Safe Haven

MMC Hostel
Maera Moo Refugee Camp
Thai-Burma border, Thailand

Fully supported by MMC Australia

Maera Moo Refugee Camp is situated in a jungle valley in a remote part of the border between Thailand and Burma. It is home for over 9,000 Karen refugees from inside Burma, forced to flee from their land to avoid the violence of the Burmese military dictatorship.

MMC Hostel was established at Maera Moo in 1999 to provide a safe haven for 60 children from inside Burma. Many of them are orphans or have lost at least one parent through military violence or disease.

Paul and Therese

The Hostel is in the care of a young Karen couple - Paul and Therese - who are graduates of one of MMC's leadership and management courses on the Thai-Burma border.

Food is supplied by the camp, but supplemented with MMC help. Clothing, medicines and educational costs are met by the project.

The children attend school at primary and secondary schools in the camp. Evening study is helped through light power from the hostel generator. This has enabled 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 program encourages them in music, art and English language. The program requires them to share their skills with other students.

Work and play are part of MMC Hostel. Karen cultural activities are encouraged.

MMC Hostel accepts young people from any religious background. Their freedom to worship is respected. Catholic members join in the Eucharist when Marists visit the camp.