Thailand
Mary’s Meals started working in Thailand in 2008, providing daily meals for impoverished children.
School feeding in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Ethnically diverse, Thailand’s population is made up of Thais, Chinese, Malays, and Mons. The majority of which (94.6%) are Buddhist.
Our partners in Bangkok provide school feeding in two primary schools for Burmese children. The military regime in neighbouring Burma has forced many families to flee to the borders and seek refuge in Thailand. These migrant families are extremely vulnerable and are often exploited for cheap manual labour. The school feeding program eases the burden on parents to provide food and it helps the children to participate in school without worrying about hunger.
“This programme is beneficial for our students, as most of our children come from families who are working hard to make ends meet. This outlet reduces the financial strain on their parents. Often they do not have money for lunch, and will not eat, which affects their learning and development. Mary’s Meals ensures that they are focused on learning and not worrying about their next meal.” Father Chakrit, Project Coordinator
A centre for children in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, offers children from the marginalised Karen tribe an education. Children come from the surrounding tribal villages to the centre which implements education programmes focusing on skill development, culture, language and vocational based learning, such as agricultural techniques. Mary’s Meals supports the centre by providing a daily meal for these children.
The typical meal we provide in Thailand is curry made with meat, eggs, or fish, with rice, vegetables, and yellow beans.
