Constructing a Better Future

Baan Dek Foundation's Systemic Approach to Reducing Wealth Inequality through Education and Sustainable Construction Practices.

Imagine growing up in a construction site camp, without access to basic education or healthcare. These were the harsh prospects for over 60,000 children of migrant workers in Thailand. Baan Dek Foundation (BDF) is working to change this narrative.

Addressing Urgent Needs

The construction sector in Thailand relies heavily on migrant labor, with over 700,000 workers and their families living in construction site camps. BDF's intervention starts by tackling the most pressing family issues, including mental health and access to basic services. In partnership with the Julius Baer Foundation, their 'Tchin Tcho Critical Care Nursery' supports children in meeting early childhood development milestones and learning Thai. Through this collaboration, financial support is being provided to ensure more children can attend the public schools, gaining a crucial foothold in Thai society.

Empowering Communities     

BDF empowers community leaders to solve common issues autonomously. Their network of Youth Peers, who have faced similar challenges, provides guidance, support, and role-modeling for new families. This initiative not only benefits the children but also helps the Youth Peers gain confidence and tools to build better prospects for themselves and their communities.

A Win-Win Solution

But no long-term solution can be achieved without the active involvement of employers. Since 2022, BDF's Building Social Impact (BSI) initiative has provided construction companies with tools to improve worker wellbeing and access to education. 26 companies have already joined, recognising the benefits of improved risk mitigation, labor retention, and ESG sustainability performances.

Watch the video to learn more about how innovative solutions and collaboration are generating a positive impact on the future of these children and reducing inequalities in Thailand.

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Kids with teacher

About Baan Dek Foundation

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kids eating

For over twenty years, BDF has been improving the fundamental well-being of children living in urban slums and construction site camps by supporting their immediate needs, empowering their families and communities through a peer-to-peer approach, and creating sustainable change in the Thai construction sector.

 

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