03/27/2003

Two government-run schools are available to Mlabri children, though a combination of fear and distance keep many youngsters at home. Because both schools are a tough, half-hour climb away for the children, those who do attend often choose to sleep in a nearby village and see their parents on the weekends only. Integration into the Hmong elementary school has proven largely successful, though some children complain of communication difficulties with their teachers and Hmong peers, none of whom speak the Mlabri native language.