Hundreds of Karen Children go hungry. Thousands of children go to school without rice (lunch) because when the rice fields are flooded in September, the village people are left short.

Historically, children from Karen hilltribe communities are at a distinct academic disadvantage in northwest Thailand. Secondary schools are located in the towns and students from very remote villages need to board in dormitories. However, dormitory places are scarce and the basic food rations are poor. Students who cannot supplement their meals with extra food from their families often go hungry during the school day. These children may have to walk many miles to and from school on an empty stomach.

Karen students are especially prone to hunger at school due to the remoteness and poverty of their families. Their academic performance can suffer considerably and many give up their education and return home to work in the fields. This greatly restricts opportunities for the future and increases inequalities between the Karen and their Thai counterparts. It costs just £5 a month to feed a child at school.