Thailand: ADRA Offers Vocational Training to Myanmar Refugees
SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is helping improve the quality of life for thousands of Myanmar refugees residing in camps in Thailand along the Thai-Myanmar border. Through vocational training, ADRA is cultivating self-reliance and sustainability within seven refugee communities, helping to decrease dependence upon external aid.
The three-year project provides occupational skill training for approximately 6,000 refugees and villagers in areas of barbering, beauty salon/hairdressing, small engine mechanics, sewing/tailoring, child/elderly care, cooking/baking, and courses for high school students. ADRA is working in partnership with the Office of Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to ensure the courses offered meet Thai educational standards.
ADRA’s training is empowering refugees and villagers with marketable skills advantageous for job security within Thailand and labor markets in nearby countries, thereby opening additional opportunities to support families, promote financial dependence and improve overall quality of life.
This project is funded in part by the European Union, the Government of Australia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, ADRA Germany and ADRA Czech, with an approximate worth of $2.9 million.
ADRA has been working with Myanmar refugees for more than 20 years, offering education programs and vocational training. Since 1984 Myanmar refugees have fled to Thailand seeking safety from violent conflicts, and as of today the estimated number of refugees stands at 145,000.
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