| In 1998, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), a non-profit organization established in Saudi Arabia 30 years ago, set up a branch in Thailand. Like its numerous branches worldwide, it's run by local people who aim to support activities relating to young Muslims, including a program supporting the education of orphan girls.
 Manit (Idaris) Bin U-mur, secretary of WAMY's Thai branch, says members of the assembly and local volunteers organize social activities to ensure young, underprivileged Muslims receive equal opportunities, as well as the chance to socialize.
The organization also funds scholarships for five hundred orphan girls, and established a program that links the orphans to the general public. For example, a home visit program allows members of the organization to meet the girls, while during Islam's Holy month of Ramadan, members prepare meals and join in the fasting activities.
While about 80% of donations are made outside Thailand, the local Islamic population also provides a helping hand. Through local radio broadcasts, people can follow up on the development of a project, or offer more support when required.
Manit says that while raising funds is useful, it's also important to develop relationships.
“At one point we organized a fund-raising dinner and over a thousand people attended,” he said, adding that the event also helped develop a relationship between the children and their sponsors.
“They had the opportunity to meet and talk, which help tighten the bonds between us in the community,” he said.
Doing the right thing
Another important part of the work of WAMY is developing morality among young people. The group organizes camps for children from time to time, while religious teachers also take part and encourage children to be aware of their responsibilities toward society, as well as their responsibilities toward themselves.
These kinds of activities are aimed at ensuring Muslim children can become good members of society, responsible parents, and eventually responsible adults. This aspect of WAMY's work is aimed at minimizing social problems, such as drug dependency and unwanted pregnancies.
While the organization has made great strides over the past decade, it only has a handful of members within its three branches in Chiang Mai, Satun, and Udon Thani. Fortunately, the group gets lots of help from college and university students who give their time to the organization as volunteers.
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“Sometimes they prepare tutorials for the children, or, once in a while, they head upcountry to give us a hand there,” Manit said.
While the group and the Muslim community can provide a certain amount of support to orphans, one of the biggest issues for the community is the shortage of children's homes for orphans from the Muslim community. Currently, there is only one such home in operation since the cost of land and construction are very expensive and the funds available at present are insufficient to fill this gap.
Manit says he hopes that people and organizations willing to help will get together and try to build their capacities together. “Then we'll be able to share our potential for the benefit of the children.”
As well as helping orphans, WAMY is also involved in educating female prisoners and building public utilities, such as irrigation assets and mosques.
While WAMY was established with the help of funds from Saudi Arabia, the level of need in the Islamic world is high at present so the assembly still welcomes assistance from society.
If you can make a donation or wish to help in WAMY's activities, contact the organization at Tel: +66 (0)2 321 7061.
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Life in Thailand 
Life in Thailand
Thai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
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