Children of the Forest takes a proactive approach to supporting Karen and Mon communities living in remote villages and builds close relationships with local community leaders. Our outreach support includes formal programs such as outreach education support for more than 200 children, our Jungle Schools program for 120 children as well as ad hoc community support should the need arise. For example, COF host a Parents Day at our free school every term to help increase parents of children from remote areas about the value of education, how to assist their children’s progress at school and keep them safe.
We also do quarterly home visits to follow up on children in our educational programs. This enables us to address ongoing difficulties in families or where children have been failing to attend school. Our outreach workers also locate children who are not currently in any schooling and facilitate their entry into education programs at Children of the Forest or elsewhere as is appropriate.