WELCOME TO MUDITA SCHOOL

fostering Growth, Connection, and Lifelong Learning

Mudita School opened its doors in 2022 with only a dream and a handful of students. Today, that dream has flourished into a thriving community with over 100 young learners, five new classrooms, six transformative educational programs spanning from primary school through high school, and a dynamic youth program that equips the students with skills for tomorrow. At Mudita School, every day is a testament to the power of education to rebuild lives and spark brighter futures. Our journey is one of growth, hope, and impact. Learn more about the Mudita School and our educational programs.

Watch our new school video and meet the incredible students shaping our community. Experience the vibrant spirit of Mudita come to live.

MUDITA: Unique Blend of Learning and Community 

Mudita School stands out among the many other migrant schools for its close-knit community. Our school is more than an educational institution; it is a global learning community where international volunteers, local teachers, and students of all ages live, learn, and work together. This harmonious environment fosters safety, acceptance, and mutual respect among all members. As all our students are refugees from Myanmar who have had traumatic experiences in the past, it is essential to provide a secure home with a nurturing atmosphere.

In addition to our educational initiatives, we have established a large eco-farm, transforming our school into a vibrant park. This eco-farm, adorned with beautiful flower gardens and abundant vegetable patches, supplies fresh produce to our community daily. It stands as a symbol of sustainability and self-sufficiency, enriching both our diets and our surroundings.

 

 Holistic Pedagogy and Project-Based-Learning

Our unique teaching approach emphasizes on a holistic school environment and project-based learning methods. Unlike many other migrant schools in the area with large class sizes of up to seventy, we maintain small classes of no more than twenty-five students, each supported by three teachers. This setup ensures weaker students receive the inclusive support they need and creates a remarkable class atmosphere where students from three different grades work and learn together in one classroom. 

Our project-based learning approach focuses on teaching life skills and community service. Students engage in various activities, such as handicrafts, gardening, global citizenship, and Website design. They take on responsibilities and organize life-relevant projects, such as business ventures and family support initiatives. Moreover, we place particular emphasis on environmental care.

Our flower gardens and lush green fields surround the classrooms and create a beautiful and nurturing learning environment, which emphasizes our responsibility for nature and sustainable practices and has earned us the title of a green eco-school.

Educational Pathways for All Ages

At Mudita School, we offer a diverse range of educational programs tailored to meet the needs of students from primary through high school. Beginning with our primary and middle school programs, students are immersed in a bilingual curriculum that blends Burmese tradition with modern teaching methods. Our high school programs, including the pre-GED (Grade 9) and GED (Grade 10), are conducted entirely in English, preparing students for the international high school diploma.

In addition to our core academic offerings, we provide after-school youth programs that equip students with 21st-century skills such as computer programming, software development, and various handicrafts. Our vocational training programs offer practical tailoring and sustainable agriculture skills, promoting holistic development beyond the classroom.

Explore our educational sections below for more details on each program and join us on this educational journey from the early years through high school and beyond.

