I am loving most of the great suggestions on here, methods I had not come across yet for effecting change, and some people with practical application plans. The "incentive scheme" is very close to my thoughts, direct, empowering and yet reaches a broad spectrum of kids. Only one or two may get the 'money' which isn't the actual reward, but a lot try harder in the process. We should reward those that make the extra effort, I was a Boy Scout were you? You want that badge? You go get it! It brought a wealth of experience to me, far more valuable than the cloth patch.

Lets keep going with this thread and see if collectively we can, individually, make a few drops in the lake.

Oz

This thread is feel-good reading, although I only clicked on it to see what it was about.

As I read the OP's comment, and the ones following, (except from the ones with nothing to contribute ), a seed was planted.

Troll posts have been removed as well as the replies.

Oz, I've just had a light bulb moment ! Talk to the staff at Cabbages and Condoms in Bangkok or Pattaya, or via their website. That is a great organisation doing good work around HIV but also building schools in the north and many family planning and educational projects. They do way more than have two quirky but excellent restaurants. Have a look at TED talks presentation by the founder whose name I've forgotten. There maybe a way for you to work with them, and they are very well respected and established.

Mechai Viravaidya "Mr. Condom", excellent NGOs & resort/restauants

http://www.smh.com.au/world/mr-condom-spearheads-fight-against-thailands-new-aids-crisis-20121220-2bpc4.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/560540-mechai-urges-thais-to-push-for-good-education/

http://www.ted.com/talks/mechai_viravaidya_how_mr_condom_made_thailand_a_better_place.html

This thread is feel-good reading, although I only clicked on it to see what it was about.

As I read the OP's comment, and the ones following, (except from the ones with nothing to contribute ), a seed was planted.

It's certainly a nice change from all the political sniping and complaining that goes on in the other threads... I was starting to think that all foreigners eventually become bitter and twisted after some time in Thailand. Good to see that's not the case. So hat's off to the OP for bringing something positive here...

This thread is feel-good reading, although I only clicked on it to see what it was about.

As I read the OP's comment, and the ones following, (except from the ones with nothing to contribute ), a seed was planted.

It's certainly a nice change from all the political sniping and complaining that goes on in the other threads... I was starting to think that all foreigners eventually become bitter and twisted after some time in Thailand. Good to see that's not the case. So hat's off to the OP for bringing something positive here...

I actually do have an NGO/registered charity based in the USA. It was done, however, not to raise and disburse funds but for legal standing.

This thread is feel-good reading, although I only clicked on it to see what it was about.

As I read the OP's comment, and the ones following, (except from the ones with nothing to contribute ), a seed was planted.

It's certainly a nice change from all the political sniping and complaining that goes on in the other threads... I was starting to think that all foreigners eventually become bitter and twisted after some time in Thailand. Good to see that's not the case. So hat's off to the OP for bringing something positive here...

I actually do have an NGO/registered charity based in the USA. It was done, however, not to raise and disburse funds but for legal standing.

Can I use it for something ?

Had some more time to dedicate to this today and found a new site that I think is worth a look.

http://www.youcaring.com/

Oz

Had some more time to dedicate to this today and found a new site that I think is worth a look.

http://www.youcaring.com/

Oz

Excuse me for being suspicious but's there's no address or phone number on that site. The only contact is an email form or a media PR company and I can't see how they manage to fund themselves. They mention a 'major donor' but don't say who. I'm not saying they aren't who they say they are. They just seem a little unreachable.

I know for sure that, for instance, this reputable organization, among many other international projects, is also helping the poor children of rural Northeastern Thailand: http://plan-international.org/what-we-do

Plan are very good too. I sponsored some children through them and visited them - looked round their school etc. Good fun.

They may be very good but the accounts online in the report indicate that at least 25% is spent on running costs and that is not including the costs of the people and travel and accomodotion of the people providing the program.

I know for sure that, for instance, this reputable organization, among many other international projects, is also helping the poor children of rural Northeastern Thailand: http://plan-international.org/what-we-do

Plan are very good too. I sponsored some children through them and visited them - looked round their school etc. Good fun.

They may be very good but the accounts online in the report indicate that at least 25% is spent on running costs and that is not including the costs of the people and travel and accomodotion of the people providing the program.

They seem to have grown a lot since I sponsored a child with them. Operating expenses then were about 8 pence in the pound. They had a lot of volunteers too. Thai Airways used to carry sponsor letters both ways for free and they had volunteers in London who used to sort letters out and post them.