The right to an education.

A long time ago Arthur’s father, thus his family, obtained Thai citizenship.   This is a big deal because it is expensive to get Thai citizenship and without it people are restricted to live, work, receive medical care, and go to school in the district in which they are registered.    This is very limiting on multiple levels.  In regards to education it is available to everyone through grade school.  Further education requires uniforms, books, and fees which limits access to higher education to marginalized people groups.  This makes it difficult for the AKHA to better their circumstances and break the cycle of poverty within their people group.  Arthur was able to receive a high school education because he lived and served at a Buddhist temple.   Although being away from his family was difficult the education he received opened up doors for him to later attend the University.   This providing opportunity’s for a future he would have never had otherwise.  (This is also when Arthur decided to give his life to Christ, but I will tell that story later.  J )

The lack of opportunity and restrictions on the AKHA people are why Arthur hopes to build a bible school which would provide a college education and a career path for many AKHA youth.    

So often we take our ability to move freely through the country to get a job, our access to health care, and our opportunity for education for granted.  We may look at what is available to us and want something different, something better, but the truth is that something is available.  I look at people like the AKHA where they are stuck with little to no options.    How are you using the opportunities that are available to you?