Find out more about our Educational Levels
Primary School (Grades 1-5)
In the primary school, we have 25 students supported by three teachers—two local teachers and one international volunteer teacher. The presence of volunteer teachers from abroad brings an international perspective and open-minded attitude to our classrooms, enriching the learning experience and providing valuable teacher training for our local staff. The learning environment in our primary school is designed to be nurturing and family-like. Many of our students come from difficult backgrounds, having experienced the civil war in Myanmar or the loss of family members. It is crucial that they find a safe and secure place at Mudita School where they can relax, play, and enjoy their childhood. To support their emotional and physical well-being, we incorporate numerous art classes where students can dance, sing, and play, fostering a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. Additionally, we emphasize outdoor activities through community service, such as planting vegetables and caring for the flower garden. These activities help students reconnect with nature and find peace and stability in their surroundings. Our curriculum blends traditional Burmese schooling with modern educational approaches in subjects like science, mathematics, and especially English. We utilize materials from the Cambridge University English curriculum and have integrated five different grades into our primary school structure (grades 1 to 5). When we started three years ago, many students had never attended school, while others had some experience in the first or second grade. Despite these varied starting points, our intensive and inclusive teaching methods have allowed us to progress quickly. For example, in English, we have advanced to using grade six materials within three years, completing two books per year due to our focused and supportive environment. The integral teaching approach, where stronger students help weaker ones, fosters a family-like atmosphere and inclusion. Combined with our three-teacher model, this method allows us to provide intensive care and break large classes into smaller groups for more personalized attention. Our use of outside classrooms, surrounded by flower gardens and the eco-farm, provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment. A significant part of our curriculum is teaching ethics through civil education. This subject focuses on hard skills and soft skills, emphasizing personal development, character building, and the cultivation of good values and attitudes from an early age. This approach is central to Mudita’s philosophy, aiming to nurture our students' inner qualities and their role in the community.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
In our middle school, we have 20 students ranging in age from 12 to 14, covering grades six to eight. These classes prepare students for the final years of high school by introducing more demanding subjects as part of a standard middle school curriculum. While students engage in enjoyable activities like project-based learning and international cooperation, they also face progressively challenging academic work. Our project-based learning integrates multiple subjects into collaborative projects. For example, in biology, students learn about biodiversity and the nutrition cycle in theory and then apply this knowledge practically on our eco-farm. Students also develop practical skills through handicrafts, such as knitting and basic woodworking. Additionally, they gain essential life skills in computer classes, learning to use Microsoft Office programs, computer programming, and various online applications. As students progress, their English proficiency improves, allowing many subjects to be taught in English using content from the curriculum of our international partner schools. This alignment facilitates collaborative projects with partner schools in Germany, including regular Zoom classes and cultural exchange activities. These projects emphasize global citizenship and help students make international friends. One popular activity is cooking classes with our international schools, where students cook German meals and exchange Burmese recipes. These sessions provide a fun way to learn about different cultures and foster communication and understanding. Our holistic teaching approach blends traditional values and methods, such as handicrafts and eco-farming, with modern education from our international partner schools. This combination ensures a balanced education that engages students physically, emotionally, and intellectually. The integration of traditional and modern education ensures that our students are well-rounded, culturally aware, and equipped for their future endeavors.
High School (Grades 9-10)
In our two high school classes Pre-GED and GED, we have 31 students supported by one specialized teacher for each subject and an assisting international volunteer teacher. Our high school program follows the General Education Development (GED) curriculum, offering an internationally recognized diploma. This opens doors for our students beyond Myanmar and Thailand, allowing them to pursue higher education and career opportunities globally, including in countries like Germany, Australia, and Thailand. The GED curriculum includes four main subjects: Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and English Language Arts. As an international program, all subjects are taught solely in English. This high standard of education prepares students for the final GED exams, which are conducted at international test centers. To support this rigorous academic program, we prepare our primary and middle school students to build a strong foundation in general knowledge and English proficiency. They are ready to engage fully in the GED curriculum by reaching high school. Our international standard facilitates collaboration with partner schools such as the Community School, HPC International School from Heidelberg and PREM School from Chiang Mai. We have Zoom classes and use Google Classroom for joint assignments and discussions. This collaboration extends to teaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing personal, social, and emotional growth alongside academic excellence. The holistic approach of our partner schools, which focuses on developing strong character and social skills, aligns well with our philosophy. Together, we create informed and compassionate global citizens engaged in community service and charity activities. This shared commitment is reflected in projects like the family support program, where students support refugee families in need. In addition to core subjects, our high school students participate in community service, taking on leadership roles in designing and maintaining the school's gardens and outdoor sitting areas. They also engage in art classes, creating beautiful wall paintings, pottery, and art installations that enhance the school environment. Sports and physical activities are integral to our program. Students use the football and volleyball fields for exercise and recreation. Music classes, where students play guitar and sing together, further foster a sense of community and create a vibrant school atmosphere. Overall, Mudita School's high school curriculum blends challenging academic preparation with practical life skills, creativity, and community engagement. This comprehensive education equips our students to become successful, compassionate leaders ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Youth Program
Our youth program has gained momentum, engaging around thirty young members from the area. This initiative provides comprehensive training in computer skills, software programming, handicrafts, and English at various levels. The enthusiasm and dedication of these young learners are a testament to the program's success and its positive impact on their futures. Find out more in our Youth Program section below.
Seminar Center
The Seminar Center is a two-story building nestled within a lush garden. This center hosts our new seminar program, offering a wide range of courses such as English classes, computer classes, and vocational training. The vocational training extends beyond youth to include villagers and parents of our students, with courses like tailoring, carpentry, and other planned vocational programs. Additionally, the Seminar center will host programs focused on well-being, holistic health, teacher training, and psychology courses. Read More in our Seminar Center section.

