Building a Bridge of Opportunity: School and Dormitory Project in Mukdahan, Thailand
Site of the future school in Mukdahan, Thailand.
Ethnos Ministries, in partnership with the Goodwill Foundation, is embarking on a transformative mission to establish an international school and dormitory in Mukdahan, Thailand, a province that borders Laos along the Mekong River. This initiative is focused on serving the marginalized Bru people, an ethnic minority group from Laos, many of whom face generational poverty, limited access to quality education, and few opportunities for social advancement. The project aims to be a safe foundation —empowering children through education, equipping teachers through training, and fostering sustainable development for an entire community.
Who is it for?
This school is primarily for Bru children and other underserved youth in the Mekong region who have historically been overlooked by mainstream education systems. It will also welcome international students, whose tuition will help support the cost of operating the school and providing scholarships to underprivileged students. The school will offer a culturally sensitive, globally-minded curriculum that affirms students’ backgrounds while equipping them with tools to thrive in the modern world.
What is the project?
The vision includes constructing a fully accredited international school and a safe, supportive dormitory for students who live in remote or difficult conditions. The school will integrate academic excellence with moral and spiritual formation, community development principles, and a teacher training program to empower local leaders to become educators themselves.
When and where is it happening?
The project is already underway, with land in Mukdahan donated to the Foundation. Relationship-building with local Thai and Lao leaders is in progress, with the goal of launching the first phase of educational programming within the next year. Physical construction of the school and dormitory will follow a phased timeline over the next few years, aligned with funding and infrastructure development.
Why does it matter?
Education has the power to break cycles of poverty and open doors to opportunity. For the Bru people—often living on the margins without access to schooling—this project is not just about books and buildings. It is about dignity, hope, and the chance to shape their own future. The school will also serve as a model of cross-cultural collaboration and compassionate outreach in Southeast Asia.
How will it happen?
Ethnos Ministries and the Goodwill Foundation will leverage its strong network of regional leaders, educators, and partners to recruit staff, develop curriculum, and oversee construction. A scholarship fund will ensure accessibility, while international student enrollment will generate revenue to support the long-term sustainability of the school. The Foundation will also partner with local churches and NGOs to provide holistic support for students and their families.
Join Us in Building the Future
We invite you to be a part of this meaningful mission. Your support—whether through prayer, partnership, or financial contribution—can help bring quality education, spiritual formation, and lasting change to children who need it most. Together, we can build a bridge of opportunity across the Mekong.