Over 160,000 Burmese refugees crowd the nine camps along the Thailand-Burma border. Often perched in jungle-covered hills, the leaf-roofed bamboo homes in many of the camps can set an overly idyllic impression at first glance but beneath the greenery live people separated from their villages, families and friends and without a place to go. Inside their cramped homes they wait years for the chance to make it to a ‘third country’ or find a safe way back to Burma.
Life in the camps is challenging. The rainy season turns the steep paths into dangerous muddy slopes and the dry season can leave residents waterless for days on end. Similarly, supplies are low and funding has been on a downward trend. Still, for many residents the camps are havens of safety and places of opportunity. Though the situation for those inside is difficult, they are grateful to be where they are and have forged rich communities with schools, small businesses, and cultural institutions that help keep life going.
Education is a high priority and foreign teachers and aid workers are made to feel welcome. The education provided by the schools operating within the camps is often superior than what is offered in much of Burma, where education is inconsistent at best. As a result many students have made the trip from their homes inside Burma to live alone or with distant relatives in the camp so that they may attend one of the schools inside. This makes for many dedicated students and a grateful community. Volunteers are highly prized by the schools and people will go out of their way to make you feel at home on day one.
Life in camp can be slow paced and isolating but equally enriching. Strangers may invite you into their homes for tea, happily sharing their family histories, thoughts on Burmese politics or just to chat. Similarly, you may be made a featured guest at cultural and religious events, possibly with a running English commentary by one of your students. You will be sure to develop a strong understanding of the histories, languages, and stories of personal tragedy and triumph of those you meet. Living in a camp may not be right for everyone, but for those seeking a truly immersive experience, there is no better place to be.