Never set limits

43-year-old Cambodian refugee, Chantrea, has lived in Thailand for eight years after fleeing with her father to avoid political persecution.

Living in Bangkok and lacking legal recognition, they’ve been struggling to survive from day one.

In August, Chantrea gained new hope when she met the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Asia Pacific team and enrolled in the Urban Education Project for Refugees. Now she’s training to be a hairdresser – and loving it.

Through the project she’s made friends from different backgrounds and learnt new skills that will help her one day open a beauty salon, either in Thailand or, if safe, back home in Cambodia.

Facing each day with resilience and optimism for the future, Chantrea says “Never set limits. Learn no limit… It is the right thing to empower others to be stronger.”

She hopes to open a beauty salon, either in Thailand or, if safe, back home in Cambodia.

About the project

Countless refugees and asylum-seekers from around the world arrive in Thailand’s bustling capital Bangkok each year.

But without legal access to jobs or education, many find themselves highly vulnerable – living on the margins, exposed to exploitation, with few opportunities to improve their situation.

Seeing this urgent need, our local partner JRS Asia Pacific, developed the ‘Urban Education Project for Refugees’ that supports at-risk asylum seekers and refugees.

“Never set limits. Learn no limit… It is the right thing to empower others to be stronger."

Participants undertake six-month practical training courses in basic Thai or English language skills, and vocational training such as computer skills, beauty treatments or sewing.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, courses are free of charge, and students can access a financial package to help with housing, food and transport.

The project initially focussed on young people aged 16 to 24, but has now expanded to include vulnerable older refugees who are eager to learn.

In 2024, 310 refugees and asylum seekers like Chantrea – two-thirds of them women – were supported through this inspirational project, gaining essential skills to build a better future.

Find out more

• Find out more about our work supporting people who are displaced, seeking asylum or are refugees.