Family Support Program

The Family Support Program at Mudita School is a vital initiative that began in 2022. Recognizing the immense need for support among refugee families in Mae Sot, many of whom live in dire conditions, we launched this program to provide critical assistance and create stronger community ties. Mae Sot, a central hub for refugees from Myanmar, is home to thousands of displaced individuals living in rudimental bamboo huts, facing severe food insecurity, joblessness, and health issues.
The program serves a dual purpose: addressing the urgent needs of refugee families and offering our high school students opportunities for social engagement and charity work. This initiative is a cornerstone of our GED education program, particularly within our SDG Subject (Sustainable Development Goals), and it involves collaborating with our international partner schools.

The Family Support Program involves several key steps:

1. Surveys and Data Collection
Our students design and conduct surveys to gather detailed information about the economic, health, and psychological status of refugee families. They document these conditions through video and photographs to create a comprehensive understanding of each family's situation.
2. Report and Analysis
After collecting data, students analyze the surveys and write detailed reports, which are then shared with our partner schools in Germany. This documentation helps our partners understand the needs and challenges faced by the families.
3. Foundations and Donations
Partner schools engage in fundraising activities, such as selling goods at markets or designing products in their classes. The funds raised are sent to Mudita School, and we collaborate via Zoom to decide on the most effective ways to allocate these resources.
4. Distribution of Aid
Based on the analysis and discussions, we purchase necessary materials and distribute them to the families. This support can include food packages, medicine, water filters, and solar panels tailored to the specific needs identified in the surveys.
5. Microfinance Program
To promote long-term sustainability, we have integrated a microfinance component. Suitable families receive training on business development and are given seed money to start their own businesses. Over six months, they repay the funds while receiving ongoing support and training. This initiative includes ventures like tailoring workshops, tea shops, and grocery stores, with progress closely monitored and additional training provided as needed.
6. Vocational Training
We offer vocational training courses, such as a three-month tailoring program, where participants acquire the skills needed to start their own tailoring businesses. This training is aimed at providing practical skills that can lead to economic self-sufficiency.

 The cooperation within the Family Support Program started with one partner school but has now expanded to all three partner schools in Germany and Thailand. This expansion allows us to support more families and develop a stronger, more resilient community.
By integrating this program into our curriculum and involving international partners, we aim to create compassionate, globally aware students who actively contribute to improving the lives of those around them. The Family Support Program exemplifies our commitment to holistic education, combining academic success with social responsibility and community service.

Watch our first Family Support Video Below to learn more about the situation of Burmese refugee families and how to support them.

Want to know more? Follow up with our second Video HERE

Youth Program

In response to a significant influx of young Burmese refugees fleeing the civil war in Myanmar, Mudita School has established a comprehensive youth program. The military junta in Myanmar has implemented conscription to draft young people into the army. These young individuals are forced to serve in the military, participating in conflicts they wish to avoid. Many young people have fled the country, seeking refuge in Thailand to escape this dire situation.
In Mae Sot, especially around our school, hundreds of young people have settled, building simple shelters and living in cramped conditions. For example, a group of around 25 young individuals live together in a single bamboo hut near our school. These refugees have heard of Mudita School's good reputation and are seeking education and support, having had to end their university or high school education abruptly.

