The School for Life was born in Chiang Mai from the meeting of two complementary visions: Khun Thaneen "Joy" Worrawittayakun, a prominent figure in Thai social work, and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Zimmer, an internationally renowned educator. United by the deep conviction that education can be the driving force for genuine social change, they brought to life a project that integrates pedagogical innovation and humanitarian commitment.
The path leading to the school's foundation was built on solid scientific foundations. In 2001, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Apichai Puntasen (then Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Ubon Ratchathanee University) and Prof. Zimmer, the national study "The Development of Entrepreneurial Schools in Thailand" was conducted. The results of this research, published and recommended for implementation by the Thai Ministry of Education, provided the theoretical and operational model that still guides our mission today.
Before the official opening, we spent two years actively listening to the local community (2001-2003). Our team conducted field research, meeting with representatives of local communities, ethnic groups, non-governmental organizations, and educational and social authorities. This meticulous work laid the foundation for a lasting relationship of trust with the local population, particularly with the village of Pongkum, whose mayors and school principals were among the first to support us, welcoming the first AIDS orphans.
Founded in 2003 as a "Home School," the School for Life received official recognition as a "Private Social Welfare School" in May 2006. Today we offer a complete educational pathway encompassing preschool, primary school (grades 1-6), and lower secondary school (grades 7-9). Our gaze is already set on the future, with the planning of upper secondary education, which will become a reality as soon as the necessary funds are available.
In October 2005, we had the honor of receiving a visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Crown Princess of Thailand. This event marked a turning point in our institutional relationships, intensifying collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the provincial government, and confirming the relevance of our educational model on a national scale.
Our mission is to offer a transformative education that goes beyond traditional learning, providing children and communities with concrete tools to build an autonomous and sustainable future. We are committed to creating an inclusive educational environment where every child, regardless of their background, can receive care, education, and opportunities for growth.
Through an innovative pedagogical model, we promote the development of entrepreneurial, social, and human skills, preparing our students to face life's challenges with awareness and responsibility. Our mission extends to the surrounding territory, actively involving local communities in community education programs on topics such as recycling and organic farming.
We believe that every child has the right to dream and build their own future, and we work every day to make this right possible, building bridges between cultures, generations, and opportunities.
Our vision is to become a reference model in Thailand for social and entrepreneurial education, inspiring other realities to follow our example. We aspire to create a society where every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality education that values their potential and promotes collective well-being.
We look to the future with the goal of expanding our educational pathway to upper secondary school, consolidating our role as a development engine for the Chiang Mai community and beyond. We want to continue building bridges between cultures and generations, fostering an open dialogue between school, families, and institutions for shared and sustainable growth.
We imagine a Thailand where education is not a privilege but a right accessible to all, and where every community can find in the school an ally for its own development.
Our core values guide every action and educational choice we make:
Inclusion: We welcome every child regardless of origin, culture, or social condition, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. Diversity is for us a richness, not an obstacle.
Pedagogical Innovation: We integrate cutting-edge educational methods with local traditions, promoting active and participatory learning. We believe that education must evolve with the times, without losing its roots.
Sustainability: We teach respect for the environment and resources, involving students and communities in ecological practices such as organic farming and recycling. The future is built today, with responsible choices.
Collaboration: We believe in the strength of teamwork and dialogue between school, families, institutions, and territory. No educational project can succeed without everyone's contribution.
Social Responsibility: We train aware citizens, capable of contributing positively to the community and facing global challenges with critical and supportive thinking. Every student is a potential agent of change.
Transparency and Trust: We operate with integrity and openness, maintaining a relationship of trust with all parties involved in our educational project. Transparency is the foundation of every authentic relationship.