Who We Help
At Hoops for Hearts, we dedicate all our profits to supporting the Mlabri tribe, a small Indigenous community in the Nan Province of Northern Thailand. Once hunter-gatherers, the Mlabri have faced significant societal challenges since leaving their traditional way of life. Our mission is to provide them with a sustainable support system through fundraising, advocacy, and raising awareness about the underprivileged in Thailand.
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Approximately 400 individuals, making them one of Thailand's smallest ethnic groups.
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Traditionally, they viewed the forest as both a physical home and a spiritual sanctuary.
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The Mlabri are known as the "spirits of the yellow leaves."
About Mlabri
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Once the last nomadic hunter-gatherers in Thailand
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They face social exclusion, limited economic opportunities, and restricted access to services.
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Why it Matters!
Supporting the Mlabri community is about more than meeting their needs; it's about preserving their culture and way of life. Our efforts align with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind as we work to empower the Mlabri and foster a more inclusive future.
The Challenges They Face
Stigmatization
They are often stigmatized as "primitive" or "backward" due to their traditional way of life, leading to exclusion from mainstream Thai society.
Exploitation
The Mlabri are vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination as a marginalized community.
Marginalization
Limited access to education, healthcare, and basic services in their new settlements. Mlabri are forced to accept low-paying, unstable jobs, often under unfair working conditions, due to their limited education and marginalized status.
Overview
The Mlabri of northern Thailand face challenges such as social exclusion, limited economic opportunities, and restricted access to services. Their traditional lifestyle is often misunderstood, and they work to preserve their culture and gain recognition. Despite these difficulties, they remain resilient and connected to their heritage.
Our Collaborative Efforts
We strive to make a difference in their community through project initiatives that directly address their issues.
We Need Your Help
With your continued support, we aim to expand our initiatives to reach more families and create a more lasting change for generations of Mlabris to come.