Rising above injustice

Achara, the eldest daughter of a Karen family, comes from a rural village in western Thailand. Her father, a Karen environmental activist, went missing in 2014 after being arrested in a National Park, since then her family has sought justice for his disappearance.

After relocating multiple times, Achara and her family settled in a new village where she attended a local Catholic high school. Here for the first time Achara could focus on her studies, begin to dream of a brighter future for her family and move forward from the trauma of losing her father.  

Determined to pursue her education further, she joined Xavier Learning Community (XLC) in northern Thailand, which offers a Bachelor degree in English with profession-based training, including eco-tourism and hospitality.

XLC is transforming the lives of individuals like Achara, from ethnic minority groups that often face stigma and discrimination, giving hope through quality education and teaching sustainable agricultural practices.

"I feel very lucky to study here at XLC. I enjoy learning English and living in such a positive environment with my peers,” says Achara.

Your generosity in supporting XLC, eases the financial burden on Achara’s mother, who supports her five children on her own. XLC has given Achara the freedom to explore her interests and develop new skills.

Achara actively participates in the 'Teaching Village on Saturday' program, gaining professional teaching experience and challenging herself. She also enjoys being the master of ceremonies on campus, which has greatly boosted her confidence and public speaking skills.

Looking ahead, Achara dreams of working in the hospitality industry. Whilst pursuing this dream, during summer breaks she also returns to her village to help her mother with farming.

Achara’s story highlights the transformative power of education.

This year, XLC is educating around 90 students from vulnerable Indigenous groups, helping them find meaningful employment, build sustainable communities, and serve others. The diverse student body, from various ethnic minority groups in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, fosters a unique and unified community.

Learning in community, and in the Ignatian ethos, invites education both inside and outside the classroom, allowing the students at XLC to develop holistically through formal education and their own local knowledge.

Achara 's journey is one of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice. Her lively spirit and eagerness to learn inspire those around her. With your support, Achara and many other students can dream of a brighter future and work towards making it a reality.