Mae Sot Education Project Valentine’s Day fundraiser:

Showing our love for migrant and refugee kids from Myanmar

someof you may know someone whose life has been touched by the Mae Sot Education Project. Since 2004, our community has been generously supporting a small locally-based project with close ties to Bishop’s and Champlain. Its goal is to assist kids and educators who have fled the seemingly endless violence and repression in Myanmar and who live marginal lives as refugees and migrants in the town of Mae Sot, Thailand.

Over the years, 65 Bishop’s and Champlain students have participated in the Mae Sot Education Project (MSEP) as volunteers, going to Mae Sot for periods of six months to assist in migrant learning centers for these youth and their teachers. Two more volunteers are in training now to leave for Mae Sot in June! In 2017, as a Champlain student, I had the chance to be selected to embark on this journey myself. I never imagined how impactful it would be in my life. It has given me perspective on how fortunate we are to have easy access to education.

There are so many worthy causes in our world today. It sometimes becomes difficult to know which one to support. However, the struggle of people in Myanmar (Burma) for the creation of a democratic and inclusive society has been near and dear to many Lennoxvillians over the last two decades. Our fundraising efforts allow us to pay most of the volunteers’ travel expenses. Each year, we also make donations to our six partner schools. Raising funds collectively for this project is an ongoing challenge. Over the years, we have hosted dinners, art auctions, raffles, concerts, pub nights, etc.

We are proud to announce our latest fundraiser! This Valentine’s Day, in the SUB lobby, we are displaying tables filled with a variety of small and larger colorful items brought from Thailand. These goods are available for donations. While each item is ticketed with a suggested donation, all donations are appreciated. Our tables will be set up from 9:30-3:30. We now accept both cash and debit (not credit).

If you would like to learn more about this project and how you can contribute to it, check out our website at https://maesot.ubishops. ca or feel free to contact me at loicam1999@gmail.com.

As noted previously, the modern world presents us with many worthy causes; there seems to be an endless supply of heartache and need. Our Lennoxville community has developed a deep relationship of mutual learning and help with the border community of Mae Sot. We thank YOU for your ongoing support in helping us support the people of Myanmar as they struggle to overcome military repression and to create a more fortunate future for their youth.