TBCAF: Tak Border Child Assistance Foundation

Tak Border Child Assistance Foundation (TBCAF) is a non-religious, non-profit foundation which was established by the local community along the Thai-Burma border in 2005.

TBCAF provides educational support for children from low-income families, working families, neglected and vulnerable children who have less access to basic and higher education. In addition, TBCAF promotes community development by coordinating local GOs and international NGOs.

Objectives

• To advocate and protect children and youth’s rights, value, and dignity.
• To create and provide educational opportunities for less fortunate children, orphans, and migrants.
• To promote and support appropriate vocational and skilled training based on local situation.
• To encourage children to express themselves based on the Child Protection Bill of B.E. 2546.
• To get involved actively in work with both local GOs and international NGOs.

Target areas

5 border districts of Tak province, Thailand;

• Tha Song Yang District
• Mae Ramat District
• Mae Sot District
• Pop Pra District
• Umphang District

Strategies

• To organize fund-raising for children and youth’s education and skill training programs.
• To collaborate and build better partnerships with local communities, local GOs and international NGOs.
• To get involved with any other social work issues that may arise.

Activities

Early Childhood Development Program

• Working with child development centers all along the border areas that serve all children regardless of their legal status, by improving the current learning environment and training the local staff.

Basic Education Program

• Working with public schools in remote areas and increase educational opportunities for children by providing trained teachers, teacher training and materials support.

Further Education Program

• Provide boarding accommodation and scholarship for higher education and vocational studies.
• Provide Nursing and Law program study loans without interest.

Communities Development Program

• Encourage and educate about green energy (solar power and micro-hydro power systems) and forest management to create a sustainable environment for the future.
• Empower and reaffirm the villagers of the local way of life and to encourage the children and youth to practice it.
• Provide social relief activities in times of need.