BEAM Education Foundation

Founded in 2010, BEAM Education Foundation focuses on non-formal education for out-of-school children and youth of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Following the recent coup, BEAM has utilized its extensive connections to help individuals at risk of protection threats cross the border into Thailand. The foundation is also actively monitoring the situation of undocumented individuals/groups in Thailand and addressing risks associated with their illegal status. Over the years, the BEAM Education Foundation has impacted more than 93,498 beneficiaries through diverse programs such as education and skill development programs. Marginalized communities in Thailand, particularly migrants and ethnic minorities from Myanmar, continue to face significant challenges in accessing quality education, skills development, and meaningful participation in society.

Following the political instability and socio-economic crisis in Myanmar after 2021 (IOM, 2022), Thailand has seen a substantial increase in migrant populations, including children. Currently, over 350,000 children in Thailand are identified as Out-of-School Children (OOSC) (UNICEF, 2023; Thailand Ministry of Education, 2023), a significant portion of whom are migrants from Myanmar facing compounded vulnerabilities due to limited recognition of prior learning, systemic barriers in education pathways, and inadequate policy frameworks.

With the increasing number of migrants arriving in Thailand, many from Myanmar, there is a growing need for services to support them. This includes educational services for migrants in areas such as Mae Sot in Tak Province, Chiang Mai, Ranong, and Chumphon, which have a high concentration of Myanmar migrants. This project aims to provide and enhance access to educational services for Myanmar migrants in these areas.

BEAM Education Foundation believes education is the key to sustainable positive change, particularly for Burma’s migrant communities. Since its establishment, BEAM has actively created inclusive and accessible educational pathways for marginalized learners, using flexible, innovative, and practical methods.