มูลนิธิ ดุลภาทร
Providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged young people in
Northern Thailand
The Dulabhatorn Foundation (มูลนิธิ ดุลภาทร) projects support education and the promotion of a more fulfilling life for frequently marginalized children and young people in Northern Thailand as well as their home communities. We emphasize support to those who “fall through the cracks” – youngsters who, for whatever reason, are not eligible for government assistance and those overlooked by other charitable agencies. We also stress community leadership of our projects and encourage cross-project collaboration.
One of our children with Pa Araya, from the Executive Management Committee
Although an educated society is an absolute requirement for political, economic, and social development, in Northern Thailand the educational facilities are inadequate to support all of the members of society. While students from affluent families attend luxurious schools with excellent facilities, many children are unable to attend even a local bamboo classroom because they must help their families work, or because they cannot afford shoes, pencils, books or transport. We believe that these gaps need to be narrowed so that all children can receive a high-quality basic education.
Our broad definition of education includes early childhood programs in remote communities as well as traditional school-based learning, non-formal education and vocational training. We provide support and resources for children, their parents, caregivers and their communities to ensure an environment conducive to individual growth and long-term community capacity strengthening.
We have a special interest and several projects focused on children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Currently few government programmes and non-governmental agencies are supporting this important group. The aim of our work is to provide these children and young people with the means to develop their potential to the fullest possible extent and to make a successful transition to adulthood and the world of further education, training and work. We provide a forum for caregivers to share experience and to learn from experts in the field.
At The Dulabhatorn Foundation (มูลนิธิ ดุลภาทร), we get to know the young people in our programs well. We aim to tailor our support to the individual so that each child has the tools needed to help overcome whatever physical, intellectual, developmental, economic or social barriers that stand in their way.
We are working toward a future in which:
- All children will have access to high-quality education starting with pre-school experience
- Children and young people have the tools they need to reach their full potential
- Young people will be empowered – will understand their rights and become full participants in society
- Communities have access to positive role models in their communities and in the country to create an atmosphere that encourages and inspires people to take control of their community’s future
- Locally focused projects attain ownership by the community, so that they will be stimulated and energized by genuine community support.
- Our organization and others like us become more personally acquainted with the individuals we serve, working together to identify the gaps in support to their communities and to identify individuals and families in greatest need, not only financially, but socially and spiritually
- We learn from the people and communities we serve -- their immediate needs, their hopes for the future, what will truly make a difference in their lives.