C.A.N.H.E.L.P. Thailand is a private, nonprofit volunteer organization working to improve the educational environment for children in poor areas of Thailand. It is said to have started in 1990, when a university professor who saw the harsh conditions of children in rural Thailand called on colleagues to provide scholarship funds.
Today it supports primary and secondary schools in 15 provinces, mainly in the Isan (northeastern) region, which is considered one of the poorest parts of Thailand. Its work includes scholarships for elementary to high school students, school repairs and the construction of student dormitories, a library program that helps schools buy books and magazines, support for facilities such as livestock sheds that let schools produce their own food for school meals, and support for children of hill-tribe minorities.
Since 2016 it has also started supporting schools in a town in western Cambodia on the Thai border, beginning with improving toilets. The organization is run entirely by unpaid volunteers, keeps administrative costs within 5% of donations, and its staff hand aid directly to recipients on site.
Key points
- Programs supporting education from many angles: scholarships, meals, libraries and facilities
- Run by unpaid volunteers, with administrative costs within 5% of donations and aid handed over directly on site
- Offers chances to visit and take part, such as work camps and study tours
Why this organization's work stands out
It goes beyond covering school fees and works consistently on the surrounding environment, including school buildings, dormitories, books and self-sufficient school meals. Its aim of building lasting systems rather than one-off financial help is a useful reference.
How donations are used and how costs are handled are clearly explained, and annual activity statements are published. This is reassuring for anyone considering support.
Editor's comment
It is moving to see steady, patient work to help children learn in a safe environment continue for more than 30 years.
The latest news and ways to take part are on its blog and official website. Please take a look.