Project BEST
The Basic Education Support towards Transition project (BEST)
The Basic Education Support towards Transition project (BEST) is a multiyear project focused on supporting Myanmar refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border, ensuring access to education for refugee children. The first phase of the project was launched in 2013 as a collaborative effort to strengthen basic education systems in Thailand’s refugee camps, with a focus on improving access, quality, and transition pathways for children displaced from Myanmar. Due to the protracted conflict in Myanmar, the project remains relevant today serving over 30,000 students across 9 camps. The project address emerging challenges like teacher retention, curriculum relevance, governance within the education system, school safety, integration of readiness, inclusion, gender responsiveness, and self-reliance.
The project funded by the European Union is implemented through a consortium that is lead by Save the Children and co-implemented by ADRA, JRS, KRCEE, OCEE, KnED. ADRA in its role supports activities in 7 of the 9 refugee camps which are found in the provinces of Tak, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi.
The best (Vi)
The BEST (VI) project is part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by refugees in the region, including barriers to education, wellbeing, and future opportunities. The project aims to improve the fulfillment of education rights for refugee boys and girls in Thailand’s border camps by increasing access to inclusive, quality, and gender-responsive basic education that supports long-term self-reliance and integration.
Access and Inclusions
Supports over 19,000 children (ages 6–17), including children with disabilities, across 58 mainstream and 11 special education schools.
Teacher Support
Teacher Support Engages 1,044 teachers, 49 headteachers, and 56 Resident Teacher Trainers with stipends, coaching, and capacity-building.
Community Engagement
Works with 961 Parent Teacher Association members and local education committees (KRCEE, OCEE, KnED) to strengthen governance and accountability.
Gender & Disability Focus
Prioritizes inclusive education for girls and children with disabilities, with tailored support and safe learning environments.
Transition & Self-Reliance
Prepares children for future reintegration, vocational pathways, and higher education through curriculum development and stakeholder coordination.