The sunlight is not shinnying under the gray cloud.  The ranges of mountains around are getting green. The breeze from the sea is gracefully coming in. These syllables or verses in nature compose a rhythm-less poem.

December 10th 2010. That day marked the 10th anniversary of Grassroots Human Rights Education and Development/FED. More importantly, this is the day to celebrate International Human Rights Day and Constitution Day of Thailand. It is a day that has been embellished with freedom and peace.

The beauty of Khi Khab village appears graceful resting in the Andaman Sea. The house of Pyinnar Yikemyone, located at the heart of the village, is packed with community members. The first part of the ceremony is being held. The sunset is much more stunning under the December rain. The playground is enlivened with the excitement of migrant children, participating in sports under shower rain. Their true happiness is shared with every spectator.

(B)

The place was the site of a disaster where the moan and bloodshed of Burmese migrant workers laid. The fates of the children who came along with their parents were also heartbreaking under the malicious circumstances.

Their helpless lives were devastated when a deadly Tsunami hit their area on December 26th 2004. Families were apart. Mothers lost their beloved children, so did the children. Their suffering was immeasurable.

No doubt that the breeze comes after the storm. People came out to lend a hand to those in desperate needs of shelters, education, protection and healing that would again lighten up their lives in darkness. GHRE/FED came out to forefront in assisting the vulnerable disaster affected people.

(C)

Grassroots Human Rights Education & Development/Foundation for Education and Development was founded with three specific objectives in Sankhalaburi, Kanchaburi Province of Thailand on December 10th 2000. When the Tsunami struck Southern part of Thailand, GHRED collaborating with other NGOs and local authorities assisted in disaster relief work for three months. Then, GHRED formally laid down the plans to efficiently meet the needs of Burmese migrant workers in Phang Nga Province, Thailand.

Mission of the organization

The primary goal is to provide safe and productive environment for Burmese migrant workers in southern Thailand.

The specific objective

1) To provide education to children of Burmese migrant workers in Takua Pa District of Phang Nga Province; 2) to promote job opportunities and foster a safe and lawful environment for Burmese migrant workers in Phang Nga Province; and 3) to bridge Thai and Burmese communities.

Collaboration with local CBOs, Thai authorities and International NGOs, GHRE/FED has implemented its seven core projects with 86 staff including teachers for Burmese migrant children in Phang Nga Province; (1) Children's programs (2) Health Education (3) Migrant Development Programs (4) Women's Empowerment (5) Leadership Development (6) Documentation (7) Community Outreach.

(D)

"Before, if a Burmese migrant worker died, he or she was treated like an animal. No one had valued us. Frequent stories of robberies, murders, rapes – both of young and old women - in rubber plantations were heard. We were the most vulnerable to all kinds of bullies and abuses. Thai employers sometimes had their Burmese employees arrested by Thai police in attempt to circumvent payments. After the Tsunami, relief organizations and non-governmental organizations came here and enlightened us about education, health, workers' rights, women's rights and human rights. We had a chance to learn about Thai laws and gained more sympathy from Thai local communities. This is the direct result of organizations like GHRE which works for the improvement of our living conditions" said Ko Poe Mya who has lived in Thailand for 20 years.

Recalling his past, his heart is filled up with calamity. It seems he has gone through a difficult path. His eyes are sparked with joy but also sadness.

"I was born in Thailand and went to school when I was seven year old. I felt so lonely at school because I was the only Burmese among the Thai students. Most students did not want to make friends with me. When GHRE opened up a Burmese school in 2005, I went to that school. I am now very happy having so many new friends. I am gaining a good education at The Youth Outreach. That's why GHRE is heavily trusted among the Burmese migrant youth," said a female student, studying at The Youth Outreach. That message spreads all over places.

(E)

It is still raining outside. The anniversary of the organization is all in peace and elegance. The convening hall is refined with colorful lights, wonderful music and chitchat from the audience. The second session of the event commences. Executive Director Htoo Chit addressed the audience: "At the outset of the organization, we worked with little resources. Now I am proud to say that we have implemented a variety of activities, aimed to improve the education, health and other developments of the Burmese migrant workers with over 80 staff. Burmese staff along with Thai and other international staff have played significant roles in realizing such developmental activities. We are no more a relief organization. We earnestly need cooperation of the public members in order to succeed such programs. I hope we will attain more cooperation from the people in future."

The GHRE/FED has passed 10 years journey; it was sometime bumpy but sometime with full of flowers. The organization has outfitted with new dynamic, new idea as well as new trend that will help to make the future beautiful ever.

On the stage, migrant students are moving along the music as if depicting the beauty of the organization with their exquisite hands.

A December evening…

That the moon is signing a beautiful tone…

A silver star is shinning upon a dark cloud, amazingly…

Min Htet Moe