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The Karen Hilltribes Trust is a UK registered charity (No.1093548) with a Thai Foundation registered in Bangkok.

It was the tragic death of Penelope Worsley's son, Richard, that led to her setting up the charity back in 1999. Richard spent six months volunteering with the Karen after finishing school and upon his return home he begged his mother to help these people.

Tragically in 1996 he was killed in a car crash in Germany whilst serving in the army as a Light Dragoon. After hearing of his death the Karen people dedicated a water system to him in a remote village. This reminded Penelope of her son's wish that she would help these people.

After visiting the hill tribes a year later, Penelope saw the adversity the Karen faced on a daily basis. She decided that she could help and in 1999 the Karen Hilltribes Trust was born.

Since 1999 and with over £1.5million raised The Karen Hilltribes Trust is now working in over 300 villages in a region covering 100 square miles of remote, mountainous country.

Through the charities three key aims of: improving health, improving education and improving income generation we are continually supporting the Karen in projects that achieve these goals and lead to self-help and sustainability whilst still retaining their identity and culture.

Achievements

What we have achieved with £1.5m since 1999:

  • Approx. 27,000 people in over 80 villages have access to clean water for 12 months of the year.

  • Over 20,000 blankets have been distributed to families to keep them warm at night when the temperatures plummet below freezing.

  • Over 30,000 mosquito nets have been distributed to protect them from malaria.

  • Over 8,000 children have been able to attend school due to the provision of school transport.

  • 195 students have been able to attend university.

  • 14 irrigation systems have been built or repaired bringing rice fields back into production.

  • Over 50 volunteers go out to live with the Karen each year, helping to build water systems and teaching in schools.

However, without continued support we will be unable to build on our achievements so far. Please help the Karen to build a better future for themselves by making a donation.

 

Who We Are