Since Xavier Learning Community (XLC) opened in 2017, three cohorts of students have graduated from the Jesuit higher education institution in Chiang Rai. Recently, XLC celebrated the graduation of 17 Xavier students.
Two of their graduates, Puritchaya and Meechair, come from ethnic minorities. Both of them received a scholarship from XLC to pursue a master’s degree with the view of becoming part of the XLC staff in the long term.
“The four years at XLC were intense. I was quite worried that I would not be able to finish my studies because my English is so poor. But the teachers were always ready to support me,” shares Puritchaya.
Many of the students from XLC come from the hill tribes. Puritchaya, who is a Karen, says that XLC taught her the value of respecting people who come from different cultures. Puritchaya’s father works with refugees in Thailand and Myanmar, which is why she is serious about human rights issues.
She says: “At Xavier, many of my friends belong to the hill tribes. Our Jesuit priest teachers taught me to be humble and always encouraged me and my friends who are from indigenous communities. It is an honour to be a part of this community. This place has supported me. In the same way, I should support other people to have the same opportunity.”
Meechair shares Puritchaya’s sentiments:
“I studied the Liberal Arts in English programme, so all the subjects were taught in English. It was so difficult for me. I had never studied English since I went to Thai primary and secondary schools. So at Xavier, I tried very hard to study. To be honest, there were many times when I felt stressed, but I told myself, ‘I must be patient.’”
Meechair had one big reason to want to finish tertiary education: she does not hold Thai citizenship.
Many indigenous peoples in Thailand have not been granted Thai citizenship. It is estimated that over a million people in Thailand have no citizenship, and most of them belong to ethnic minorities, like Meechair.
“If I have a degree, I can apply for citizenship from the Thai government,” she says, filled with hope.
Meechair belongs to the Ahka hill tribe. Many of her fellow villagers are stateless. The Thai government does not give that many opportunities for people who are not citizens. They do not enjoy certain fundamental rights, such as education, health insurance, and welfare. They also suffer from discrimination.
For Meechair, getting a degree is the first step to a brighter future for her and her community. “I will not give up despite the challenges,” she says. “I always believe everything is possible.”
Narongdet Chuanchuenchom is a graduate of Xavier Learning Community, a Jesuit institution of higher learning serving ethnic minorities in northern Thailand.