Human Development Foundation Thailand

The Human Development Foundation (HDF) is a non-profit, non-denominational organization with a long history of serving impoverished communities. While there are several organizations with this name globally, a prominent one, also known as the Mercy Centre, operates in Bangkok, Thailand, with a strong focus on addressing the needs of children and families in the city’s slums.

History and Mission

Founded in 1972 by Father Joe Maier and Sister Maria Chantavaradom, the HDF-Mercy Centre began its work in the Klong Toey slum, one of Bangkok’s largest. The organization’s core philosophy is to stand “hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart with the poor,” offering not just aid, but partnership in creating sustainable solutions. Its mission is to help the poor “help themselves” by providing essential services and opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Key Programs

The HDF-Mercy Centre’s programs are multifaceted, addressing the holistic needs of the communities it serves:

• Shelter and Care: The Mercy Centre provides shelters and homes for orphans, street children, and children and adults living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing environment.
• Education: Education is a cornerstone of the foundation’s work. It operates and supports schools, including numerous kindergartens, to provide quality education for children who would otherwise have limited access. This includes providing school supplies, uniforms, and meals.
• Healthcare: HDF operates free health clinics and provides community health outreach, focusing on preventative measures and addressing critical health needs within the slums. A major part of this work has been pioneering AIDS awareness and education campaigns in the community since the 1990s.
• Community Development: The organization engages in a range of community-building activities, including organizing women’s groups, establishing credit unions, and assisting with housing projects. HDF has been instrumental in rebuilding entire neighborhoods after devastating slum fires, helping families secure safe and stable homes.
• Legal Aid: The HDF-Mercy Centre established Thailand’s first legal aid center dedicated to poor children, providing crucial support and advocacy for their rights.

The Human Development Foundation’s legacy is defined by its grassroots approach, working directly with communities to empower them and provide a pathway out of poverty and a life of dignity.