Back to School Prayers Answered

This month, children around the world return to school for another academic year. In the West, we take it for granted that children come back each year, at least until they're 16. For migrant children on the Thailand-Myanmar border, the next school year is never a guarantee.

As young as 12, children feel the pressure to drop out of school. Perhaps their parents need them to work. After all, one migrant farmer's income can't support a family. Perhaps, especially for girls, marriage seems more secure than an education. Estimates say that 50% of migrant children in Thailand are out of school. So, as children approach the end of grade 6 they worry, "What is next for me? Will I be back next year?"

Many students confide in our team about these fears. In April, a grade 6 girl named Ann told one team member, "I am not sure if I can come back to school next year because my parents won't let me." We suspected she would be asked to work on the farms or enter into an early marriage.

At the school's end of year event, Julia gave a speech encouraging all parents to send their children keep their children in education . She spoke personally to Ann's mother who seemed set on keeping her home. So, the team prayed for Ann and for all the other children at risk of dropping out.

After 3 long months of hoping and praying, our team arrived at the school for our first Fun Friday of the academic year. There, front and centre of the grade 7 class, was Ann, beaming smile on her face. "God answered my prayers!" she told us, "My mother let me come back!" Our team rejoiced with her and thanked God for answering this back-to-school prayer.

Still, many students like Ann are at risk. We must pray for:

• Schools to be equipped to host increasing student numbers, including retaining older students;

• Parents to see the value of education as superior to work or marriage;

• Improved access to quality, recognised education for migrant children;

• All the grade 6 and 7 students this year to stay in education next year.

To support Nation to Nation's work in migrant schools, click the link below.

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