About Ayui
The Ayui Foundation manages a hostel in Chiang Rai province, Northern Thailand, to support Akha hilltribe teenagers. We currently house 20 children - 5 boys and 15 girls, and are in the process of paying off the house and land. We are 50% of the way to securing the 2 million baht price and we have until November 2010 to pay it off.
Our objectives are to support the education and living costs of Akha hilltribe teenagers who come from poverty-stricken and/or single-parent families, including 2 orphans, while providing them with educational activities and encouraging them to practice and celebrate their traditional culture.
'ayui' (pronounced ah-yer) is an Akha word that means 'older sister' as the founder prefers the children to see her more as an older sister who cares for their development, rather than an inaccessible person of authority. Also, so Akha villagers would instantly recognize it as an Akha foundation. The logo, as well, is comprised of the instantly recognizable Akha colors and silver baubles found on their traditional dress.
