15 Moo 1, Bahn
San Sri, Sansai , San Pranate, Chiangmai 50210 Thailand
Tel/Fax (66-53) 491814
E-mail : patihaan@cm.ksc.co.th
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15 Moo 1, Bahn
San Sri, Sansai , San Pranate, Chiangmai 50210 Thailand |
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PROGRAM TO PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THAI HIGHLANDER STUDENTS
Background The
Bahn Ruam Jai Project (BRJ) was established in January 1984 in response
to the expanding educational needs of Thai hill tribe children and teenagers.
The project was started by five founders, including two tribal members -
Hmong and Mien - and three lowland Thai - one anthropologist, one merchant,
and one government teacher from a hill tribe community (all quite knowledgeable
about tribal lifestyles. The main reason for initiating the project was
the conviction that one of the major causes of problems in hill tribe communities
is a general lack of quality education.As the project did not have any financial resources, its beginnings were indeed humble. It borrowed money from respected people and friends of the founders, and also relied on donations made by the founders themselves and others wishing to contribute. One of the activities to raise money was an exhibition and presentation of hill tribe culture in Bangkok, which managed to raise 897,876 baht and makea profit of 140,763 baht (at that time $US =25 baht). This made it possible to support the living expenses and education of 30 children in the first year. After moving several times in 1988, BRJ found a plot of land to stay on a permanent basis. The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Management (FARM) bought the land and officially gave permission to use it for the duration of the project. BRJ is more or less an autonomous organization, but since 1989 it has come under the auspices of the Highland Quality of Life Development Association. Objectives 1.
To provide appropriate accommodations and an environment free from drugs.2. To promote informal and formal education for the children to gain skills necessary in their lives. 3. To encourage self-confidence and develop social skills so that they can socialize and live together with people from different backgrounds; adapting properly to social roles, such as being a leader or being a follower. 4. To encourage the children in learning how to analyze their community situation, and develop consciousness so that they can take part in their community's development. 5. To promote hill tribe peoplein participating in analyzing their specific needs and problems in a holistic manner. 6. To coordinate and cooperate with government and non-governmental organizations, as well as hill tribe community organizations to prevent drug addiction among children. 7. To provide information about drug issues to other organizations involved in hill tribe development - providing accurate and up-to-date databases. Target group1. 40-50 needy hill tribe children (per year) affected by drugs of at high risk of drug-abuse.2. 2,500-3,000 members of hill tribe communities where the children come from. 
Implementation1. Provide a home for the children.2. Cooperate with government, non-government, and hill tribe community organizations. 3. Conduct informative public relations activities 4. Raise funds for the care and education of the students 5. Report on BRJ activities and important issues DurationAugust 1 , 1998 to July 1 , 2001 - total of 3 years.Expectations1. We expect that
children at BRJ will continue to live in a good and appropriate environment,
free of all kinds of drugs, well guided and looked after. BRJ will continue
the development program in all the aspects that it covered before.
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Copyright
& Copy, 2002 Bahn Ruam Jai Project, All right reserved.
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