In the border town of Sangkhlaburi, 360 kilometers west of Bangkok, the spirit of Christmas shines brightly at the Bamboo School, a kindergarten and primary institution run by the De La Salle Brothers-Thailand.
Despite being in a predominantly Buddhist country where Christmas is not a public holiday, the school’s displaced students—many from Myanmar’s diverse ethnic groups—have embraced the season with creativity, enthusiasm, and joy.
From the beginning of December, the school campus transforms into a festive haven with stars everywhere, handmade by the students.
A nativity scene, constructed entirely of bamboo, gradually takes shape. Depicting the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the display features the Holy Family surrounded by shepherds, wise men, and animals, captivating everyone who visits.
The bamboo structure highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness, values integral to its mission of uplifting displaced and stateless children.
“The nativity scene reminds us of Jesus’ humble birth, and for many of our students, it’s an opportunity to learn about the Catholic faith and the love of God,” Brother Pichit Wecharak, a De La Salle Brother who helps administer the school, told LiCAS News.
Students of the Bamboo School create Christmas stars using recycled materials as part of their preparations for the season. Photo supplied
Adding to the festive atmosphere is a Christmas tree ingeniously crafted from bamboo, adorned with decorations made from recycled materials such as small empty milk containers and plastic bottles.
“No Christmas is complete without a beautifully decorated tree with a star on top,” Brother Pichit added.
The highlight of the celebrations is the annual Nativity play on Christmas Day, performed by 50 to 70 students.
“The play brings our students together to learn about the Nativity story in a memorable way,” Brother Pichit proudly explained.
“Even though most of our students are non-Christian, they enthusiastically take part, playing roles such as Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, shepherds, angels, and various animals.”
The play is a source of pride for parents, who are delighted to see their children bring the heartwarming story of Christ’s birth to life. “It’s a magical adventure filled with joy, laughter, and love,” said one parent. “The children’s participation reflects the school’s values of community and inclusivity.”
A Refuge for Displaced Children
The Bamboo School, entirely made of bamboo, was founded in 2008 to provide kindergarten education for young children displaced by Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict.
Over the years, the school has grown from a small kindergarten into an institution that now serves children up to grade six with full scholarships.
When it was decided to expand the school to include grades up to six, a new location had to be found as a concrete building could not be constructed at the Thai-Myanmar border.
A site about a ten-minute ride from the border was selected, where the grade school now features a main classroom building and an assembly hall made of concrete. The total number of students has grown to 480.
“Many students cross the border daily, while others live with their parents in nearby villages within Thailand. Stateless and without citizenship, these children are ineligible for public education. The school offers them not only academic instruction but also lessons in the Thai language, empowering them to integrate into society,” Brother Pichit added.
With the support of the De La Salle Brothers, graduates of the Bamboo School receive documentation recognized by the Thai government, enabling them to continue their education in public middle schools, high schools, and even colleges.
“The children we serve have faced immense challenges,” Brother Pichit shared with LiCAS News. “But through education and our encouragement, we give them hope and the tools to break out of poverty.”
“Several of our alumni visit us regularly,” Brother Pichit noted. “Some bring meals for our students, while others share their experiences to inspire the younger generation. These moments show the impact of our work and the sense of family we’ve built here.”
A Future of Hope
Despite financial limitations, the Bamboo School continues to thrive. “It’s amazing what we’ve achieved for these children,” Brother Pichit remarked. “From providing basic education to opening doors to higher education, we are helping them build a brighter future.”
For the students, the Christmas season is more than just a celebration—it’s a time to experience the love and joy that education and community bring.
As the nativity scene lights up the school and children’s laughter fills the air, it’s clear that the Bamboo School is a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
