Our foundation's story
Every child deserves a chance. We ensure that underprivileged children in rural Thailand don't just survive—they thrive. Nestled within the heart of these communities, our dedicated local women-led teams work tirelessly, providing education, essential medical care, and a nurturing environment.
Education, Healthcare & Sustainability
Commitment in Action
Education, Healthcare & Sustainability
Commitment in Action
- Inclusive Education: Every child has the right to learn and grow. We provide specialized schooling and resources for those with disabilities and learning disorders. Learn more >>.
- Customized Medical Care: From essential check-ups, nutrition guidance to urgent emergency interventions, we consistently ensure that every child's health is prioritized. Learn more >>
- Community Engagement: We believe in nurturing, not displacing. Our children remain in their homes, surrounded by familiar faces while we enhance their environment. Learn more >>
Inclusivity in action
Values That Drive Us
Inclusivity in action
Values That Drive Us
- Sustainability: We're in it for the long haul. Our support is steadfast, providing aid for each child, but only for as long as it's needed.
- Honesty: Transparency is our mantra. Every donation directly benefits our children, ensuring minimal overheads and maximal impact.
- Inclusivity: Every child, regardless of their background or individual challenges, deserves our utmost attention and efforts.
- Respect & Tolerance: Our doors are open to everyone with good intentions, transcending race, nationality, age, gender, or religion.
Knowledge transfer networks
Think Global, Act Local
Knowledge transfer networks
Think Global, Act Local
The Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF) embodies the motto "think global, act local." Through our strong community engagement and grassroots ownership of projects we truly reach the hidden children in faraway villages in Thailand. This deep local involvement ensures we meet the specific needs of these children effectively.
Our approach is strengthened by a vast international network focused on knowledge transfer coordinated by our Goodwill Ambassadors. We have active teams in Bangkok and around the globe, extending our reach and impact and making communications with sponsors smooth and proffesional. TCDF is registered as a charitable cause in the United States through fiscal sponsorship and also holds ANBI status in the Netherlands, making donations tax-deductible.
Our international presence is bolstered by a strong team of goodwill ambassadors in Thailand, supported by the Chambers of Commerce and the Embassy of the Netherlands to Thailand. This robust support network allows us to combine local expertise with global resources, ensuring sustainable and impactful solutions for the children we serve.
Trusted partners
Empowering Communities
Deep within remote villages, our woman-led team crafts stories of hope and transformation. They're not just employees; they're the heart and soul of TCDF, reaching out with hands that heal, nurture, and uplift.
Local Heroes, Global Impact
Our philosophy is simple yet profound: true change comes from within the community. By building long-lasting bonds of trust and understanding with local families, we ensure that every child gets the care they deserve.
This isn't a job, but a calling.
Sustainable systems
Local women-led teams
Sustainable systems
Local women-led teams
The Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF) welcomes volunteers to assist with agricultural tasks on our farms and educational activities in our forest school. However, direct interaction with the underprivileged children in our programs is reserved exclusively for local staff. This policy ensures the safety of our children and guarantees continuity and professionalism. Our approach provides children with consistent, familiar faces—individuals who speak their language, understand their cultural context, and are deeply connected to their families and communities.
We are dedicated to compensating our local team with fair wages, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Our flexible work hours enable staff to balance their responsibilities at TCDF with their own family commitments. We highly respect and value our local team, recognizing that their stability, dedication, and local knowledge are critical to the success of our programs and the well-being of the children we serve.
Partnerships & Volunteers
Learn, Earn, Return
Partnerships & Volunteers
Learn, Earn, Return
While our roots are local, our reach is global. Our Thai and international volunteers bridge the gap, bringing unique skills to our circular community campus. (picture} Diverse backgrounds enrich our programs, offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Besides hands on volunteering there are Goodwill Ambassador teams in which you can volunteer from your own home or office, not only sharing skills and supporting but also spreading the word and amplifying our impact across borders. TCDF actively seeks to build commited CSR partnerships that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A mission to empower children
How it all started
A mission to empower children
How it all started
Rosalie Tieges (center in picture) founded the Thai Child Development Foundation over two decades ago after her international volunteer work in the deep south of Thailand inspired her to support children in need. She started TCDF settling in Pak Song, with her Thai family and long-time collaborator Ingrid van der Straaten (second from left), who has been a goodwill ambassador from the beginning. Together Ingrid and Rosalie first launched the Creative Community Learning Center & Forestschool to provide holistic education to local children. Rosalie started training local women and step by step launched several social support programs in the communitys such as the healthcare program (Coordinator Kanyada Lampa- left), the nationwide scholarship program (Coordinator Walaiphon Thongchan-second from right) and the school for special needs children (Coordinator Pritsana Rungsuwan).
Today, TCDF is fully run by a strong, community-based, women-led team. Rosalie and Ingrid live in walking distance and remain actively involved, ensuring the foundation stays true to its mission. By thinking globally and acting locally, TCDF collaborates with local schools, healthcare institutions, and village leaders to provide customized medical care and education, empowering children towards a brighter future.
Sustainable systems achieve results
20 years of impact
Sustainable systems achieve results
20 years of impact
At the Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF), we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for underprivileged children in rural Thailand. Our mission is to ensure every child has access to quality education and healthcare and a brighter future.
Through our comprehensive programs , sustainable systems and global partnerships, we aim to make a lasting impact. We invite you to partner with us, donate, or get involved in our cause. Your support is crucial. Contact us today to learn more and make a difference!
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