The

Nai Soi Community

Learning Center

One of the main reasons that the NSCLC was created was to give the refugee and migrant communities a chance to send their children to study at the university level.  Through the cooperation of the Thai Gaw Saw Naw program students that complete the three years of study at the NSCLC will have a Thai high school certificate that will allow them to attend university within the Thai system.  The Royal Thai Government allows these children to attend Thai primary schools but has been unable to afford letting them attend Thai high schools.

Students are accepted into the school depending on need, merit, and willingness to work hard. In order for students to attend the school they must work on the ongoing construction of the buildings or tending of the gardens.  In addition a parent of each student must contribute one day of labor per month.  This ongoing contribution by both students and parents builds the sense of this school not only being for the Nai Soi community but of the Nai Soi community.

Speaking English will be an immense asset to the students.  First it mayl allow them to pursue a university education within Thailand and perhaps scholarships opportunities abroad.  Second, with the two nearby refugee camps and nearly 21,000 refugees within those camps, there are many job opportunities for multi-lingual people with the many non-government organizations.

While there is not an anticipated change regarding the horrible political and violent situation in Burma, the students are learning the Burmese language in the hope that one day they will not only be allowed to return to their ancestor's lands but they will be able to participate in a democratic national government.

The organic farming study at the NSCLC was limited in its first year because of a lack of funding for the purchase of surrounding lands.  It is hoped that with more funding and the purchase of land the school will begin to become more self sufficient as it begins to grow more of its own food and perhaps food for sale.  As the farming lands grow the students will become involved in the planning of the crop life-cycles, projecting of harvests, and  the distribution and sale of excess crops.  In addition to crop farming the school will raise animals for food, income, and natural fertilizers.

What the NSCLC does for others in the community
Because the NSCLC wants to build bridges and cooperation with the surrounding community it opens its doors several times per year for various other programs.  People from the refugee and migrant community as well as from the Thai community are welcomed.  Some of these projects include:

The Mud Brick Project
English Lessons
Typing Lessons
Community Development Assistance
Temporary Work Opportunities