The Mirror Foundation has evolved, developed, and expanded greatly since 1991. In those early days work focused on social issues, using drama workshops, music and art to deliver our ideas. The original group and our many volunteers spread messages of hope and understanding to communities throughout Thailand, but based in Bangkok.
In 1999, due to a workshop in the Chiang Rai area, some members decided to settle in one place - to see if the work we were doing would have a lasting (or any) effect on the communities. A piece of land was purchased and six months was spent clearing forest and swamp, building a communal dwelling, and connecting with local people.
It was during this period that we realised that hilltribe communities generally had more, and more urgent, issues than mainstream society. The core issue being statelessness or lack of Thai citizenship. It was then that the group decided to concentrate on these communities, and that's how the relationship began.
Since then, the name has changed from Mirror Art Group to The Mirror Foundation, members have come and gone, projects have been successful (for the most part), and the work has increased. Our foundation works with other NGOs across Thailand and beyond, lobbies government for policy change, helps with case-by-case justice, receives thousands of volunteers each year (Thai and international), and has opened its own school.
28 years and counting... The Mirror Foundation continues working for those without a voice.