How It All Began: The Story of Horizon Asia Educational Association
This is not just the story of the Horizon Asia Educational Association (HAEA), a volunteer-driven initiative committed to empowering underserved communities through education, but also a heartfelt family history. The founders, Valerie and Pascal, first crossed paths at a backpackers’ hostel in Bangkok. Valerie was en route to volunteer at the Afghan Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while Pascal was at the beginning of his world trip. Valerie, who was applying for a position with Doctors Without Borders, asked Pascal, who happened to be sitting next to her in the hostel’s communal area, for assistance with her application.
A Shared Passion for Humanitarian Work
As they talked, they discovered a shared passion for humanitarian work. Although they parted ways after that initial meeting, they stayed in touch. Pascal began assisting Valerie remotely with various humanitarian programs, contributing his invaluable skills in website design and IT.
Collaborating to Empower Rural Communities
Together, they collaborated with different organizations, dedicating their free time to educational initiatives in rural communities across Southeast Asia. Their efforts included:
- ESL courses
- English reading classes
- Basic science, math, and digital literacy courses for children from Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand
The Birth of HAEA and a Family
After Valerie completed an eight-month humanitarian mission teaching Indigenous Semai children in the depths of the Malaysian rainforest, she and Pascal reunited. Their bond grew stronger, and their shared vision for educational empowerment deepened. Years have passed since that fateful meeting in Bangkok. Today, Valerie and Pascal are the proud parents of two beautiful children and the founders of HAEA.
Their organization is dedicated to bridging the educational divide in rural communities and providing children in remote areas with the tools they need to achieve their full potential.
Establishing Wonderland Jungle Hostel: A Base for Education
In addition to founding HAEA, Valerie and Pascal established a business in Thailand—the Wonderland Jungle Hostel. This eco-friendly hostel serves as a base for their educational initiatives in Thailand. The hostel’s communal area includes a classroom where staff and guests organize free ESL, computer, and art classes for local kids.
They have also built a dedicated room at the hostel for students coming to study ESL at the local Mee Fah ESL School, which HAEA sponsors. All students receive full travel costs covered by HAEA, including food and accommodation at the hostel.
Acknowledgment and Recognition
Wonderland Jungle Hostel has also been recognized for its excellence, winning an award as the Best New Hostel in Asia. This accolade reflects their commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for travelers and students alike.
An Inspiring Journey of Dedication
From a chance encounter in a hostel to a lifelong commitment to education and empowerment, Valerie and Pascal’s journey is a testament to the power of shared dreams and unwavering dedication. Their story continues to inspire and drive the mission of HAEA, making a lasting impact on countless lives.
Join Our Mission to Educate and Empower
Join us in supporting HAEA’s initiatives to provide quality education to underserved communities across Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help more young learners achieve their dreams through education and empowerment.
Donate Now to contribute to our educational programs, or become part of our Global Mentorship Program by Volunteering with Us.
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