Recognizing their needs, we have expanded our educational offerings with a new two-story community center. This center provides youth programs, vocational training, and various seminars for young refugees and their families to support their educational and personal development.

Program Structure The youth program runs every afternoon, Monday to Sunday, with each course lasting two hours.

The courses include:

1. Self-Awareness Course
This course focuses on counseling, self-reflection, self-confidence, leadership, and emotional and social growth. It provides a safe space for students to express their feelings and discuss their psychological issues, fostering emotional and social development.
2. Computer Programming Course
This course, conducted in cooperation with an Australian education group, is conducted online via Zoom and supported by local teachers in Mae Sot. Students start with basic programming and progress to more advanced languages like JavaScript and HTML, equipping them with skills for future careers in programming.
3. Computer Software Course
This course teaches participants essential computer skills, including the use of office programs and online applications such as Google Drive and Google Classroom. It provides a foundational understanding of computer software.
4. English Courses
English for Beginners: Designed for students with little to no prior English education, this course covers the basics of the English language. English Intermediate: This course helps more advanced learners improve their grammar, pronunciation, and communication skills.
5. English Chat Class
In collaboration with the Australian education group, this class focuses on developing speaking skills through engaging and interactive sessions with native speakers, incorporating cultural exchange elements.
6. GED Beginners Course
This course prepares students who aspire to join the GED (General Education Diploma) program but need more qualifications. It covers the four main GED subjects and helps students develop the skills required for future enrollment in the GED program.
7. Knitting Course
This vocational and handicraft course teaches students how to knit hats and pullovers. It serves as a form of mental concentration and relaxation while also providing skills that could be used to create sellable products in the future.
8. Tailoring Course
This comprehensive three-month course, part of the vocational training and family support program, trains students in all tailoring aspects. They learn to work with sewing machines and design clothing, preparing them to start their tailoring businesses.

The youth program at Mudita School addresses the urgent educational needs of young Burmese refugees, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through a combination of academic courses, vocational training, and emotional support, the program fosters a holistic development approach. This initiative supports the refugees in rebuilding their lives and strengthens our community by creating informed, skilled, and compassionate individuals.

International Volunteer Program

Since its inception, the Mudita Foundation has been integrally supported by volunteers from around the world. The Foundation emphasizes cultural exchange and fosters a global mindset among students. We have built a diverse community of local teachers, students, and volunteers from various countries.

Role of Volunteers: Volunteers contribute significantly to the school's operations and enrichment in various ways. They work hands-on with the eco-farm, engage in building and handicraft projects, assist in creating and improving teaching materials, and actively participate in classroom teaching. Their involvement spans all aspects of the school, utilizing their skills, knowledge, and ideas to enhance the learning environment.
Volunteers with specialized skills, such as photography, music, or teaching, are integrated into our curriculum, enriching the educational offerings. For instance, a photographer might lead a stop-motion video course, while a musician offers guitar lessons. Often specialized teachers with much experience in their field give training to our local teachers. This approach leverages the unique abilities of each volunteer, providing a diverse and enriched learning experience for students. This makes volunteers feel valued and brings specialized expertise into our classrooms, creating a vibrant and dynamic educational atmosphere.
Integration and Impact:
Volunteers are provided with accommodation on campus, allowing us to host around 8 to 10 volunteers at a time. Living on campus, they become an integral part of the school community, interacting closely with students and staff. This arrangement fosters a sense of global citizenship among students, as they are exposed to different cultures and experiences, promoting tolerance and understanding.

Seminar Center

Welcome to our newly completed Seminar Center, a two-story facility nestled within a beautiful garden. Opened in August 2024, it serves as a hub for transformative education and community engagement. The center offers a diverse range of programs, including vocational training for youth and community members, psychology courses, teacher training, and computer classes. With its spacious kitchen and community garden, it also provides the perfect space for hosting youth activities and well-being seminars. Explore more about our vibrant programs in the Seminar Center section.

