We exist to build a sustainable platform for upward mobility

Get involved

Theory of Change

Guardians of Basic Needs

We serve as guardians of fundamental necessities: shelter, nourishment, psychological security, and fundamental education. These are the building blocks of a brighter future.

Cultivating Skills and Nurturing Talent

We foster an environment for honing skills and exploring individual talents. Our mission is to empower individuals through practical learning experiences, paving the way for personal growth and self-sufficiency.

Empowering with Individual Agency

Children at Ava’s House are nurtured into empowered individuals. Our goal is to build confidence in the children and encourage them to explore beyond the seemingly limited conditions.

Get Involved

People.

Friends.

Communities.

People.

Friends.

Communities.

People.

Friends.

Communities.

Our story

Ava's House, the creation of the resilient Dang Arjaw—a former Burmese refugee turned passionate pastor—opened its doors in 2022. Named after Dang’s 4 year old daughter, Ava, the shelter is closely situated near the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, home to 23 promising young children aged 5-15. Predominantly from the Akha indigenous community in the remote regions of Chiang Rai, these children face limited education opportunities at home.

Dang's remarkable journey from an orphanage to leading a shelter underlines his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. While education often falls short in rural areas, Ava’s House acts as a bridge. It not only offers accommodation close to public schools but also strives to propel these children towards a brighter future. And it's already showing results—5 more children are now high school students, with numerous others clinching scholarships.

Get Involved

The Team

Founder

Dang Arjaw

Dang, leading Ava's House for Education, moved from Burma to Thailand in 1996 amidst family hardships. Inspired by Thai children's schooling, he ended up in an orphanage by 1999. Graduating in tourism, he became an English guide, fueling his passion for educating mountain youth despite adversities. In 2022, he founded a Doisaket shelter, caring for 21 mountain kids with his wife and two staff.

Care Taker

Taeng

Taeng is Daeng's wife, who has experience caring for newborn children been abandoned by society before. After Daeng came to work shelter's home,So she decided to come help Daeng about to Take care and teaching the children.

Strategy

Vivian Chen

Vivian is a human rights activist who started her journey when she was 20 years old in a shelter in India. She was the youth representative to the UN for the Commission on Status of Women and the official APEC delegate representing Chinese Taipei. Vivian now leads strategy at Ava’s House.

Strategy, Execution

Chris Peng

A serial impact founder, Chris started his journey in social impact after dropping out of college to volunteer in Thailand. In the decade since then he helped start Ethiopia’s first 911 ambulance system and founded Labfront, a startup addressing the broken academic research system.

Supporter

Our Mission

Our vision defies the ordinary. We're committed to empowering every child to shape their own success story through tailored education. Our mission: to provide essential life skills, such as financial literacy and effective decision-making. Ava's House rekindles the art of practical skills, where children master sewing, farming, and livestock rearing. These aren't just hobbies; they're livelihoods. The products they craft generate revenue, fueling our non-profit mission.

Get involved