Refugees striving to make ends meet in Thailand are finding new skills training and employment opportunities, thanks to an Adventist Development and Relief Agency project in the country. 

When Na Aye Yin and her family fled her home country of Myanmar to a refugee camp in Thailand, they were disappointed to learn that they would not benefit from a Thai government program that assists refugees.

Meanwhile, Na Aye Yin heard about an ADRA project called ‘Vocational Training for Refugees from Myanmar’ that offered classes in vocational skills to refugee camp residents. Classes included sewing, welding, elderly and childcare, basic auto mechanics, cooking and hair styling.

After completing the initial class in hair styling, Na Aye Yin enrolled for further study through training conducted by the Thai Vocational College, which partners with ADRA Thailand.

Equipped with new skills, Na Aye Yin opened a hair salon in her bamboo house. The success of her fledgling business convinced her husband to study hair styling as well.

Not only have the couple become self-sufficient through their shop, they are working together to provide free services for unemployed refugees in the community.

“We want to help others. It gives us greater happiness in our hearts,” said Na Aye Yin.

The vocational training program is allowing marginalized groups to become financially stable and integrate into Thai society, ADRA officials said.