Karenni Social Development Center was set up in 2002 by graduates from the EarthRights School Myanmar in order to provide human rights, democracy, law and environment training for youth living in Karenni Refugee Camp #1 on the Thai-Myanmar border. 

SDC runs three main projects every year:

Basic Course

This is their main project and it has been running annually since their formation in 2002. It is a 10-month course which provides training in Democracy, Environment, Human Rights, Law and English. The course also includes a fieldwork component where students research issues within their community.

Advanced Community Management Training Course

Wanting to further their students’ skills, they introduced this course in 2008. Here, students learn about Community Organisation, Project Planning, Research, Campaigning and Lobbying, and improve their English skills.

Inside Program

In addition to their educational courses, their alumni also run activities and training workshops inside Karenni State. These are specifically designed to provide the local people with the knowledge that will protect them and bring about a free and open democracy for all Karenni people.