World Dignity, Inc. (WDI) is a U. S. nonprofit organization operating internationally which is devoted to the idea that people working together – young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor – can create a better world by sharing their wisdom, their skills, and their strengths. World Dignity, Inc does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, sex, ethnic background, and nationality. Its main focus is to help poor people live the kind of lives they want to live.

ALF is funding three types of WDI projects in the Koh Yao Islands comprising a single district within Phangnga Province in the south of Thailand, all involving education.

The three are:
1. providing college scholarships via a "Work and Study" program;
2. "Teacher's Helpers" programs for high school and elementary school students, and;
3. Teacher Sponsorship.

A limited number of college scholarships are given to needy secondary school students in rural areas of Phangnga province. These students pledge that, upon completion of their studies, they will return to their home villages or districts and seek a teaching position in a local school. They are only accepted to the scholarship program if they will major in English language, science, mathemativs, or computer science; the Area Education Center has designated these academic areas as those of significant teacher shortages throughout the province.

WDI's most innovative program is the Teacher's Helper program for elementary school students. Schools in rural areas with disadvantaged students identify those most in need. WDI provides modest financial assistance to these students; the students receiving the assistance, in turn, give of their efforts to work at the school for no more than one hour a day. High school students perform various meaningful tasks such as library work, science or computer lab assistance, and routine administrative tasks. Elementary school students typically serve as teacher's helpers by assisting younger students to improve their Thai language reading skills. Thus, WDI improves the lives of both the student receiving the financial aid and other students whose literacy is enhanced.

WDI provides direct assistance to certain Thai schools through its teacher sponsorship program. Many rural schools suffer from a shortage of qualified teachers in critical areas due to insufficient hiring budgets. WDI is currently providing 95% of the monthly salary of elementary school teachers; the school and its community provides the additional 5% funding. Although the schools can hire teachers to fill any of their needs, most schools choose to hire teachers to instruct in English language, science, or computers.

ALF is pleased to be able to support this program which helps support the education of motivated students at such a reasonable cost.

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