Marist Connection
An immersion of encounter, faith and solidarity.
For many people from Myanmar, Thailand represents hope—a place where they can find safety, work and a better future for their families. Yet life as a migrant can be difficult, with limited access to education, healthcare and secure employment.
In the southern Thai border town of Ranong, the Marist Mission has been walking alongside the Burmese migrant community since 2006. Inspired by the Marist commitment to serve “the most neglected, the poor, and those who suffer injustice,” the Mission responds to the needs of children, families and migrant workers through education, healthcare and community support.
At the heart of the Mission is the Marist Centre, providing education for more than 200 Burmese migrant children.
Why Ranong? A Ranong immersion invites students to move beyond tourism and encounter people and communities whose lives are very different from their own.
Participants will spend time with the Marist community, meet children and families, hear their stories and learn about the realities faced by Burmese migrants. They will discover how the Catholic Church responds through education, healthcare, advocacy and accompaniment.
The experience encourages students to reflect on important questions:
What does it mean to live in solidarity with others?
What happens when people are forced to leave their homes?
How can education change a child's future?
What does our faith call us to do when we encounter injustice?
More than a visit - the Ranong immersion is not about coming in to “fix” a community. Students are invited to be present, listen, learn and build relationships.
Through their experiences with the Marist Mission, participants gain a deeper understanding of migration, poverty and inequality, while seeing first-hand the hope created when people choose to walk alongside others.
Ranong is an invitation to encounter—not simply another place to visit.