Seminar Program at Mudita:

1. Vocational Training
We have already launched our first vocational training program, the tailoring course. This three-month course, part of the family support program, is also open to youth and community members from the village. We have two sewing machines, with plans to acquire more in the coming months to accommodate additional participants. During the course, participants learn all necessary skills, from design to stitching, using special and regular sewing machines. They create Myanmar Longyi, shirts and dresses for men and women, preparing them to start tailoring workshops after completing the course. Starting in 2025, we will offer a healthy living course, including permaculture and eco-farming teachings. This course will provide theoretical and practical knowledge for maintaining sustainable agriculture. It will also include cooking classes, where participants will learn about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals, utilizing the large kitchen in the community center. This course aims to benefit refugee families, the youth, and our entire school community. We also plan to offer a carpentry course on building bamboo structures and furniture. We previously ran a successful carpentry course at our school in Myanmar for three years. We aim to set up the workshop area and start this course at the beginning of next year. Another course we plan to start next year is the mushroom farming course. We previously established a successful mushroom farm at our school in Myanmar, which ran successfully for two years. This course will require a small bamboo hut to create a moist environment suitable for growing mushrooms. We have already contacted experienced mushroom farmers in Mae Sot, who will help us set up the farm in January 2025 and run the course, responding to the high local demand for mushrooms.
2. Psychology Courses
We concluded our first psychology course in April 2024, specially offered for Mudta teachers and teachers from other Migrant learning centers. The students often had traumatic experiences, having faced hardships like losing their homes or family members due to the civil war in Myanmar. The course trains teachers to act as counselors, better attending to the needs of students with traumatic backgrounds. We also plan to extend these courses to parents who often suffer from various psychological issues or traumatic experiences. These courses will offer advice and counseling on education, upbringing, and dealing with issues like drug abuse, violence, and neglect. Recognizing these issues are prevalent in Mae Sot, we aim to address them through parenting training and psychological support. We have a psychologist who regularly visits Mae Sot and provides these courses. Additionally, we have contacted local psychologists eager to start offering classes at our new community center, with plans to intensify these offerings by early 2025.
3. Teacher Training
We regularly conduct teacher training with various experts from abroad. Past trainers include Professor Taylor Burge from England, Trainers from Hope Institute Burma, and several experienced teachers from Germany. The Mudita Foundation has worked with many partner organizations over the years to conduct successful training courses in Myanmar, which we are now continuing in Mae Sot. These courses cover self-awareness, internal growth, teaching techniques, and other essential skills for teachers, aiming to enhance students' education quality.
4. Computer Lab
The community center also houses a computer room with 15 computers. This facility supports not only our students but also the wider community. With this new computer lab, we can offer more efficient and better-equipped computer courses. We are organizing regular Zoom classes for cultural exchange with foreign teachers from Australia and Germany, hosting the “Global Classroom Project,” and connecting our students to schools worldwide. The lab has high-speed internet and quality computer systems, allowing us to integrate online teaching via Zoom. This setup enables teachers to offer various courses, including English, computer programming, and more, expanding our educational reach.

Building a bright future...

Mudita School and the Mudita Foundation have made significant strides in just Three years, profoundly impacting the lives of Burmese refugee children and the broader community in Mae Sot. Through a tailored curriculum, project-based learning, and the integration of international volunteers, we provide students with academic excellence and essential life skills, fostering a sense of global citizenship. Our programs' rapid growth and success reflect our commitment to education and community service. Our new Community Center enhances this mission by serving as a hub for engagement and development. As we finalize the Thai foundation and look towards acquiring new land to build a larger educational complex, our vision includes expanding our reach to support more students, community members, and international volunteers.

Mudita School and the Mudita Foundation are dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and dynamic educational environment. We strive to build a future where every student is equipped with the tools to succeed, every family has the support they need, and the entire community can grow together in harmony and understanding. With these ambitious plans, we are dedicated to continuing our service to the community, extending our impact, and fostering a harmonious and understanding environment where every individual can thrive.

 

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