivoted to accommodate their skill levels. Teachers are now introducing alternative crafts such as papier- mâché and instilling the principles of zero-waste. This adaptive approach not only caters to the varying abilities of students but also ensures the integration of sustainable practices into their learning, nurturing both creativity and environmental consciousness.

Charting a Way Forward

Despite the myriad challenges of delivering education to underserved students, the management tirelessly endeavours to propel every student towards a brighter future. The school director, himself a Tai Yai who acquired Thai nationality only six years ago, voices a profound frustration with the narrow indicators of success tied solely to academic achievement. With almost two decades of dedicated service to the school, it weighs heavily on him that merely a handful of students have succeeded in progressing to university level.

PINTIP IAMNIRATH

Deputy Director
Administration & Communication

SEAMEO Secretariat

His words deeply moved the team, leaving some with tears in their eyes and hearts full of emotion. The profound sense of shared understanding was palpable, even without many words exchanged. Despite the difficulty in acknowledging it, the evening was tinged with a bittersweet sentiment. It's crucial to recognise that, while Thai education has faced its share of critiques, a closer inspection reveals significant strides made by the ministries, provincial officials, school management, communities and teachers in addressing many challenges. A heartfelt salute to their tireless efforts. However, the journey doesn't end here. The path ahead calls for continued focus on developing targeted policies and boosting investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and resources. Such initiatives are vital to bridging the educational divide and guaranteeing all children, especially those in remote and underserved communities, have access to a quality education.

 

His words deeply moved the team, leaving some with tears in their eyes and hearts full of emotion. The profound sense of shared understanding was palpable, even without many words exchanged. Despite the difficulty in acknowledging it, the evening was tinged with a bittersweet sentiment. It's crucial to recognise that, while Thai education has faced its share of critiques, a closer inspection reveals significant strides made by the ministries, provincial officials, school management, communities and teachers in addressing many challenges. A heartfelt salute to their tireless efforts. However, the journey doesn't end here. The path ahead calls for continued focus on developing targeted policies and boosting investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and resources. Such initiatives are vital to bridging the educational divide and guaranteeing all children, especially those in remote and underserved communities, have access to a quality education.

PINTIP IAMNIRATH

Deputy Director
Administration & Communication

SEAMEO Secretariat