Goodwill Group is a private Thai foundation initially established in Bangkok in December 2000 as an English language school for disadvantaged Thai women. The scope of our services has since evolved to include computer skills training and job placement as well. The mission of Goodwill Group is to improve the quality of life of young Thai women via skills training and career services. The underlying philosophy of our organization is best found in the words of Ruby Manikan, "If you educate a man you educate a person, but if you educate a woman you educate a family." In a male-oriented society where education opportunities for the poor are few, women are less likely to receive them. Most of our students have migrated to Bangkok from the Northeast and are working to support not only themselves but their parents and quite often, children living upcountry with them. Given few other options in a hand-to-mouth existence, these women often face a lot of pressure, both direct and indirect, to enter the sex industry. The lack of universal access to education is a major challenge in Thailand, yet we believe that women are more in need of a helping hand so that is where we have placed our focus.
We are a school, a community center and a placement center in one, we offer:
English and computer skills training to fit busy schedules
Assistance in career planning and life management, counseling
a women's center where women can network and make new friends
free internet access via our 8-unit PC center
We are fortunate to be in a major metropolitan area where we can leverage the abundant availability of English teachers. Our teachers are all volunteers and they are our most valuable asset. They tend to be working professionals, both Thai and expatriates, some are qualified English teachers, all share our desire to change lives. Goodwill Group makes use of a volunteer teaching model in order to maximize use of donated funds. So instead of paying teacher salaries, after meeting our small administrative overheads we are able to spend donations directly on training programs for the students.
Goodwill Management and Governance includes:
M.R. Benchapa Krairiksh
Honorary Board Adviser
M.R. Benchapa is a graduate of Political Science from Chulalongkorn University. M.R. Benchapa contributes in many charitable organizations such as The Foundation of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand (SUPPORT), Saengsawang Foundation etc.
Enrique Cuan
Chairman of the Board and founder
Mr. Cuan is an investment banker in the UK working for Merrill Lynch. Prior to his assignment in London, he was based in Singapore where he spent seven years covering the Asia Pacific region. A graduate of Tufts University, Enrique established the Goodwill Group in 2000 to try and help disadvantaged women in Thailand by providing them with educational training and employment opportunities.
Sanhajutha Chirathivat
Vice Chairman of the Board
Ms. Chirathivat is a senior executive of the Central Group, a major owner, developer and operator of shopping malls, retailing businesses (Central Department Store), and trading businesses in Thailand.
Thipyanipa (Krairiksh) Samalapa
Board Member
Ms. Samalapa is a graduate of Chulalongkorn University and holds a Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard University Divinity School.
Thapanee Sirivadhanabhakdi
Board Member
Ms. Sirivadhanabhakdi is currently the Executive Director of the TCC Group, a conglomerate with major investments in beer, whisky, hotels and property businesses. She is a graduate of Harvard University.
Kurt Heck, Managing Director
Board Member
Mr. Heck is a former software executive from California with a varied 20+ year career in Latin America and Asia. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holder of an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management (aka "Thunderbird") in Arizona.
Goodwill Staff:
Sarochinee Unyawachsumrith (Beer)
Program Manager
"Beer" came to us four years ago from the Thailand Association for the Blind. Her presence has been the catalyst for the tremendous progress we've made since then. Beer's email is beer@goodwillbangkok.org
Vuthaya Charoenpol (Ann)
Vocational Training Manager
Ann was the Archive Manager at OnAsia Digital Service - a stock photo company. Her wide variety of work experience both in Thailand and in Europe has brought a lot of interesting changes to Goodwill and its students. Ann's email is ann@goodwillbangkok.org
Wipada Intakonudom (May)
Senior Administrator
"May" was previously in marketing with "The Best Team Creations" here in Bangkok. Before joining our staff, she used to be a volunteer for our Computer class.
May's email is may@goodwillbangkok.org
Weena Autharam (Nang)
Administrative Assistant
"Nang" was previously a Goodwill student. She demonstrated such a dedication in her English studies that we hired her when an opening came up. She has been administrative assistant for three years now and is doing a superb job. Nang's email is nang@goodwillbangkok.org
