- Bwe K’lar Background

Founded on June 6, 2004, Bwe K’Lar Learning Centre has started with grade levels up to grade 3, the learning centre operated from a small house within a village, guided by just two teachers. The visionaries behind this learning centre were Mr. Paw Pah and his wife, Naw Chirst Paw. They
witnessed many children seeking refugee in Bwe K’lar lacked the opportunity to go to school. They were united to start the learning centre in response to the absence of educational opportunities for the many children seeking refuge in Bwe K’Lar. The primary goal was to address the educational needs of these children within the context of Bwe K’Lar Village,
The learning centre started with 35 students, comprising 20 girls and 10 boys. Despite facing with challenges and the absence of funding in the beginning, the two couples persevered in managing the learning centre, lifting their own capacities to ensure the students’ access to education. Through their unwavering dedication, the learning centre has successfully remained operational to this day.
In the year 2004, the learning centre began to gain support from village leaders, parents, and others, instilling hope for continuous student learning. During the years 2005-2006, the learning centre transitioned to an elevated location and underwent a beautiful bamboo construction, providing more spacious accommodations for students. During this period, the capacity of the leanring centre expanded to include 6 teachers-3 males and 3 females with a student body of 120, consisting of 75 females and 45 males.
Simultaneously, a significant number of students, belonging to the Karen ethnic group, had sought refuge in Bwe K’lar due to conflicts in their home country, Myanmar. In response, the learning centre’s committee diligently worked to find a way, and ultimately provide boarding facilities to accommodate these students.”
Between 2005 and 2006, the learning centre continued to receive steadfast support from village leaders, parents, and various organizations such as BMWEC (Burmese Migrant Worker’s Education Committee) and MTC (Mac Tao Clinic). These organizations provided assistance in the form of electricity and water bills coverage, teacher salaries, food, and land rent.
In 2007, the organization KOREA generously contributed to the learning centre’s expansion and construction. This significant support enabled the extension of the education level up to grade 7.
During the period of 2007-2008, the learning centre’s capacity grew substantially. Under the leadership of Principal Paw Pa, along with 8 teachers-4 females and 4 males the student population reached 150. Collaborating closely with organizations such as BMWEC, TOP, MTC, and KOREA, the learning centre underwent remarkable enhancements in its operations and learning curriculum.
By 2008, Principal Mr. Paw Pa and his wife, Christ Paw, expressed a desire to seek new opportunities elsewhere. With the school committee’s agreement, Mr. Tin Kyaw was selected to take over as the new principal in the upcoming year.
In the year of 2009 to 2010, under the guidance of Principal Mr. Tin Kyaw, the learning centre effectively operated up to grade 7. Supported by 10 teachers 8 females and 2 males the student body numbered 145, with 60 boys and 85 girls.” From 2010 to 2012, the student number increased, reaching a total of 190 students. Throughout this period, organizational support remained consistent, facilitating a conducive learning environment. The academic pursuits of the students were well-supported in this setting.
In the years of 2012-2013, an additional 47 students enrolled, increasing the total count to 237 students. As the academic year concluded, Principal Mr. Tin Kyaw stepped down to relocate with his family. Consequently, Mr. Eh Kwe was selected for the role of principal in the 2013-2014 year. This year it has a student enrollment of 217. Also, some students from Bwe K’lar who completed grade 7 chose to continue their studies at another migrant learning center, Has Thoo Lei Learning Centre.
In the same challenging year, KOREA and TOP organizations withdrew their support for Bwe K’lar Learning Centre. This abrupt halt in funding posed considerable obstacles, including covering land rent, electricity, and water expenses. Despite these hardships, the student’s parents rallied to support the learning initiatives. Teachers also faced difficulties, with the cessation of organization-funded salaries. However, their unwavering dedication continues, driving them to persevere in teaching and assisting students.
In time, MECC (Migrant Education Coordination Centre) sought solutions to secure funding. The learning center established a connection with NLD (National League for Democracy) to receive support for teacher salaries. Moreover, the KOREA organization reevaluated the situation, resuming support for land rent, with student boarding facilities sponsored by MTC and TOP. Through diverse funding sources from various organizations, Bwe K’lar Learning Centre managed to sustain its operations.”
Between 2015 and 2016, the learning centre’s committee actively pursued additional funding from MECC, PEACE, MTC, and KOREA to sustain and enhance the learning experience. As conditions. improved, some students chose to return to Myanmar to continue their studies. The learning centre also fostered a community collaboration that support health and security initiatives. Alongside classroom education, the students engaged in various extracurricular activities like competitions in drawing, essays, public speaking, and joint events with other schools. Also, the grade 4 students excelled in Myanmar’s national exams during the 2016-2017 academic year.
In 2018-2019, COF Australia’s Education Team (Cotton:on Foundation) became aware of the learning centre and forged a partnership. A contract was signed, securing sponsorship for land rent, water, vehicles, teacher salaries, meals, boarding house provisions, and hygiene. They also supported infrastructure such as the school canteen, toilets, playground, and its environment.
In 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learning was disrupted, leading to the learning centre to organize the Home Visits and alternative learning methods in 2020-2021. As the pandemic situation improved in 2021-2022, 93 students returned to on-site learning, guided by 9 teachers. Hygiene and sanitation training, COVID-19 vaccinations, and proactive measures were undertaken to ensure safety.
During the school break, teachers underwent summer training to enhance their classroom and teaching skills. The following year in 2022-2023, teacher Ni Dah took over the role of school principal with the student body, the total of 155, was guided by 9 teachers and 1 intern.
By the academic year 2023-2024, enrollment reached 214 students-107 girls and 107 boys-taught by 10 teachers, supporting the educational level up to grade 8. COF, MECC, MTC, and BMWEC continued their support to ensure the learning centre’s operation. Collaborations with the local community on health and security were further strengthened. Notably, the Bwe K’lar Learning Centre has now been a pathway of education for 19 years supporting children who lack access to educational opportunities.

- Curriculum
Bwe K’lar MLC use Myanmar Curriculum. The instruction language is Burmese. They have 6 subjects which are
- Burmese Language
- English Language
- Mathematic
- Science
- Geography
- History (world history & Myanmar History)
- Karen Language

- Teachers

Teachers from Bwe k’lar have no licenses teachers but are done teacher training. They will also receive training every year as following.
- Teaching Methodology
- Teaching Subject – This is providing by Myanmar MOE and Organizations in Thailand who are working for migrant education.
- Head Teacher Training