Fire destroys World Ed-supported Refugee Camp on Thai-Burma Border

On February 23, 2012, a massive fire devastated the Umpiem Mai refugee camp at the Thai-Burma border where World Education runs the English Immersion Program (EIP).

Started by a small cooking fire, the flames quickly spread, razing 1,000 homes, buildings, and school facilities and destroying basic supplies, such as school materials. The fire also destroyed three mosques and two nursery schools.

World Education has worked in camps along the Thai-Burma border since the mid-1980s. In the Umpiem Mai refugee camp, World Education manages the English Immersion program which teaches young refugees critical skills such as community development, computers skills, and teacher training in an intensive, English-speaking residential environment. The fire has devastated the camp and destroyed the school.

Please join World Education's efforts to replace school materials lost and assist the refugees as they rebuild their lives. Donate now to the Thai-Burma Recover Program and your support will be combined with efforts by young residents, World Education staff, and community members who are working together to rebuild the camp, care for young children, distribute food and water, and replace critical education materials.

Please make a donation to our Thai-Burma Recover Program today.

See photos of the devastation on facebook.

(03/07/12)