While children from primary schools in the Diocese of Meath look forward to summer holidays, migrant children in Myanmar (formerly Burma) face many different challenges in the months ahead.
Last month, a cake sale organised by Confirmation pupils from Scoil Mhuire, Navan raised €420 for the education of the children of migrant workers from Myanmar. Scoil Mhuire, Navan is one of 12 schools in the Diocese of Meath that are part of a twinning friendship hosted by Bishop Michael Smith. Confirmation pupils in each school commit to raising much needed funds for children their age from Myanmar.
The plight of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar has been highlighted internationally, project coordinator Brigid Weir explained. “Many of the children we’ve been able to support are born into migrant families, fleeing very difficult circumstances and even violence in Myanmar. We have been working with the Catholic Church in Thailand to provide educational opportunities for them. The enthusiasm and generosity of our Confirmation children is really a credit to their schools and their families too.”
The twinning project, begun almost ten years ago, has raised well over €85,000 during that period. These funds provide pens, copies, school books and lunches, as well as teaching resources, in 12 migrant school centres along the Burmese border.
Pictured are the pupils of sixth class with Ms Brigid Weir in the centre, Special Needs Assistant, Mrs Maria Smith and school principal Mr.Colm Devlin.
