Minmahaw Higher Education Program
| Minmahaw Higher Education Program (မင်းမဟော် အထက်တန်းပညာရေး ပရိုဂရမ်) | |
|---|---|
| File:MHEP.jpg | |
| Location | |
| , Tak Province Thailand | |
| Information | |
| Type | Non-profit educational programme |
| Established | 2007 |
| Director | Ko Ye |
| Number of students | 45 (annual intake) |
| Campus | Boarding |
| Affiliation | Education for Friendship Foundation |
| Website | mhep |
Minmahaw Higher Education Programme (MHEP) is a non-profit educational program based in Mae Sot, Thailand, that provides intensive academic preparation to migrant and refugee youth from Myanmar to enable them to pass internationally recognized high school equivalency exams and pursue tertiary education.
History and background
MHEP began in 2007 as an initiative connected with the Minmahaw Education Foundation (later the Education for Friendship Foundation) to support the children and grandchildren of political prisoners and other displaced Burmese youth on the Thailand–Myanmar border. The programme started as an intensive English immersion and academic preparation course and later expanded to include vocational and teacher-training elements in response to student needs.[1]
Aims and mission
The stated aim of MHEP is to empower underprivileged Burmese youth to pursue tertiary education and careers by providing the academic credentials, language skills and practical training required for international- and Thai-university admission. The programme emphasises community commitment and democratic values for students from migrant, displaced, or undocumented backgrounds.[2]
Program and structure
MHEP operates as a one-year, boarding, intensive preparation course focused on readying students for the U.S. GED (General Education Development) exam.[2] The program includes classroom instruction, research and time management training, and individualized support to help students succeed in the exam. [3] Graduates of MHEP may be eligible for scholarships to enter universities. [3]
Outcomes and impact
Graduates of the Minmahaw Higher Education Program have received scholarships and placements at universities in Thailand and internationally, including destinations such as Thailand, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, the United States and, etc. Alumni commonly continue into degree programmes or vocational pathways, and many return to work in education and community development in the border region.[2]
Challenges
Students from the programme often face legal and administrative barriers related to documentation, refugee or migrant status, and recognition of prior learning. These issues can complicate university admission and the formal recognition of credentials. The programme has also faced challenges relating to funding stability, relying on project-based grants and donations.[4]
Organisation and partnerships
MHEP is one of the programs of the Education for Friendship Foundation, which is mainly supported by the Child's Dream Foundation, and has historically worked with volunteer teachers, partner Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and donors to deliver its programmes. External supporters have included charitable organizations that focus on migrant and refugee education in Southeast Asia.[2]
References
- ↑ "How We Started — Minmahaw". Minmahaw School. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Minmahaw Higher Education Program". Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Thailand MHEP (PDF)" (PDF). Dana Asia. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ↑ "Minmahaw — Burma Mission". Archived from the original on 27 February 2025. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
Other sources
- "Travelling with Purpose: Meeting Refugee Students and Schools in Northern Thailand". SkillPath. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- "MHEP FAQs 2013-14". Scribd. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- "MHEP Feature — MyMyeo". MyMyeo. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- "เทศบาลนครแม่สอด (Mae Sot municipality) — Polomap". Polomap (Thai) (in ไทย). Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- "EFF Minmahaw — VIA Programs". VIA Programs. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- "SMU x MHEP – Dear SMU students… (video)". Facebook. Retrieved 2025-10-08.</ref>
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