THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-FORMAL CURRICULUM, TEXTBOOKS, TEACHER TRAINING, AND INSTRUCTION OF THAI LANGUAGE TO STATELESS CHILDREN, AGRICULTURAL AREA ON THAILAND - MYANMAR BORDER

Abstract

Abstract

This research was a pilot project supported by the Office of Educational Council, to develop a model of non-formal education for stateless children in agricultural areas on Thailand-Myanmar border. The methodology was a Participatory Action Research, conducted during July 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. The findings revealed that, in the agricultural areas of Pobphra District, Tak Province, there were a lot of stateless children who could not use Thai language although they were unlikely to return to Myanmar. The researchers, in cooperation with some social developers, three volunteer teachers, and two farm managers, created a model of On-Farm Night Class on Basic Thai Language for Stateless Children. This Project focused on basic Thai language for communicative skills, health and hygiene, and basic understanding of Thai culture and Thai laws. The volunteer teachers were trained to use four textbooks created by the researchers. The experiment On-Farm Night Classes were held at two rose farms for three months. There were 41 children – mostly children under 15 years, and three adults. Experts in the community viewed that the On-Farm Night School model was appropriate and responsive to the national policies related to stateless people on Thailand-Myanmar border.

Key words : non-formal education, stateless children, agricultural areas