Ayui Foundation: Cultivating Futures for Akha Hilltribe Youth
Students from the Ayui Foundation in Chiang Rai, Thailand, where education, cultural identity and opportunity come together to create brighter futures.
A safe home. A real education. A future filled with possibility.
In the hills surrounding Chiang Rai, Thailand, many Akha hilltribe children face significant barriers to education. Some have lost parents. Others come from families affected by poverty, addiction or instability. For these young people, continuing their education can seem beyond reach.
Since 2007, the Ayui Foundation has been helping to change that story.
What is Ayui?
Ayui means "older sister" in the Akha language, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to providing care, guidance and opportunity for vulnerable young people.
Founded by Sumalee Milne OAM, who has worked alongside the Akha community since 1998, the Foundation operates dedicated Girls and Boys Homes for students aged 10 years and above. These homes provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can attend school while receiving nutritious meals, healthcare and day-to-day care.
Live-in Akha houseparents manage each home, helping students maintain strong connections with their language, culture and community. Families remain an important part of each child's life through regular visits and, where appropriate, students return to their villages during school holidays.
Preserving Culture While Creating Opportunity
The Ayui Foundation believes education should strengthen identity, not replace it.
Students are encouraged to learn traditional embroidery, songs and dances, and the Foundation helps provide traditional dress for cultural celebrations and community events. By combining education with cultural pride, Ayui helps young people develop the confidence, resilience and skills needed to build brighter futures while remaining connected to their heritage.
How Rotary Helps
The Rotary Club of North Hobart proudly supports the Ayui Foundation through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service).
RAWCS provides the donation and accountability framework that allows Australians to make tax-deductible contributions to this important project. Through the generosity of individual donors across Australia, young people are able to remain in school, access healthcare and pursue opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.
How You Can Help
Every donation helps provide a safe home, an education and new opportunities for a young person who deserves the chance to thrive.
To learn more about supporting the Ayui Foundation, please contact the Rotary Club of North Hobart.