Our IFED representative, Judy Anderson, is an expat living in Bangladesh who coordinates all of our projects through the various partnerships that she has developed. She submits requests from numerous private schools assisting in the education for street children. Funding for various programs that align with our corporate mission of education and economic development include industrial sewing machines, training, textbooks, educational supplies, desks and cabinets.

This tranquil country uses the phrase GNH (Gross National Happiness), as a signal of commitment to building an economy based on Buddhist spiritual values, rather than the western philosophy of gross domestic product (GDP). The four pillars of GNH philosophy are: sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the environment, and good governance. We shared our beautiful environmental story “Let There Be Dragons” and distributed supplies to the Bamthang school.

Let Us Create (Cambodian Children’s Painting Project) provides opportunities for families to keep their children in school and teach them artistic skills to earn income for the family. The children’s artwork is sold locally and at global fundraising activities. Families are given rice each month to supplement their income and children receive shoes and one meal per day. IFED initiated a nutrition program, refurbished their kitchen and delivered supplies.

Over two decades, IFED has funded English language programs in dozens of schools throughout this Island nation, focusing on Bali and the remote Islands to the East. Tourism is becoming the main economic driver, and economic opportunity is dependent on developing communication skills. Due to the remoteness of these places, educational resources are scarce, as well as access to schools and teachers.

Vientiane, the capitol city, is the principal economic center for access to books and educational resources. Purchasing bulk supplies there and driving through the countryside, enroute to Luang Prabang has enabled us to place resource in dozens of schools desperate for teaching and training material. This impoverished country continues to struggle with the after effects of conflict and war.

Mabul is a tiny Island community near Borneo. The children have access to a school and teachers, but scarce educational teaching tools or personal supplies. We provided backpacks loaded with all of their supplies, and as many teacher resources as could be found on the mainland.

Mukti Rijal, the Duhlihkel principal, coordinated purchases of books and supplies. Classrooms were provisioned with posters, text books and required resources for the teachers to effectively provide a quality education. In Chitwan, IFED provided minimal investments ($500) to complete a brick community school house. We completed walls, metal roof and provisioned the classroom with whiteboards, desks, posters and books. A little bit goes so far in these places…

Though a partnership developed with the Gunpo City Government and Young Harris College in Georgia, we facilitated the selection process for several Korean students to travel and study abroad. We also hosted 15 high school students for a summer travel abroad program and coordinated activities for their exposure to local students and meaningful exchanges.

IFED partners with Grandma Cares on several school projects benefitting students in grade K-12. At the Baan Mae Yoi Kindergarten, furnishings and sleep mats were needed. Library books, biology resources and posters were provided to Ban Pao Whittiyakom School in Maeteng, Chalermprakiat , Ban Luk Pan, and Sanamaeng School. We have been involved with the development of the library and the audio visual learning lab at Lampoon orphanage school for girls, in addition to providing recreational and sporting equipment.