The Contributions of Catholic Migrant Learning Centers (MLCs) of the Archdiocese of Bangkok for the Myanmar Migrant Children’s Education in Samut Sakhon Province in Thailand
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Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the educational contributions of the Catholic Migrant Learning Centers (MLCs), operated by the Archdiocese of Bangkok, to Myanmar migrant children in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 students across three migrant learning centers and classroom observations, the research identified key challenges affecting educational access and outcomes. These included migrant parents’ unstable employment, poverty, students’ age–grade mismatches, high dropout rates, language and cultural barriers, underfunding, and limited teaching resources of the migrant learning centers. Despite these obstacles, the migrant learning centers demonstrated significant educational value through a holistic curriculum, well-equipped classrooms, and partnerships with the Department of Non-Formal Education, periodic counselling services, health support, intercultural activities, and teacher development programs. The study concluded with strategic recommendations to enhance the structure, function, and effectiveness of migrant learning centers, aiming to create inclusive and sustainable learning environments for migrant children.
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