ASHA Foundation for Humanity

2 days ago

ASHA Celebrates Four Years of Partnership with Ban Kang Culture Center

When ‘ASHA Foundation For Humanity’ founders Maurie and Vivien Stang arrived at the ‘Ban Kang Culture Center’ (BKCC), they were met with a breathtaking sight - children adorned in vibrant Isaan silk, performing a traditional dance of welcome. Every movement told a story, every smile reflected the deep pride of a culture lovingly preserved.

For ASHA, this moment was more than just a warm reception - it was a testament to - four years of growth, trust, and shared purpose. What began as a small initiative has blossomed into a thriving community space where children learn, create, and dream.

After the dance, Maurie and Vivien distributed ASHA-branded gift bags filled with school supplies, art materials, and small toys. The children’s wide-eyed excitement was a reminder of how even the simplest gifts - given with love - can spark joy and hope.

Isaan, Thailand’s northeastern region, is a place of resilience, where life moves to the rhythm of rice fields and monsoon rains. Yet, like many rural communities, its people face challenges - limited access to education, economic opportunities, and resources.

That’s why BKCC, founded by the incredible Mai Wilachai, has been such a vital partner. What started as a grassroots effort to teach introductory English and preserve Isaan traditions has grown into a safe haven for learning and empowerment.
Most importantly, meals are provided, ensuring that no child learns on an empty stomach.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

The true measure of this partnership? Seeing older students - once shy and uncertain - now mentoring younger children with confidence. What began with a simple vision has become a cycle of growth, proving that change starts with community, dedication, and belief in the next generation.

To the people of Isaan - your strength and culture inspire us. To Mai and the BKCC team - thank you for your tireless work. And to everyone who supports ASHA - this is what your generosity makes possible.

#AshaFoundationForHumanity
#BanKangCultureCenter ... See MoreSee Less

ASHA Foundation for Humanity

2 months ago

FROM AUSTRALIA TO THAILAND | The Gift of Reading

We believe in the power of small acts to create big change - and today, we’re thrilled to share the impact of one such act. We recently delivered a special shipment of books and stickers to the “Ban Kang Culture Center” in northeastern Thailand, a place where education and hope go hand in hand.

For the children of Ban Kang, where even a steady meal isn’t always guaranteed, a box of books is more than just paper and ink - it’s a reminder that they are seen, valued, and connected to a world beyond their village.

When the children opened the box and saw the colorful covers of “Dr. Seuss” and other stories, their faces lit up with wonder. Some traced the English words with their fingers, sounding them out slowly. Others gathered in small groups, pointing at illustrations of creatures and places they’d never imagined. In that moment, their world grew a little bigger.

This is the heart of what we do - not just giving resources, but expanding horizons. For children with limited access to books or technology, these stories are more than entertainment; they’re invitations to dream, learn, and believe in possibilities.

The “Ban Kang Culture Center”, now in its fourth year, provides English lessons, traditional dance and art classes, and nourishing meals to children in the community. In an era where fleeting digital content often overshadows deep learning, physical books offer something priceless - the chance to slow down, explore, and imagine.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of local heroes like Mai Wilachai, who teaches and cooks tirelessly for these children, or without the compassion of supporters like Vivien Stand who helped make this donation possible. It’s a beautiful chain of kindness -one that feeds both minds and hearts. ... See MoreSee Less

ASHA Foundation for Humanity

7 months ago

BREAKING THE SILENCE | Distributing Pads and Changing Lives

As a man who has traveled southeast Asia extensively over the past 20 years, I’ve come to realize how often we remain unaware of the challenges women face, particularly regarding menstrual health. On these journeys, I’m consistently surprised by the profound issues that persist in many communities, issues I had little knowledge of until I witnessed them firsthand. Menstruation, in particular, is still shrouded in silence and stigma, especially in Nepal, where many girls face ostracism during their periods.

Cultural taboos and fears surrounding menstruation often lead to isolation, with many girls unable to access necessary sanitary products. This lack of resources has dire consequences on their health and hygiene, increasing the risk of infections and reinforcing gender inequality. While these struggles may be difficult to comprehend in the western world, initiatives like the one led by advocate Vivien Stang are vital in addressing these critical issues.

Vivien’s dedication inspired a pilot program focused on assessing the needs in remote communities where school systems are often under-resourced. Schools serve as safe havens for girls, providing spaces to come together and learn about their bodies without fear or shame. Our workshops aimed to empower these girls, with local Nepali women working closely to communicate vital information and nurture open dialogue.

Ishor Bajracharya joined us again on this trip, providing invaluable logistics support and ensuring we accomplished more than we could have imagined. He introduced me to Gyan Maharjan, affectionately known as 'The Padman,' a renowned advocate for menstrual health in the area. Gyan facilitates the production of reusable sanitary pads, making these essential products both accessible and affordable. The women crafting these pads work tirelessly behind the scenes, and meeting them was a powerful reminder of the impact community-led initiatives can have. Their efforts not only support menstrual health but also empower women, enhancing their sense of dignity and respect within their community.

Accompanying me was Mai Wilachai of Ban Kung Learning Center, along with top Tintale student Manjuri and Ishor’s marvelous daughter Ipsha. Together, we visited three schools to distribute the reusable pads. Each school visit highlighted the significant challenges these environments face. One school lacked basic facilities like electricity, while another had nearly half of its students affected by recent flooding, leaving many girls without access to sanitary pads or even funds to purchase them.

The eagerness of the students to learn about menstrual health was truly uplifting, revealing the urgent need for open conversations on these topics. Notably, even the men and leaders who spoke at these workshops were also learning, gaining valuable awareness of these crucial issues. This shared learning experience contributes to a growing understanding that we believe will spread throughout the community over time.

One of the core tenets of ASHA is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, bridging the disparities faced by impoverished students. In conversations with the young women and girls, we witnessed a spark of inspiration that can ignite lasting change in the community. These incredible individuals are the future leaders on these critical issues.

Our outreach efforts took us into challenging areas, accessible only by jeep, where we engaged directly with these communities. It became clear that we are fostering a movement and raising awareness that must be sustained, supported, and expanded. This vision for transformative change aligns with the foundation's mission. Early workshops and pilot programs can serve as a powerful stepping stone toward real impact. Together, we can catalyze lasting change and empower these young leaders to shape the future.

I am incredibly grateful to be participate in such an impactful initiative. We invite you to join us in this journey of transformation. Thank you for considering supporting the ASHA Foundation For Humanity as we strive to break barriers and change narratives for future generations. Your involvement is vital as we continue to pave the way for health, dignity, and hope. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for making a difference in these communities and paving the way for change.

Onward and upward,
William Aura ... See MoreSee Less