RILCA at Mahidol University has undertaken a vital project aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered by migrants and refugees from Myanmar who have sought refuge in Thailand amid political turmoil in their homeland. These individuals, while possessing valuable knowledge, skills, and professional backgrounds, often face hurdles in integrating into their new environment and encounter legal barriers that impede their ability to fully utilize their potential.

The project, driven by RILCA's recognition of the urgent need to empower migrant volunteer teachers, aims to provide educational opportunities and support their development regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or educational background. By positioning these volunteer teachers as catalysts for change, the project seeks to make significant contributions to equality and equity in education for sustainable development among migrant children in Thailand and Myanmar. The initiative aligns not only with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, focusing on reducing inequalities within and among countries, but also with SDG 4, which promotes quality education, SDG 8, which advocates for decent work and economic growth, and SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In May 2023, RILCA initiated the first phase of its capacity-building program, focusing on enhancing the language, sociocultural, and professional skills of migrant volunteer teachers. The overarching goal is to equip them with the necessary tools to become competent educators who can foster language proficiency and socio-cultural competency among migrant and local students. By doing so, the project aims to promote quality education for sustainable development, nurture future global citizens, and contribute to decent work opportunities for migrants and refugees.

The specific objectives of the capacity-building program are twofold. Firstly, it aims to facilitate the acquisition of Thai language proficiency as a second language, along with an understanding of global citizenship education, Thai socio-cultural values, relevant laws, and practices among migrant volunteer teachers residing and working along the border. Secondly, the program intends to train volunteer teachers in effective pedagogical techniques, enabling them to support education for sustainable development and promote the cultivation of global citizenship among students.

The training program, organized by RILCA in collaboration with Mahidol University, encompasses a comprehensive agenda designed to equip migrants and refugees with the necessary language, cultural, and professional skills for their integration and well-being in Thailand. Activities include online and onsite surveys to assess needs, training sessions covering various topics such as language proficiency, cultural understanding, legal knowledge, and career guidance, as well as evaluation activities to gauge progress and satisfaction.

A field visit to Tak province facilitated engagement with local networks, identification of prospective participants, and finalization of workshop content and activities tailored to meet the specific needs of migrant volunteer teachers. Topics covered in the workshops included Thai and ASEAN Food Culture, Comparative Thai-Myanmar Cultures, Global Citizenship Education, Thai Immigration Law, and Guidelines for Education and Careers.

The culmination of the training program was marked by a final Thai language proficiency test, conducted under the supervision of Mahidol University coordinating staff, to assess participants’ growth and progress. Survey results indicated overall positive satisfaction levels with the training content, lecturers, and program experience. However, opportunities for improvement were identified, including the need to enhance the practical application of training knowledge and better alignment with participants' learning goals.

Overall, the project has demonstrated tangible impacts on individuals and society by empowering migrant volunteer teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute positively to their communities. By addressing the linguistic, cultural, and professional needs of participants, the initiative not only promotes sustainable development but also fosters inclusivity, equality, and social cohesion, thus advancing the goals of SDG 10 and other related sustainable development objectives. Through continued refinement and expansion, the project holds promise for creating lasting change and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for migrants and refugees in Thailand.