English and Computer Training
Computer skills are very important for people nowadays, particularly for those wishing to seek employment in sectors outside of difficult, manual labor or wanting to obtain further education.
As other, many Shan youths want to further their education, but it is very difficult for them to attend Thai or other schools because they don't have a Thai ID and the school fees are expensive. According to 2008 statistics, close to 80,000 Shan migrants live in and around Chiang Mai. Most of those will have very limited access to further education or better employment.
Goal
To offer a computer training program designed to improve practical and research skills and encourage further participation in the community
English and Computer Training
To develop Shan youth skills and expand their job opportunities, SYP started to organized computer trainings for Shan youth refugee and migrant workers since 2004. Until recently, SYP has organized a total of 11 computer trainings for Shan migrant youth and 2 computer trainings for Shan refugee youth at the border.
The trainings offer many basic aspects of using computer to students. For instance, students are taught to use and work with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Photoshop, Internet, Install Programs, and Portable Programs.
In addition, the trainings also include English classes which teach at Elementary and Pre-intermediate level to the students.
As a result of the trainings, Shan youth possess good computer skills and are able to produce stickers and posters to sell and earn money. In addition, they can use their skills for communication, editing videos, creating layouts, and to do research on the internet.
Others can continue their education by applying to other programs that require basic computer knowledge. The students have good networking amongst them and are able to help each other to find better jobs. This is another way to improve their knowledge to have a good job and a better life and moreover to increase the number of skilled, committed youth in the democracy movement for Burma's Shan State.
