Our mission

Since 1998, Belgisaan has been committed to humanitarian projects in Northeast Thailand.

The founder and driving force behind this project is Emmanuel Colyn.

Scholarships and food programme

The main activity is raising funds for scholarships for disadvantaged students, giving them the opportunity to study. For disadvantaged primary school pupils, Belgisaan runs the Foodprogram, which provides these children with a free meal at school every day.

Over the years, Belgisaan has awarded more than 438 scholarships as well as 95 Foodprograms. Through these scholarships or Foodprograms, not only the child but often the entire family receives support.

Other projects

Belgisaan also runs many other local projects, such as reNovating schools, providing assistance and medical care to disadvantaged people, training local teachers, purchasing a school bus for students from remote villages, and organising school trips and excursions.

Belgisaan also supports, among other things, the creation of vegetable gardens and pig and chicken farms at schools, sanitation facilities and water purification systems. Free clothing from Belgium, food, drinking water, school supplies and toys are also distributed.

Local follow-up

About twice a year, Belgisaan visits the region to distribute scholarships and follow up on the students and projects.

Belgisaan in Belgium

In and around Middelkerke, many activities are organised to find and motivate people who would like to sponsor a Thai student. Belgisaan also has a stand at various events, world markets, Christmas markets, the Landbouwweekend and many other locations to raise additional funds so that more scholarships, Foodprograms and projects can be realised.

Belgisaan also regularly visits schools to explain what life is like for a child in Thailand. This gives children here a better understanding of life there.

Motivation

The gratitude of the people in Thailand, students who earn their diplomas, primary school pupils who attend school because the Foodprogram provides them with a meal every lunchtime and helps them become healthier and happier, and sick or undernourished babies who are helped with powdered milk, feeding bottles and clean drinking water.

The smiles of these people and children motivate Belgisaan’s volunteers to continue their dedicated efforts.