Tzu Chi’s initiative in northern Thailand began in response to the long-standing struggles of displaced Yunnan-born refugees. Over the past three decades, efforts have focused on empowering communities through education and sustainable support, culminating in the establishment of Chiangmai Tzu Chi School—a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Project Background

A Journey of Displacement 

Between 1949 and 1954, amidst the turbulence of the Chinese Civil War, a group of mostly Yunnan-born Nationalist soldiers was forced to retreat into northern Burma. Over time, these individuals, stripped of the comforts of a settled home, found themselves drifting from one place to another until, finally, they settled in the remote, rugged highlands of northern Thailand. For decades, their refugee status resembled an invisible prison—mountains of hardship and a persistent shadow of poverty that restrained their mobility and dreams. 

Turning Point for Empowering Communities 

In 1994, a pivotal moment occurred when John Chiang, then Chairman of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, visited Jing Si Abode. During his visit, he conveyed the pressing challenges faced by Thai highland communities to Master Cheng Yen, emphasizing that those long confined by difficult circumstances were in urgent need of consistent, practical support. This discussion set in motion a commitment to action that respected the dignity and self-determination of those affected. 

The Three-Year Relief Plan (1995-1997)

From 1995 to 1997, Tzu Chi volunteers—steadily guided by Master Cheng Yen’s compassionate leadership—began making regular visits to the refugee villages. The first priority was to provide stability before focusing on education. Key initiatives included:

• Housing Support: Construction of 125 Tzu Chi Great Love homes across several refugee villages in Northern Thailand, including Huihe (回賀), Mangal (滿嘎拉), Changlong (昌隆), and Misala (密撒拉).
• Livelihood Assistance: The Agricultural Technical Management Assistance Plan provided villagers with fruit and tea cultivation skills and business management training to promote self-sufficiency.
• Educational Support: Establishing a Chinese language school, providing essential teaching supplies, and offering scholarships to children with limited access to formal education.

These efforts helped stabilize the community, laying the groundwork for the next crucial step—a long-term educational solution.

A Dream for Education 

As the volunteers immersed themselves in life among the highland villages, they recognized one of the most critical challenges: limited access to proper education. Rather than offering ephemeral relief, Master Cheng Yen envisioned an enduring solution.

In 1998, the Tzu Chi Thailand office was elevated to a branch office, allowing for expanded operations. With the support of the Thai government and a generous gift of land from residents, the Chiangmai Tzu Chi School began to take shape. Construction started in April 2002, and by May 2005 the primary school opened its doors—marking a decisive step forward for the community’s future. 

Now, three decades since the first steps of aid in northern Thailand and twenty years after the school’s opening, the transformation is visible. The Chiangmai Tzu Chi School stands not as a monument to volunteer effort, but as a living center where local children receive education and the support around them is as much about listening as it is about teaching. Community members are given the tools to break free from the lingering bonds of poverty, gradually writing a fresh chapter in their history—one that emphasizes hope through self-determination and mutual respect.

Empowered to Build a Better Future

The impact of Chiangmai Tzu Chi School is reflected not just in its classrooms but in the lives of its graduates. Over the years, students have stepped beyond the highlands, pursuing higher education and meaningful careers. Many have returned to give back to their communities, continuing the cycle of compassion and empowerment.

Shun-Chin Ai (艾順琴) is among the many graduates of Chiangmai Tzu Chi School who have chosen to return as teachers, continuing the cycle of compassion and empowerment.

Born in Huihe Tzu Chi Great Love Village, Shun-Chin Ai grew up in an environment transformed by Tzu Chi’s relief efforts. After graduating from Chiangmai Tzu Chi School, she received a scholarship to study Chinese at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan. Inspired by the education she received, she returned to her alma mater to teach, ensuring future generations have the same opportunities.

“My father thought Tzu Chi would leave after building houses, but they stayed, giving me the opportunity for a good education. Now, I hope to give back by teaching the next generation.” — Shun-Chin Ai

Beyond the classroom, graduates from Chiangmai Tzu Chi School have gone on to become doctors, nurses, legal advocates, entrepreneurs, and professionals across various fields, each using their knowledge to uplift their communities. Their journeys reflect the school’s lasting impact—not just providing education, but shaping futures and nurturing compassionate leaders.

As Chiangmai Tzu Chi School continues to grow, its graduates stand as living proof that education is not just about learning—it is about transforming lives and passing on the light of hope, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.