April 2024 Update

Dear Friends,
It was a year of highs and lows. The lows came from the stories of fear and violence recounted by our new students from Myanmar; of having the food in their house taken at gunpoint, of fathers being conscripted, of grandmothers hiding under bridges as their village was bombed.

The highlights of the year came in our ability to provide a safe, happy place to learn; a refuge from the ills of war and poverty. The school year ended with a record enrollment of over 147 students. Victories include new classrooms and playground equipment, more teachers, Thai lessons for families, better healthcare, and a parent-led lunch program.

As the conflict in Myanmar deepens, there is great concern about new military campaigns, and a new law drafting migrant workers into the army. In response, we are preparing to greet new students with open arms as they flee their homeland.

As I write this annual update from an empty classroom, the playground is quiet. The school year is over, and the students are on holiday. It feels strange to be sitting here in silence, as I would normally be surrounded by the laughter and chatter of happy children.

In the stillness, though, I think back to a year ago, when it seemed as though the school was going to close due to lack of funding, falling silent forever. I am grateful to have avoided that fate

It is thanks to your kindness that the Andaman Center is more vibrant than ever, and the coming school year will be filled with the sounds of students learning and having fun. 

In the upcoming school year, we plan to hire more teachers, and build new classrooms and a dining hall. This will allow each grade level to have their own space, and we can welcome grade 7 students for the first time; fulfilling our goals of providing a full primary education.