A place to learn for stateless children in ThailandーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Statelessness: The condition of not being recognized as a national by any state.
• Rainbow School: A school in Thailand providing education and care for stateless children from ethnic hill tribe communities.
• Self-Directed Learning: An educational approach where students choose their learning activities.
• UNHCR: The UN Refugee Agency, involved in resolving statelessness cases in Thailand.
• Permanent Residency: A legal status granting many of the rights of citizenship without full citizenship.

The Stateless Population in Thailand and the Work of Rainbow School

Thailand currently hosts a significant stateless population, estimated at nearly 600,000 individuals as of June 2024, with approximately 30% being children. These individuals encounter substantial barriers to accessing fundamental public services, notably education. The issue is particularly prevalent among ethnic minority groups residing near the Thai-Myanmar border, often lacking the necessary documentation – specifically birth certificates – required for citizenship due to frequent cross-border movement. This lack of documentation creates a cycle of disadvantage, hindering educational opportunities and future employment prospects.

Katoa Tommo and the Founding of Rainbow School

Rainbow School, located in the mountainous town of Sclaburi near the Thai-Myanmar border, serves as a vital educational resource for approximately 40 stateless children from ethnic hill tribe communities like the Kaden and Mo. The school’s principal, Katoa Tommo, assumed her role in 2010 after initially working as a Japanese language teacher in Thailand since 2006. She responded to a call for a local representative from the Japanese NGO supporting the school, driven by a strong desire to contribute. Katoa and her teaching staff provide care for children with diverse and often challenging backgrounds, including orphans and those lacking family support.

Educational Approach and Challenges at Rainbow School

All students at Rainbow School are stateless, facing systemic obstacles to education and employment. Recognizing the varied levels of Thai language proficiency and overall academic preparedness among the students, the school employs a differentiated approach to learning. A key component of their curriculum is “self-directed learning,” implemented every Friday morning. This allows students to independently choose activities, ranging from musical practice to practical skills like bicycle repair, fostering both individual interests and independence. Six-year-old Prani exemplifies the challenges faced by students learning Thai, highlighting the effort required to overcome linguistic barriers.

The school operates primarily on donations, resulting in consistent financial constraints. To enhance self-sufficiency, Rainbow School has initiated a rice-growing project in collaboration with local farmers, actively involving the students in the agricultural process.

Success Stories and Future Aspirations

Katoa Tommo’s dedication has yielded significant positive outcomes. A former student, Chhatri, who spent 15 years at Rainbow School as an orphan, successfully passed university entrance exams and is now studying in the science department. This achievement marks a first for the school and demonstrates the potential of its students when provided with educational opportunities. Katoa remains committed to supporting more children in pursuing higher education.

Recent Legal Developments and Ongoing Needs

Thailand has recently implemented an accelerated pathway to legal status for stateless individuals. The UNHCR reports that over 100,000 cases have been resolved, with the majority receiving permanent residency and some attaining Thai citizenship. Despite this progress, the continued presence of stateless children in the country necessitates ongoing efforts from individuals like Katoa Tommo and organizations dedicated to ensuring a hopeful future for all children. The narrator acknowledges the difficulties Katoa likely faced over the past 15 years, emphasizing the impact of her determination on the lives of the children under her care.