BHM COMMUNITY PARTNER - MINMAHAW SCHOOL

Minmahaw School is a post-secondary boarding school that provides educational opportunities for socio-politically, educationally, and economically disadvantaged youth from Myanmar, ages 17 to 23. Located in Mae Sot, Thailand, along the Thai-Myanmar border, Minmahaw serves Burmese students primarily from migrant learning centers and refugee camps in Thailand, offering them a unique, international-style education in an immersive English environment.

Established in 2007, Minmahaw School was initially created to support the children and grandchildren of political prisoners, helping them access tertiary education opportunities. Over time, the school has expanded its mission to include vocational studies, leadership training, and other courses to meet the evolving needs of its students. In response to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, Minmahaw has grown to serve an increasing number of young people, offering not only education but also housing, meals, and emotional support.

The school’s hybrid education model combines experiential learning with formal studies, delivered by both local and international volunteers. Minmahaw’s students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies and leadership, showing a strong commitment to improving their communities and creating a better future for themselves.

Minmahaw School has long been a lifeline for young people fleeing Myanmar’s violent conflicts, offering them hope and a chance for a brighter future. With the support of the Burma Humanitarian Mission (BHM), Minmahaw continues to provide crucial academic, social, and emotional services to students who have endured unimaginable hardships. Donations to Minmahaw help ensure that these students can access a quality education, safe living conditions, and the resources needed to thrive.

BHM has supported Minmahaw for over a decade, contributing to its growth and sustainability. In 2024, BHM’s fundraising campaign raised $25,000, which was matched to a total of $50,000, enough to sustain Minmahaw for an entire year.

Minmahaw is also a key partner in the Education for Friendship Foundation (EFF), which is working to expand educational opportunities for migrant youth along the Thai-Myanmar border. The Education Village project, launched in 2024, relocated the BHSOH Migrant Learning Centre (MLC) to a new site in Mae Sot, providing a stable environment for over 580 migrant children. Phase 2 of this project will involve relocating the Minmahaw School and its programs to the Education Village in 2025, expanding its impact and reach.

Minmahaw School operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Burma Humanitarian Mission (BHM), which facilitates the processing and transfer of donated funds. While BHM does not directly fund or solicit donations for Minmahaw, its role is essential in ensuring the secure and efficient management of our financial resources.

With the continued support of donors and volunteers, Minmahaw School remains a beacon of hope for youth who have endured hardship and displacement, providing them with the tools to succeed and create positive change in their communities.

Our Goals

Minmahaw School is dedicated to providing its students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to succeed in higher education and beyond. Our goals include:

• Obtaining Scholarships: Helping students secure scholarships for college or university.
• Higher Education Access: Enabling entry into General Education Development (GED) programs or other internationally recognized higher education pathways.
• Vocational Training: Offering exposure to vocational courses that open doors to job opportunities after graduation.

Our Mission

At Minmahaw, we strive to empower a new generation of Myanmar youth by fostering:

• Higher Education Ambitions: Encouraging students to aim for higher education as a pathway to personal and professional growth.
• Commitment to Democracy: Instilling a sense of responsibility and dedication to advancing Myanmar’s democratization process.
• Global Competence: Preparing students to compete internationally in the information age, equipped with critical skills to thrive in a globalized world.

Minmahaw Curriculum

Minmahaw School offers a diverse and engaging curriculum designed to equip students for success in higher education and professional careers. Our curriculum features:

• A Holistic Approach: We integrate various subjects and projects that connect disciplines with meaningful, real-world issues, with a special focus on Southeast Asia.
• Relevant Topics: Students explore critical themes such as Climate Change, Gender Equity, and Human Rights through both content-based and experiential learning methods.
• Student-Centered Learning: We prioritize active student engagement through group work, oral presentations, and interactive activities, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and dynamic.