THE SITUATION IN THE NORTH OF THAILAND -extreme poverty of families (especially hill tribes) -inhumane living conditions -orphaned children (often parents died of AIDS) -recruitment of child soldiers (in the border area with Myanmar) child labor (e.g. as drug smugglers) -child abuse -Child trafficking -Daily struggle for survival Searching for food at garbage dumps Begging, stealing, prostitution -Sleeping under bridges ABOUT THE PROJECT -Founded in 2003, located near Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand -Children from the poorest backgrounds are offered a home here -The children receive: A first class education, Food, Medical care, Psychological trauma counseling, Access to hygiene facilities, Love, care & security About 140 children live in the "school for life". Its an open learning village with Farmhouse, Family houses, Classrooms, Canteen, Assembly hall, Guest bungalows, Sports facilities, Farmland GOAL OF THE SCHOOL FOR LIFE: Breaking the cycle of poverty