The Welcoming School Program (WSP), launching in 2015, is a major educational operation. The idea for WSP was produced after a number of discussions with MEII members, Myanmar education officials, and UN agencies. The BEAM Myanmar Coordination Office agreed to take the lead to launch the program in five states and divisions along the Thai-Myanmar border, including Shan state, Karen state, Kayah state, Mon state, and Taninthayi division. These areas were chosen for initial implementation because the majority of Thailand’s migrant population has come from those areas. WSP is composed of following subprograms:
A. Welcoming School Program Workshops 1) The workshops provide a space for open discussion between migrant education leaders, Myanmar educational officials, and ethnic education leaders to find possible ways to set up a school transfer system that is suitable for cross-border children and youth. The system is also expected to be supportive for children to continue learning at both sides of the border. The workshops' discussions focus on the following areas. 2) Current recruitment at schools on both sides of the border 3) Curriculum and methods 4) Assessment and achievement report system 5) Student’s progress documentation/report and school transfer form 6) Common areas for drafting student recruitment system manual
B. Drafting student recruitment system manual This manual will be composed collectively after discussions at WSP workshops and will be submitted to MoE Myanmar, MLCs and UNICEF/UNESCO for additional technical input.
C. Distribution of manuals to schools at both sides of the border D. Poster publication about WSP for public awareness E. Community participatory report on achievement of WSP