Frank Bird, a NZ priest who heads up the Marist Asia Foundation in Ranong, Thailand, visited Challenge 2000 on Tuesday 28th August. Frank shared about the Marist work among Burmese migrants, focusing on the role education plays in giving hope for a future other than a life of virtual slavery.

Xavier, a Bishop Viard College student who listened to Frank’s presentation wrote an insightful summary, which included the following: “Father helps run a school near the border. He showed us a short video clip about how happy the kids were as they entered the school and how happy they were to be at the school. The students love being at school and to wear their school uniform every day.

From this experience I have learnt to appreciate life more and that there are a lot of people suffering. I take my life for granted every day and one day I hope to have a positive effect on the world in my own way. Father has opened my eyes to the world and for that I am thankful. Even though I am aware of these issues, I have never looked into them deeply. These people live in a world of despair but organizations like the Marist Asia Foundation give me and these people hope for a better world.”