Transportation for Youth

While there are many roads in Mae Jam have been improved transportation is still a major issue that affects both the daily lives of residents and students who are part of a hill tribe where most of them live in the mountains and need to travel long distances to attend school. In Mae Jam, public transportation options are minimal or non-existent in many rural areas. This means that students and families must rely on private vehicles such as motorcycles and bikes. For many families, owning a private vehicle is simply not affordable, so they are left with few alternatives such as buses. In some areas, students must walk long distances to get to school, which is particularly difficult during the rainy season when roads can become muddy and slippery.

The road network in Mae Jam is underdeveloped, especially in remote villages. Many of the roads are unpaved, making travel difficult, especially for larger vehicles such as buses. In the rainy season, these roads can become damaged, leading to delays and even making certain areas completely inaccessible. The lack of proper roads and infrastructure not only affects students’ ability to get to school but also impacts the delivery of goods and services.

For families who rely on private transportation, the costs can be high. Fuel prices, maintenance costs for vehicles, and the price of hiring private transportation add up quickly, making it difficult for low-income families to afford regular travel. This is especially true for students who attend schools located far from their homes. Some families are even forced to send their children to live with relatives near the school to reduce transportation costs.

Due to the lack of proper roads and the reliance on informal transportation methods, safety is a significant concern. Students who travel by motorcycle or on foot face the risk of accidents, particularly during rainy or foggy weather. The long journeys to school and the lack of supervision during travel exposed the students to potential dangers such as accidents, wild animals, and in some cases, human trafficking. Students may also miss classes due to long travel times or road conditions, which in turn affects their academic performance. Additionally, schools in rural areas often struggle to retain teachers due to the difficulty of commuting, which results in staff shortages and a lack of consistent education for students.

What Can Be Done?

• Improving road infrastructure: Paving roads and ensuring they are properly maintained would make travel safer and more reliable, allowing students and families to reach schools, markets, and other services safely
• Providing school transportation: In areas where public transportation is limited, providing school buses for students would help ensure that children can attend school regularly and safely.

While we acknowledge that these issues are out of our hands. We truly hope that in the future we will be able to work with the local government to tackle this issue.