Economic Empowerment
The rural tribal areas of the Upper Mekong subregion (comprised of Northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar) are a challenging place to live and raise a family. Economic opportunities are quite limited and families struggle to afford the costs of educating their children.
Education and vocational training are the best tools we have to change the economic situation of families and communities. A university or vocational college graduate can earn significantly more when they enter the workforce than someone without a degree.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world”
– Nelson Mandela
College Scholarships
We provide university scholarships to tribal young adults. When students graduate from college, they are able to get stable, safe jobs.
Education is the best tool to disrupt patterns of poverty, abuse, and exploitation in minority communities.
Our scholarships cover:
- Tuition
- Books
- Uniforms
- Room and board
- Travel allowances to go home for holidays


Vocational Training
We help women obtain the training they need to secure safe jobs that help them and their family meet their financial needs.
Vocational scholarship recipients pursue training in:
- Nurses Aid
- Food preparation
- Bookkeeping
- Eldercare
- Sewing
- Beauty Salon
Financial Literacy
Financial planning can help people manage resources and prepare for emergencies. Our interactive training focuses on the principles of good money management including:
- Budgeting
- Banking
- Credit
- Savings
- Consumer decision-making