In Dawnoeku Karenni refugee camp located on the Thailand- Myanmar border, there is a pressing need for additional school facilities, as well as essential school supplies, according to the person in charge of the camp’s school.
Khu Pale Re, the school administrator, has highlighted the critical lack of sturdy school buildings within the camp. The students are also in dire need of essential school supplies.
"The biggest challenge we face is the absence of a well-built school building. Although construction work has commenced, it has been a lengthy process to complete. Another urgent requirement is a dedicated school toilet facility. Furthermore, our students are still in dire need of essential supplies, including books, desks and various other school materials”, he said.
Additionally, water tanks are needed for the school's toilet facility.
Khun Robert, the managing head of the administrative committee office at Dawnoeku camp, highlighted the numerous challenges faced by the school due to the prevailing military and political conflicts in the region. As a result, the school encountered various difficulties in its operations.
"In addition to the challenges posed by the military situation, we are also grappling with issues of inadequate accommodation. Furthermore, the ongoing construction of the school building hampers the convenience of students in their study environment.”, he told NMG.
Within the influx of individuals seeking shelter at the camp, there are unaccompanied students in need of appropriate accommodation, thus, it becomes imperative to make arrangements for dormitories to cater to their specific needs, he added.
“It would be great if aid organizations could provide assistance for the construction of new
dormitories. Some students do not have a parent or guardian. When they depend on relatives such as aunts and uncles, it becomes a burden for some low-income host families. There is also no private place for students to eat and study. We need to fill those gaps”, Khu Pale Re said.
Compared to the previous year, the number of students attending the camp's school has significantly grown from 500 to over 1,000 this year, indicating a doubling of overall requirements.
Daw Hla Hla Win, who sought refuge in Dawnoeku refugee camp after fleeing from Dawlyakhu village in Demoso Township, expressed appreciation for the school's efforts in providing education to the children, however, she emphasized the pressing need for substantial material support.
"Unlike our time in the village, our children now have the opportunity to attend school in the camp. However, due to the absence of income-generating jobs, we face significant challenges in supporting their education. We are unable to afford essentials such as uniforms and sandals for them”, she told NMG.
The school in Dawnoeku refugee camp currently has an enrollment of 1,070 students, spanning from kindergarten to matriculation level. In this school year, the school has been opened since June 12th.
While the school has commenced its operations, camp officials and parents are earnestly appealing to donors and organizations for comprehensive support, as there remains a crucial need for various resources for the school.
