We arrived in Mae Sot on the day bus from Bangkok on December 20, tuk-tuked to our little house and promptly had visitors: Trudy and Cate. So of course off we went to eat at the night market. 'Gai ma-muang' or something that sounds vaguely like that is chicken w. cashews. And large Leo beer with ice. After getting the wireless hooked up, which required help from a Thai-speaking friend because we had to start from scratch, buying a big jug of drinking water for 10 baht ( approx. .30 cents), and going to Baan Ngua ( local market across the road) we were ready for anything. Christmas was spent at Mike and Trudy's with students from their school as well as teachers and students from another school for refugees. Students cooked, Trudy baked in the brick outdoor oven, we had a greed and avarice party and then a big bonfire at night; this was an all day & night affair.
Seeing former students/playing Santa Claus
Proceeds from print sales are split 50/50 between the photographer and MSppa. The project uses the money to purchase new cameras. The students use the money for anything they want; often they spend it on materials for their schools or treats for friends.
Aung Phy works in administration at the Mae Tao Clinic. He sold two of his prints in Vancouver. Notice the sign welcoming Laura Bush for her visit last fall.
Eh Soe is the principal of a Karen school in Mae Sot. He sold photos in Vancouver and Prince Edward Island.
Po Cho runs a school for migrant workers' kids: 100 students from 6 to 16 in a small wooden house. He sold a photo in Nova Scotia.
Dau Wah also sold a print in Vancouver. The image was part of a group exhibit in San Francisco and in the book accompanying the show.
Kyaw Oo was one of our first year students in 2006. He now teaches primary school in Mae La and is expecting his second child any day now.
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