About Us
Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities, & Building Peace in Kaw Thoo Lei.
Who We Are
Young People for Development (YPD) Karenland is a youth-led, community-based organization working in the conflict-affected region of Karenland. As one of the branches of the international YPD network, we are dedicated to equipping young people with the skills, values, and opportunities they need to build a meaningful future and contribute positively to their communities.
While youth empowerment remains our core mission, we also recognize the urgent needs of our people living in conflict zones. Many families and young people in Karenland have been displaced due to ongoing fighting, becoming internally displaced persons (IDPs). YPD Karenland works closely with local leaders, NGOs, and partner organizations to support these vulnerable communities with food, shelter, clothing, basic necessities, mental health training, and educational opportunities.
Our Approach
See
Identify the challenges faced by youth and communities.
Judge
Reflect on the causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
Act
Take concrete steps to improve lives and build a more just, peaceful society.
Mission
To empower young people and strengthen communities through education, vocational training, humanitarian support, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Vision
A peaceful and resilient Karenland where youth and communities thrive through unity, skills, and justice — connected to the global YPD network.
Goals
- Provide vocational and life skills training for youth and communities.
- Support displaced and vulnerable populations with essential services.
- Promote child rights, conflict resolution, and safe practices through AVP and MRE programs.
- Foster partnerships to strengthen community support networks.
- Encourage youth leadership and volunteerism in community development.
Our History
Beginning as a youth movement in 2003 and growing into a resilient community force in Kaw Thoo Lei, this is our journey.
What is YPD?
Young People for Development (YPD) is an international network of young people committed to building a better future through leadership, solidarity, and community development.
Established in 2003 YPD was born from an international exchange program in Thailand that united youth from across Asia and Europe. The initiative set out with three core aims:
- To promote the creation of local teams of young people dedicated to development work in their home countries.
- To build a network of young leaders engaged in addressing social and community issues across borders
- To develop an ongoing plan of action and training to strengthen the skills, vision, and collaboration of youth leaders worldwide.
What is YPD Karenland?
YPD Karenland was founded as part of the wider Young People for Development (YPD) movement, inspired by the vision of equipping young people to become agents of change in their communities. Over time, it has grown into a dynamic local branch, shaped by the experiences and resilience of Karen youth.
In its early years, YPD Karenland focused on vocational training programs such as nurse aid, agriculture, auto-repair, sewing and weaving, language learning, computer skills, music, and small livelihood projects. These programs continue to equip young people with practical skills and opportunities to build sustainable futures for themselves and their families.
As conflict in the region displaced many communities, YPD Karenland expanded its mission to include humanitarian assistance for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) — providing food, shelter, clothing, daily essentials, and mental health support. Alongside these efforts, YPD Karenland also promotes peace and awareness programs such as the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), Child Rights Awareness Training, and Mine Risk Education (MRE). Today, through perseverance and collaboration, YPD Karenland continues to stand as a beacon of hope—empowering youth, supporting families, and fostering peace and development across Karenland.
YPD Annual Exchange & Training Programs
Since its beginning in 2003, Young People for Development (YPD) has organized annual exchange and training programs across Asia and beyond. These gatherings have brought together young leaders to share experiences, strengthen solidarity, and develop skills for community transformation. Each year has carried its own theme and unique impact:
Thailand
The very first YPD Exchange and Training Program, held from 7–25 August, launched the international network.
Thailand
Hosted in Chiang Mai (10–20 July), continuing the spirit of cross-cultural learning.
Vietnam
Held in Hanoi (26 November–3 December), following the YPD Fundraising Bike Ride in Thailand (15–25 November).
Malaysia
Themed “Holistic Approach to Livelihood”, this program gathered 46 young leaders to explore social enterprise.
Cambodia
Organized across Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang, and Siem Reap (14–22 July).
Australia
As part of World Youth Day in Melbourne, YPD hosted “Green World Youth Day.”
Vietnam
Focused on strategic planning in Ho Chi Minh City.
France
The 8th training program asked the question, “For a different development?”
Indonesi
Took place in Jakarta and Bali.
Thailand
Themed “Cooperative Networking for Social Transformation” in Chiang Mai.
Nepal
With the theme “Bridging the Gap: The Closer We Step.”
Malaysia
Themed “A New Generation: Forming Leaders and Building Teams.”
Vietnam
Focused on the see-judge-act method and organizing volunteer activities in Hanoi.
Karenland (Thailand & Myanmar)
Explored peace, culture, tradition, environment, and livelihood.
Nepal Themed “People on the Move.”
Themed “Naturally Nepal.”
Myanmar
Themed “People on the Move.”
Pause and Future Hopes
From 2003 until 2019, YPD’s annual programs built an extraordinary legacy of youth empowerment, cross-cultural friendship, and grassroots leadership. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, international gatherings came to a pause in 2020. YPD Karenland, together with the wider YPD network, hopes to restart these programs in the near future and continue nurturing new generations of youth leaders.
Our Team
Meet our dedicated leaders who serve at the senior levels of YPD Karenland. They provide guidance, ensure effective coordination across all programs, and work to empower youth, strengthen communities, and preserve Karen identity through skill development and meaningful opportunities.
Thara Kwi Kwith
Coordinator
Oversees organizational operations, coordinates networks and committees, and ensures that all programs run smoothly and effectively.
Thara Ko Maung
Project Assistant
Supports program implementation, assists with finance and emergency response, and helps manage key areas such as livelihoods, health, dormitory, and education activities.
Thara Kyaw Thaw
Human Resources Officer
Manages office administration, staff and volunteer coordination, organizational documents, and supports agriculture and community education efforts.
YPD Karenland Organizational Structure
Partners & Donors
We collaborate with partners who share our mission of empowering youth and strengthening communities.
- Donor: Korea Hope Foundation (KHF)
- Sponsor: Friends Peace Teams
Our Location
YPD Karenland is based in Mae Sot, Thailand — serving urban and rural communities across Karenland.