HOW YOUR SUPPORT IS CHANGING LIVES

In Thailand, Burmese migrants can access housing, education and on-going medical support thanks to your generous donations. Through your contributions, the Marist Asia Foundation (MAF) is able to provide hope and life changing assistance to migrant families and their children on the Thailand-Myanmar border in Ranong.

Your support has helped young adults like John (name changed here for privacy). John is a 29 year old, who migrated from Myanmar to Ranong, a bordertown in Thailand, without family, money or a place to call home. Due to his declining condition as a result of being HIV positive, concerned individuals reached out to MAF to help John, who couldn’t access vital medical support.

MAF reports,

“Despite the difficulties he faces, John grows to be a resilient person, strengthened by the unwavering support of MAF and the community. Day after day, he finds the strength inside himself to overcome obstacles and live a meaningful life.”

Thanks to you - and the support of the Marist Mission Centre and the Marist Fathers - we have been able to fund health and education programs at the Marist Asia Foundation.

Your support also improves the situation for students at the LaValla Project in neighbouring Cambodia. Last year, thanks to your donations, AMS was able to purchase a new four-wheel drive vehicle to support LaValla’s operation. The vehicle has been used to travel to prospective students and families in remote areas, transport students between school and home, send students to access medical and rehabilitation appointments and to deliver food and other critical items to families in rural communities during crisis.

LaValla’s School Principal, Um Srey Nan, said, “Without your support, we cannot live in a dignified way.”

The support of AMS donors has helped create cultural and institutional change, while continuing St Marcellin Champagnat’s legacy. This is the case in India, where the Marist Brothers are celebrating 50 years of Marist presence. Throughout that time, AMS supporters have contributed to the building and development of three schools.

Furthermore, with your contribution, AMS has supported projects like Operation Rainbow and the Chetana Tribal Boys Hostel, through which the Brothers have continued St Marcellin’s legacy of loving every child and person and loving them equally.