Children of the Forest

23/07/2026

It's the rainy season here on the Thai–Myanmar border, and that means rain almost every day—sometimes for days on end. But the weather doesn't stop our COF United boys' and girls' football teams.
Training sessions, practice matches, mini tournaments, fitness runs, and skills drills are all part of everyday life at Children of the Forest With another border tournament only a couple of weeks away, the energy, commitment, and excitement have stepped up another level.
For many of our young people, football is about much more than the game. It gives them the chance to belong, to be part of a team, to build confidence, discipline, and friendships, and to proudly represent COF.
Over the past 20 years, we've seen countless examples of our football programme helping turn the lives of stateless children around. For some, it has been the first place they truly felt they belonged. For others, it has opened doors to education, leadership, and a brighter future.

17/07/2026

Children of the Forest School students received a wonderful donation of more than 300 Goodie Boxes from Samaritans Purse Foundation.

Goodie Boxes contained: toys, colouring books and pencils, soft toys and dolls for smaller children and much much more.

Big thanks to Samaritan's Purse Foundation for your donations.

12/07/2026

It has been a pleasure to welcome again our friends from Singapore, TSB Charity Association

TSB generously purchased supplies of rice, cooking ingredients, mosquito nets, medical supplies and much more.

A special treat of KFC for the children's lunch was also very much enjoyed and appreciated by all.

Fun games with the children was a perfect way to end a very special day.

Heartfelt appreciation to TSB staff and supporters for your donations, we look forward to your next visit.

03/07/2026

A good example of how Children of the Forest works together.
Four of the five children in this photo attend the COF Free School. They live with their single mother after their father abandoned the family a few months ago.
The father had worked as a rubber tapper, and the family lived in a small bamboo house on the plantation. When he left, the plantation owner asked the mother and her five children to leave because she was unable to tap rubber and the house was needed for another worker.
Suddenly, the family had nowhere to go.
As soon as our teachers became aware of the situation, they alerted COF's Outreach Team, who visited the family to assess their needs. Together, we found a kind landowner willing to let the family live on his farm so the children could remain in school.
Using funds from COF's Humanitarian Relief Fund, our construction team built this simple bamboo home in just seven days.
Today, the children are back at school, and every night they have a safe place to call home.
This is how COF works. Our teachers, outreach workers, and construction team work together to respond quickly when a child is at risk—because sometimes keeping a child in school starts with making sure they have a home.
Thank you to everyone who supports Children of the Forest. Your generosity makes stories like this possible.

03/07/2026

26/06/2026

A day of huge celebrations at the Children of the Forest school today.

After much hard work and tireless follow up at the government offices by COF staff led by P Toi, over 50 children were finally able to hold up their first piece of identification ever.
This small ID card means they now officially exist, whilst gaining vastly improved access to health care, security and freedom of movement all children deserve.
Life changing indeed...👏🏻👏🏻👍👍

18/06/2026

COF Parent Day 2026 – Our Biggest Turnout Yet
On 16 June, around 300 parents and carers attended COF’s annual Parent Day — the largest turnout we have ever had.
For Children of the Forest, this is a very encouraging sign that our efforts to strengthen parent engagement in children's education are working. Attending is not easy for many families. Most parents work as day labourers, meaning that coming to Parent Day often means losing a day's wages. For families living hand-to-mouth, this represents a real commitment to their children's future.
During the day, all of our teachers introduced themselves and explained their roles within the school. We spoke about the importance of parents supporting their children's education and reaffirmed COF's commitment to standing alongside children for as long as we are able.
Today, COF supports more than 150 students who have graduated from our free school and continued on to upper elementary school, high school, vocational training, and university. Just last week, we met a young man who began his education at COF, progressed through high school with our support, earned a degree in Physics, and is now working as a mathematics teacher in a Thai high school. Stories like his demonstrate what can happen when families, students, and communities work together.
Parents also received information about the medical support available through COF and practical advice on protecting children from malaria and dengue fever, both of which are causing concern in the jungle communities where we work this year.

19/05/2026

After weeks of hard work preparing for the new school year — repairing roofs, cleaning classrooms, and getting everything ready — Children of the Forest free school has officially opened for the 2026–27 school year.
In the days leading up to opening, the heat was intense, with temperatures climbing above 40°C. Then, as soon as school began on Monday, the rain arrived… and it still hasn’t stopped.

But rain or shine, we have now found places for 337 children to study.

Despite the wet weather, seeing the joy on the children’s faces — especially those attending school for the very first time — is inspiring.

Thank you to everyone around the world who supports our free school for stateless and vulnerable children. Because of your kindness, 337 children now have a safe place to learn, grow, and dream about their future.

05/05/2026

Repairs and prep for the new Children of the Forest school year (May 18) are going well!
Afternoons… a little slower (40°C will do that), but we more than make up for it with a full-on morning work frenzy.

05/05/2026

Koh Lanta 2026

Thank you

This year's Koh Lanta holiday has been very special.
So many wonderful activities and experiences for the 52 COF children and teenagers.
Every year businesses and residents of Koh Lanta welcome COF children as special guests to their holiday island.
The principal sponsor for the Koh Lanta holiday is COF Swiss Charitable Association, COFA Zurich, who cover the cost of Koh Lanta accommodation and hotel meals.
Sanuk Swedish School raise funds annually to help cover travel costs for the 3 day 1100km journey to Koh Lanta.
Heartfelt appreciation to COFA Zurich, Sanuk Swedish School and all our friends and supporters on Lanta.
You have once again provided COF children and teenagers with magical holiday memories to treasure.
🙏🙏👏🏻👏🏻🏖️🏖️