If you are a Karenni Student:
Join the KSU.
Former students are also encouraged to bring their skills to help the new generation.
Stephanie's Story
During the Summer of 1999, Stephanie Lee spent the second half of her Gap Year, living and teaching in a Karenni refugee camp on the Thai/Burma border near Mae Hong Son in N.W.Thailand. Her first hand experience convinced her of the urgent need for educational support. On returning to the UK, Stephanie set up the KSDP charity to help schools in the refugee camp.
Two "Future Stars Boarders" were built to provide housing and support for a total of 120 orphans and needy students. KSDP funded the initial buildings and provided a generator, and then provided ongoing support to buy food, clothing, toiletries and generator fuel. A small stipend is paid to the two boarder managers.
Stephanie returned to the UK in September 1999, to start her university degree at SOAS (The School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London, but continued to support the Karenni through fund raising talks, selling Karenni woven pieces and continuing to return to teach in the camps each university vacation. In two years Stephanie raised over £30,000 which all went to the Karenni refugees. Nothing was deducted for administration, personal expenses or travelling costs.
Stephanie returned to the refugee camp in July 2001, to spend a year living with and teaching refugee students. Tragically, in November 2001, at the age of 21, she was killed in a motor bike accident close to the camp. Her parents made the decision to allow Stephanie to be buried by the Karenni in their own cemetery since they felt that her heart and soul was with them and her funeral was attended by over 4,000 people.
Stay Informed on the Net
Karennihomeland
Karenni Homeland seeks to provide information about Karenni State, general news, Front line information, and accuracy news that happen in Karenni State..
KITE
Karenni Independence through Education: "The mission of Karenni Independence Through Education is to provide financial and organizational support for community-based organizations, individuals, and projects in the Karenni Refugee Camps in Mae Hong Son, Thailand and within Karenni State."
Huay Pu Keng
Huay Pu Keng (Baan Nam Piang Din), situated in Mae Hong Son (Thailand), is a small village populated primarily by the Kayan (long-neck) and Kayaw (big-ears) Karenni ethnic sub-groups. It is open all year round to visitors.
Karenni Rainbow Foundation
The Karenni Rainbow Foundation is a volunteer group of Japanese and expats who raises money for and increase awareness of the Karenni Refugees. They also visit the refugees and do volunteer work.
Karenni Language Section - Democratic Voice of Burma
The Democratic Voice of Burma is a non-profit Burmese media organization committed to responsible journalism.
Free Burma Rangers
The Free Burma Rangers is an organization dedicated to freedom for the people of Burma. "De Oppresso Liber" is the motto of the Free Burma Rangers and we are dedicated in faith to the establishment of liberty, justice, equal rights and peace for all the people of Burma.