Profiles of our lay missionaries

Patrick Mooney: Cambodia/Thailand

Patrick Mooney from Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin with expertise in Accountancy, Community Development & Adult Religious Studies works with the National

Catholic Commission for Migration(NCCM) in Thailand and also with Partners in Compassion (PC) in Cambodia. Pat helped develop Poverty Reduction Programs through community development initiatives situated in rural areas in Cambodia

and these continue to be implemented by local staff. However, support is still needed in some areas, including project management, introducing child

protection policies etc.

This photo shows the annual staff outing for Partners in Compassion which took place just before Christmas in the North East of Cambodia to a Province called Ratanakiri – in English RATANA means precious gems and KIRI means mountain. In the past many came to the region digging for gold, it is a well known area for gems.

Spending the majority of his time in Thailand, The main thrust of Pat's work is towards migrants. Thailand hosts over 2million from the neighbouring countries of Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The problems facing migrants are many however a few major issues they face are access to health care, education, and separation from family.  Pat’s role is Capacity Building & Institutional Development Coordinator. He works with national staff on monitoring & evaluation in the field, project proposal writing and supporting national staff in engaging with international donors.

One of the outcomes of the National Catholic Commission for Migration(NCCM) in Thailand is education, and a priority for children’s education as a preparation for entry into Thai Public School.

The photo above shows one of the Learning Centers in Ranong in Thailand. Ranong is situated on the border with Myanmar (Burma), consequently the majority of the people of the town are migrants. This learning center is situated inside of a sawmill at a place called Hinchin. It is a small enclave of migrants, majority of whom have no documents. The men earn their living working in the sawmill. To reach the ‘school’ you climb over planks of timber, saw dust and nails. The photo above shows the visit of Ms. Brigid Weir from the Diocese of Meath who is supporting the learning center through NCCM.

This picture is another example of a Learning Center for children, to prepare

them for Thai public school.   This is one of the bigger ones with over 200

children, it is called Wattana Learning Center.  It is also situated in Ranong    

but nearer to the center of the town in an area that we might call a slum.

There are six grades being taught in this open building.

Another learning center for children in Ranong, the photo shows the Maria Center with the teachers, the Priest of the Parish and Ms. Brigid Weir from the Diocese of Meath. The occasion of the visit was the annual painting competition in January 2012 between children of six learning centers that in Ranong that are being supported by the Diocese of Meath.