Food for the students in the hostels is supplied by each camp, but supplemented with MMC help. Clothing, medicines and educational costs are met by the project.  The students attend school at primary and secondary schools (to grade ten) in the camp. Older students may attend “Post-Ten” programmes, for example leadership training courses, personal development courses, vocational skills training, etc. Since 2009, several students from the KMM hostels have been enrolled in a diploma course through the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

Evening study is helped through light power from the hostel generator. This has enabled the development of computer skills in this jungle setting. Students are encouraged to develop their talents and pursue a range of personal interests. MMC's scholarship programme encourages them to develop skills in music, art and English language. The programme requires them to share their skills with other students.

Each hostel is administered by an Advisory Committee, Hostel Management Team (generally comprising of one male and one female Hostel Supervisor) and a Student Committee. The Advisory Committee, which includes members of the Refugee Camp Administration, community leaders, teachers and religious leaders, gives advice to the Hostel Management Team and oversees hostel activities, including auditing the financial accounts. The Hostel Management Teams manage hostel activities and look after students’ social welfare and studies. Each Student Committee is made up of senior students who assist coordinators with daily hostel activities.

·         St Mary Boarding Hostel, Maela Camp.

There were 55 students at St Mary Boarding Hostel for the academic year June 2008 – May 2009. The students worked hard at their studies, and also took part in regular fun activities such as debating, impromptu speaking in English, an English summer camp led by older students, and occasional outings. Several of the students from this hostel are now employed by NGOs working in the area, while others have returned to Burma to teach, thus sharing what they have learnt with their communities. Six students were resettled in a third country, five of them in Australia.

·         St Peter Chanel Boarding Hostel, Maera Moo Camp

There were 55 students at St Peter Chanel Boarding Hostel for the academic year June 2008 – May 2009. The majority of students passed their exams successfully, and are continuing with their studies. One student achieved first prize in his tenth standard class. One student from this hostel has since left to join the community at Marist Mission Ranong where he hopes to further discern a possible vocation to the Marist priesthood.

In March 2009, this hostel hosted celebrations of the Ten Year Jubilee of the Karen Marist Mission programme. Around 150 students from all four hostels attended the celebrations, where they were joined by Fr Kevin Stewart from MMC, together with representatives from Marist Mission Ranong.

·         St Michelle Champagnat Leadership and Management Boarding Hostel, Maela Oon Camp

There were 54 students at St Michelle Champagnat Leadership and Management Boarding Hostel for the academic year June 2008 – May 2009.  This hostel runs a two-year leadership and management training programme, including classes in management, leadership, English, Social Studies, history and Thai Language. Some students also attend vocational sewing training. The hostel was fortunate to have several foreign volunteers assisting with teaching of English, social studies and human rights classes. Students also took part in regular extra-curricula activities such as public speaking, leadership workshops and sports days.

·         St Colin Boarding Hostel, Maela Oon Camp

There were 39 students at St Colin Boarding Hostel for the academic year June 2008 – May 2009. KMM assumed management of Colin hostel, originally on a short term basis, after previous managers were experiencing difficulties. However, Colin is now quickly establishing itself as part of the KMM family of hostels and it is expected that our support to this hostel will be ongoing.

MMC Hostels accept young people from any religious background. Their freedom to worship is respected. Catholic members join in the Eucharist when Marists visit the camps.

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