Hill Tribe Support Project & Child Sponsorship Program, Thailand

The Rustic Pathways Foundation’s Hill Tribe Support Project strives to fund the basic needs and education of Karen Hill Tribe children in the Mae Hong Song province of Thailand who have been orphaned, abandoned or separated from their parents, or whose parents are unable to support them financially through child-specific sponsorships by generous donors.  Many of these children are refugees from the ethnic conflicts in Burma, who have come to Thailand seeking safety but who often must leave their family and support systems behind.  Currently, there are 110 children that qualify for support provided by the Hill Tribe Orphanage project but who have yet to receive sponsors.

As sponsors are identified to cover annual food and education costs, children move into Rustic Pathways’ Hill Tribe Orphanage where housing and support staff to care for and mentor these children are provided by David Venning, Founder of Rustic Pathways.  Donations from individual sponsors provide the children with three meals a day and the opportunity for education through funding of school fees, uniforms, books.  The path that each child takes in life after they gain an education remains their own choice, but this project provides a whole world of opportunities available that these children would otherwise not have.  

Child sponsorships are for a minimum of one year and during your sponsorship you will receive regular communication for the child you are supporting so that you can know these amazing children and hear about their lives and dreams as they embark on the new path in front of them.
Become a Sponsor

A Basic Sponsorship is $435 per year, which provides three nourishing meals a day and covers the costs of school fees, books and uniforms for your sponsored child.

A Sponsorship PLUS includes an additional $13 per moth for personal spending money for the child you sponsor, a total of $591 per year. Sponsorships are for a minimum of one year.

To become a sponsor, please download our sponsorship application here, or contact us at foundation@rusticpathways.org. Donations can be made by check or through our website by credit card and Pay Pal -- click here to make a donation.

General donations to support the Hill Tribe Orphanage and the care of Karen children that do not yet have a sponsor are also welcome. Find out more about donating to Rustic Pathways Foundation here.

THE TRIBE TO TRIBE MARATHON
Inspired, and largely organized, by Rustic Pathways alumni Phil Carlitz, 16, and Andrew Hudis, 15, who first saw the plight of Karen refugees while on a trip with Rustic Pathways, the Tribe to Tribe Marathon is an international race designed to raise funds for the Hill Tribe Orphanage.

Strap on your running shoes, set a training schedule, and join us for a spectacular run in the most beautiful region of the planet to benefit Karen Hill Tribe children. The 2nd Annual Tribe to Tribe Marathon – July 4, 2010 in Mae Sariang, Thailand.

For more information please visit the Tribe to Tribe Marathon website at http://www.tribetotribemarathon.com.

Check out the recent press on Andrew, Phil and the Marathon:

Runner’s World Magazine, December 2009
Interview on Fox Philadelphia, November 24, 2009 (http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/video/Andrew_Hudis_Phil_Carlitz_Tribe_To_Tribe_11_24_09)

Other Ways to Get Involved

High School Students – Volunteer at the Hill Tribe Orphanage through Rustic Pathways’ Hill Tribe Support Project (http://www.rusticpathways.com/orphamage) or help out at or run in the Tribe to Tribe Marathon (http://www.rusticpathways.com/marathon).
Adults and Groups – Finding out more about volunteer at the Hill Tribe Orphanage through Rustic Pathways or joining in the Tribe to Tribe Marathon (http://www.tribetotribemarathon.com) by contact Rustic Pathways at groups@rusticpathways.com