Why We Focus on Young People
Kids and teenagers are incredible. They’re honest, they’re resilient, and they see possibilities that adults sometimes miss. But they’re also figuring out who they are in a world that can be pretty overwhelming.
We’re not here to lecture them or tell them what to think. We’re here to have real conversations about the things that matter - kindness, strength, mental health, and how to build a community where everyone looks out for each other.
🌱 What We’re Building
Values That Actually Matter
We talk about stuff like:
- Compassion: How to really care about other people (and yourself)
- Resilience: Bouncing back when things get tough
- Mental health: Understanding your emotions and taking care of your mind
- Community: What it means to have each other’s backs
- Purpose: Finding something you care about and making a difference
Real Conversations, Not Lectures
Our approach is simple: treat young people like the smart, capable humans they are. We create spaces where they can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from each other.
🎯 Our Programs
School Partnerships
Working with local schools to bring life skills into the classroom
We’re developing workshops that fit into existing curricula:
- Mental health awareness and coping strategies
- Conflict resolution and communication skills
- Community service and civic engagement
- Leadership development and teamwork
- Digital citizenship and online safety
Community Youth Groups
After-school and weekend programs for deeper connections
Small groups where young people can:
- Share what’s really going on in their lives
- Learn from peers who’ve faced similar challenges
- Work on community projects together
- Develop leadership skills
- Build lasting friendships
Peer Mentorship
Older teens supporting younger ones
We train high school students to mentor middle schoolers, creating a network of support that grows from within the community itself.
Family Support
Helping parents and teens communicate better
Because sometimes the whole family needs support:
- Family communication workshops
- Parent education about teen mental health
- Conflict resolution for families
- Resources for supporting LGBTQ+ youth
- Cultural navigation for expat families
🌟 What This Looks Like
At Samui High School: We run a weekly “Real Talk” session where students discuss everything from exam stress to relationship problems. Last month, they organized a mental health awareness day for the whole school.
Saturday Community Group: A mix of Thai and international teens meet to work on local projects. They recently started a campaign to reduce plastic waste on the beaches and created multilingual mental health resources for their peers.
The Mentor Program: 17-year-old Mali mentors 13-year-old Jin, who was struggling with bullying. Now Jin is more confident, and Mali has discovered she loves helping others.
Family Workshop: The Nakamura family (Japanese expats) and the Wongsuwan family (Thai locals) attend our communication workshop together. Both families learn better ways to talk about difficult topics.
🚀 Our Expansion Vision
Starting Point: Samui Island
We’re beginning with the communities we know best, building strong programs that actually work.
Growing Across Southern Thailand
Once we’ve proven our approach works, we’ll expand to other islands and mainland communities, always partnering with local leaders and adapting to local needs.
Training Local Leaders
The goal isn’t to run everything ourselves. We want to train community members to lead these programs in their own areas.
👥 Who We’re Looking For
Youth Program Coordinators:
- People who genuinely enjoy spending time with young people
- Experience in education, youth work, or community organizing
- Bilingual abilities (Thai/English) are huge assets
Workshop Facilitators:
- Mental health professionals
- Teachers and educators
- Community leaders
- Anyone with expertise in life skills
Teen Mentors:
- High school students who want to make a difference
- Young adults who remember what it was like to be a teenager
- College students studying education or social work
Family Liaisons:
- Parents who’ve navigated challenges successfully
- Social workers and family counselors
- Cultural bridge-builders
💡 Why This Approach Works
We’re not trying to fix young people - they’re not broken. We’re trying to give them tools, support, and community so they can navigate life’s challenges and become the leaders our communities need.
When young people feel heard, supported, and valued, they don’t just survive - they thrive. And when they thrive, they lift up everyone around them.
🎯 How You Can Help
Right now:
- Support our foundation journey →
- Connect us with schools and youth organizations
- Share your expertise as a volunteer
- Nominate inspiring young people for our programs
Once we’re official:
- Volunteer as a mentor or facilitator
- Host workshops or skill-sharing sessions
- Provide internship opportunities for teens
- Support our program expansion
Have expertise to share? We’re always looking for professionals who can teach practical skills - everything from financial literacy to creative arts to technical skills.
📚 Resources for Families
Coming soon: A comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers
- Understanding teen mental health
- Communication strategies that actually work
- Supporting your child through difficult times
- Resources for families in crisis
- Cultural considerations for expat families
Questions about Youth Education? Contact Wesley →
Youth Education programs are currently not yet in development. Eventually we’re working with local schools, youth organizations, and family service providers to ensure our programs meet real community needs and cultural expectations.