Several years ago, the Marist Fathers of the Philippines District decided to extend their service to another country in Asia. After research in several places, it became evident that Myanmar was in special need of assistance. In 2004, a group of three Marists took up residence in Myanmar, and began work among the Kachin people in the diocese of Myitkyina in the north-east. As foreigners, moving about among the people they were serving was made difficult by local authorities.

Eventually, after 18 months in the country, it became impossible to renew visas. The location of the mission, therefore, while remaining focused on people from Myanmar, changed to the border town of Ranong, in Thailand.

Marist Mission Ranong was established in 2006. It exists primarily to serve Burmese migrants, but offers assistance to any who are in particular need, regardless of creed, age or ethnicity.

MMR has four primary areas of ministry:

• HIV and AIDS Care and Support: This community-based programme aims to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of persons suffering from HIV/AIDS in Ranong, and their family members and caregivers. Both Burmese migrants and Thai persons who similarly in need are welcomed into the programme. As well as tending to individual patients, outreach workers conduct community seminars to raise awareness about the nature of HIV/AIDS, its prevention, and treatment and/or palliative care.

• Child Protection:  Many migrant children in Ranong have never been enrolled in any educational facility. They may begin work in menial roles such as garbage collection from as young as six or seven years old, or they may simply be left at home while their parents work. The Child Protection programmes aims primarily to ensure that these children, aged between 6 and 12 years old, are in a safe environment during the day, while also improving their educational and social skills in the hope that they might progress on to a more formal educational facility. The children are picked up from their homes each day, attend the Marist Education Centre for 3 hours of tuition in Thai, Burmese and English language and basic mathematics, receive a cooked lunch, and are returned to their homes again. The programme also encourages awareness of good hygiene and nutrition in the children and their parents.

• Education: Most Burmese migrant children cease attending any educational facility by the age of 13 or 14 years old (or younger) in order to work, usually in a fish processing factory or other low-paid job within the fish industry. The Marist Training Programme (MTP) offers some Burmese migrant children a chance to continue their education beyond this age. Children from the ages of 12 -18 are invited to enrol in a five year programme, divided into a three-year academic programme, followed by two years of part-time work and study. The students follow a basic programme of instruction in eight core subjects, including Burmese, Thai and English languages and computer skills. Students also take part in special activity days, for example visits to local Buddhist monasteries, English language camps run in conjunction with local Thai schools, and twice yearly outings. It is often difficult for MTP students to remain in school rather than going to work – for example, financial burdens on the family, or societal expectations – however the students obviously enjoy their studies, and are almost without exception committed to working hard and doing their best. There have been few losses of students to the workplace, despite the pressures faced by students and their families.

It is hoped that particularly able students who have completed the MTP programme will be able to enrol in an online diploma course through the Australian Catholic University. A first group of students is due to commence this course of study in October 2010, under the guidance of MMR tutors.

• Hospitality to migrant workers through the Chanel Community Centre: Many migrant workers live in conditions of injustice and human deprivation, and are particularly vulnerable to abuse. CCC has created several programmes to respond to the particular needs of Burmese migrant workers, and their families, in Ranong. CCC is a place of welcome and counselling. Seminars and meetings are held in the centre, and staff also on occasion visit workers in their homes and work-places. The centre offers English and computer classes to both Thai and Burmese adults and children. In the past, Thai classes and music classes have also been offered, employing the skills of volunteers present in the community - both locals and foreigners. A small but popular library provides visitors to the centre with an opportunity for both relaxation and personal development. In 2009, the centre established a mother and child care programme targeting Burmese children aged between 3-5 years old and their mothers. A maximum of 20 children are cared for at the centre each day, while training and support are offered to the mothers on topics such as childcare skills, maternal health, nutrition and sewing skills.

MMR also engages in the pastoral care of the few Burmese Catholics in Ranong, with a weekly Mass celebrated in Burmese at the Chanel Community Centre.