Scholars support Karen tribe during political conflict

On February 1st 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government. On March 27th 2021, the Myanmar military began its offensive against the Karen people living in Myanmar. Air and ground attacks have forced thousands of Karen tribe villagers to flee their homes in Myanmar and seek refuge in Thailand. 

Our Karen scholars in Thailand teach and provide healthcare in the villages on the Thai border with Myanmar. Their villages are close to where the refugees are hiding and are impacted by the fierce fighting happening nearby. 

Not only do our scholars have to protect their community from COVID-19, Malaria, and monsoon season, but they also have to support their community as they face danger from ground and air strikes. The villagers have started to practice bomb-threat drills as airplanes drop bombs in nearby areas. 

One of our scholars, Saengthong Sodsaijampa, is currently working as a teacher in her village near the Myanmar border. She has been instrumental in supporting the Karen children through these violent times. Since April 27th, she has been leading the students during bomb-threat evacuation plans with the help of the local park rangers.

​We pray for the safety of our graduates and villagers. We pray for peace. In this challenging time, Smiles on Wings is grateful that we have our graduates to help the students and villagers.