Children of the Forest

About Children of the Forest

Children of the Forest (COF) is a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing critical support and resources to stateless children and families residing in the Thai-Burmese border region of Sangkhlaburi. COF offers a beacon of hope for those displaced and marginalized by providing essential services and opportunities for a brighter future. They take a holistic approach to assisting stateless children, single mothers, and families with programs designed to break cycles of exploitation and discrimination that they face on the border.

What They Do

COF offers comprehensive support to stateless migrant children and their families through a series of programs focused on education, protection, healthcare, and community care. COF addresses the unique challenges faced by the Karen and Mon children and mothers they serve, ensuring they have access to the the physical, emotional, and social support needed to navigate their challenging circumstances and build a more secure future for themselves and their children. Through their registered school and extensive scholarships, medical program, and mother and child protection services, they provide the necessary link to achieving a safe, self-sufficient, and fulfilling life in Thai society.

Partnership with EMA

EMA has helped to underwrite the medical program at Children of the Forest for the last decade. EMA also underwrote production and executive produced two short films to highlight the critical work of COF for use in outreach and fundraising. In addition, EMA provides ongoing staff support for COF's USA fundraising efforts, including a complete redesign of their website, production of media assets, and management of social media campaigns.

Their Impact

Children of the Forest's nine programs are an essential part of everyday life for hundreds of stateless children and families. Their medical program is the only healthcare available for many area residents. Between the residential program for mothers and children, the K-2 primary school, vocational training and academic support for older students, the football and cross country programs, and more, CoF’s programming enriches the lives of a vibrant community of over a thousand people every day, and their outreach programs ensure that those who need them will find them.