At 18, Nan Hser Tha Mote fled conflict in Myanmar and crossed into Thailand, finding refuge in a migrant school near Mae Sot. Now 28, she teaches at KKB School, determined to prepare the next generation to one day return and rebuild. Among her students is 16-year-old Nan Yadanar San, who also fled violence in Karen State. Alone and undocumented, she now finds hope and family within KKB's walls.
Thailand hosts around 90,000 registered refugees, but most migrant students and teachers live undocumented, facing constant risks of arrest and exploitation. Without legal status, educators like Nan Hser Tha Mote juggle informal jobs to survive, while students struggle to access formal recognition for their learning. Migrant schools like KKB are more than classrooms—they're sanctuaries. But increasing crackdowns and funding shortages threaten their survival. KKB itself was recently forced to relocate.
The stories of Nan Hser Tha Mote and Nan Yadanar San—intertwined across generations—reflect the lasting toll of Myanmar’s unrest and the quiet resilience of those still striving for a future.
KKB School grounds during class time. Located in Mae Sot, KKB is one of many migrant schools serving children who have fled conflict in Myanmar. The Thai flag flies on the school grounds as a gesture of respect to their host country, and students begin each day by singing the Thai national anthem. These schools are not officially recognised by the Thai government and at the end of last year, Thai officials shut down many migrant schools. The Peach foundation and Givology support over 12 schools in the Mae Sot region. July 2024
Nan Hser Tha Mote, 28, joins her students during orientation at a summer camp organised by migrant schools in Mae Sot. Held annually with support from the Peach Foundation, these camps welcome volunteers from the U.S. to connect with students and teachers. The program covers a range of topics, from English language learning to mental health awareness. July 2024
Nan Hser Tha Mote gently disciplines students while marking their homework. She is refugee from Myanmar educated in Thailand and now teaches the next generation of displaced children. July 2024
Nan Hser Tha Mote sits for a portrait in an unfinished classroom in KKB School. She receives little to no monthly salary as the school relies on limited donations and tuition from students who often can’t pay their fees. She says she remains motivated by the hope that her work will shape Myanmar’s future. She dreams of equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to one day return and rebuild their country. July 2024
A student sits alone for a meal in the girls' dormitory at KKB School. Like many others studying in Mae Sot, she has come without her family—sent from Myanmar or other parts of Thailand—in pursuit of an education that is often out of reach back home, especially for children from communities affected by conflict and violence. Despite the distance, many students hold onto the hope of one day returning to Myanmar and reuniting with their families. July 2024
Students gather after school to play football and volleyball on the public ground outside of KKB school. July 2024
Some boys play football in the largest refugee camp in South East Asia, Mae-La refugee camp, which is estimated to house around 37,000 people and is located in Mae Sot near the border with Myanmar. Since the military coup which happened in Myanmar in 2021, a greater number of refugees have fled to Mae Sot as political violence has escalated throughout Myanmar. Refugees who live in this camp are guarded by the Thai military and confined to the camp, threatened with fines if they are found by the Thai military outside. July 2024
Nan Yadanar San, a student, plays the game “heads up” with her classmates in a summer camp organised by the Peach Foundation. Nan Yadanar San is a student at KKB school and she has been studying in Thailand for over a year. She was previously living in a village in Karen State, looked after by her grandmother. When fighting reached her village it was no longer safe for her to stay and she travelled to Mae Sot by herself so she could continue her education. Her parents have worked in Bangkok since she was a baby. July 2024
Young girls at KKB School line up for dinner. Like many students at migrant schools in Thailand, they have come from Myanmar on their own, relying entirely on the schools for food, shelter, and care. During the academic year, limited resources mean most schools can only provide one hot meal a day. But during the summer camp, students receive three hot meals daily—a rare and welcomed support. July 2024
Students gather in the dormitory at night to watch a film together during summer camp at KKB School. The movie is projected onto a wall, thanks to a setup provided by one of the camp’s volunteers. July 2024
Nan Yadanar San sits with friends in the girls’ dormitory at KKB School in Mae Sot, Thailand. She fled to Thailand after her village was attacked by the Burmese army and now lives at the school during the academic term. For Nan Yadanar San, her classmates and teachers have become a surrogate family while she is away from home.
Nan Yadanar San plays with her friends in the dinner line while they wait to be served at KKB school, Mae Sot, Thailand.July 2024
Nan and her football team pose for a photo after practice in Mae Sot. They compete in a local tournament that brings together teams from migrant schools across the region. July 2024
Naw Hser Tha Mote and her colleagues enjoy a meal at a local restaurant located near the school in their free time. As young people and refugees themselves, living and working far from family, they become each other’s support network. July 2024
Naw Hser Tha Mote's colleague celebrates her birthday during the school's lunch break. July 2024
Children walk between makeshift classrooms at KKB School after a short break. The school operates on charitable donations and modest fees, though many families are unable to pay. As a result, teachers often go without salaries, and essential resources are limited. Without sustainable funding, many migrant schools face the risk of downsizing or closure. In early 2025, KKB School was forced to relocate and reduce its size due to a significant drop in donations. July 2024
Naw Hser Tha Mote leads the children in practising a dance for the school talent show. July 2024
