At Rainbow Life, our ethos is built on authenticity, connection, and ethical impact—values deeply rooted in my own time living with the Karen people of Northern Thailand. That’s why our partnership with the Karen Hilltribes Trust (KHT) holds profound significance—not just strategically, but personally. Since 1986, KHT has taken a holistic, community-led approach to empower marginalised Karen communities in Northern Thailand by improving health, education and livelihoods. Their mission—to partner with Karen communities to build their capacity to thrive sustainably—is a mission I understand intimately.

My Time with the Karen People

Living in a Karen village was a transformative chapter in my life—one where I learned how clean water, education, and self-reliance make all the difference. I witnessed daily what KHT describes in data: Karen families often earn as little as $810 per year, with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, or schooling. But beyond numbers, I saw hope in action—how a flood-resistant irrigation system could change harvest yields, how a school bus meant safety and opportunity for students, and how simple hygiene education shifted entire communities. These are the projects KHT leads, reaching over 51,000 people through clean water, 19,000 farmers via irrigation support, and 15,500 children through educational access programs. By focusing on community-led development, KHT empowers the Karen people to take control of their own future.

Why This Partnership Matters

This partnership matters for many reasons. First, it is rooted in my own journey with the Karen people—making it deeply personal. Second, KHT’s mission of empowering the Karen to improve their own lives mirrors Rainbow Life’s values of ethical, sustainable change. Third, KHT has a proven track record: their long-term results in water systems, education, and agricultural resilience show meaningful and measurable transformation. And finally, they focus on building self-reliance rather than dependency—something I witnessed first hand as the most dignified and enduring path forward.

By linking arms with the Karen Hilltribes Trust, Rainbow Life is not only supporting projects—but nurturing connections, honouring traditions, and helping communities thrive on their own terms. This partnership exemplifies how ethical partnerships and community empowerment can create real, lasting change.

👉 Learn more about KHT’s work here: Karen Hilltribes Trust