Baan Unrak (House of Happiness) is an orphanage and community relief centre for children and destitute women. It provides shelter, food, clothing, education, employment, love and support for those in need. Baan Unrak is located in Sangklaburi, Kanchanaburi province in north-west Thailand, 20 km from the Burmese border. It was founded in 1991 by Didi Devamala, an Italian volunteer working in the non-political and non-religious Neo-Humanist Foundation. Baan Unrak initially gave shelter to two children in response to a plea from local women and is now committed to helping women and children in need.

Following the construction of a dam in 1988 to generate power for use in Bangkok, local villagers were forced to relocate and lose traditional lands and jobs. Lack of employment, education, proper medical care and sanitation reduces family life to a struggle for survival in this remote, undeveloped area. Border conflicts exacerbate these difficulties, particularly for the Karen and H'mong tribes.

Baan Unrak currently houses more than 60 children and continues to grow. Two permanent volunteers run the orphanage with support from local salaried workers and temporary volunteers. There are a number of community programs:

·        The kindergarten and primary school provide education for children who have been unable to attend school due to poverty, and for ethnic minorities who are unable to speak Thai.

·        The outreach program helps abandoned mothers become economically independent.

·        The relief program provides food and clothing for nearby refugee camps and prisoners of war.

·        The sewing and weaving centre offers employment and empowerment for local women.

The children of Baan Unrak participate in yoga and meditation every morning and evening. To encourage their individual yoga practice, the children have put together a yoga show, which they perform for Intrepid groups each week. Not only has it improved the children's confidence, physical and psychological health, the show has raised international awareness of the home.

Donations will help fund current programs and facilities and enable them to be improved and extended in the future. With more funds they hope to be able to purchase a car (for transport to medical facilities and the market) and to be able to increase the number of children residing in this 'House of Happiness'.