About KLDP

Karen Leadership Development Program

The Karen Leadership Development Program is a loving community located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, Thailand dedicated to equipping future generations of the Karen people.

The Karen people are ethnically tied to nature. We live in and love nature. The Karen people live in the forest and work as farmers. Through the ministry of Burma missionary Adoniram Judson, many Karen responded to the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, a lack of education, isolation, and poverty have influenced their faith and preparedness for global living. Young Karen come to the city to live but are ill prepared. With hopes to receive further education and economic opportunities, many of these young people are instead swept away. They lack familiar connections and many end up losing their faith and even their lives.

Recognizing this problem, the KLDP was established in 2012. The KLDP is Karen-led and is not a foreign established NGO. We desire to assist the next generation of Karen to grow and develop into tomorrow’s servant leaders. Our students come from different areas all over northern Thailand. With Christ as our example, the KLDP provides an atmosphere of love, where the students can receive training, mentoring and familiar communal living. We also provide a debt-free education for each of our students.

It is a wonderful opportunity to live together and grow together at the KLDP! Over these years we have seen God’s grace and blessings extended to us in many ways. We have known His guidance, His provision, and His mercy. Over this time, many amazing partners that have encouraged us again and again. Perhaps you are one of those people. We are thankful for you and everyone that has cared for us and encouraged us to grow. We hope you enjoy our website! Please continue to pray for the KLDP.

Our KLDP

Our Mission

The KLDP is a loving community dedicated to equipping future generations of the Karen people.

Our Values

We value the active pursuits of:

1. Christian Spiritual growth as a life – long process.

2. Holistic personal development organically expressed in character, gifting, and in social and emotional maturity.

3. Truth and understanding God, self and others.

4. Education - guiding students as unique in their interests and abilities.

5. Servant Leadership as modeled by Jesus Christ, through humble sacrifice and other - centered service.

Our Program

The Karen Leadership Development Program provides a safe, encouraging atmosphere focused on intentional community. It is in the context of community that we assist our university students toward personal and corporate growth. Our daily life reflects the reality that each member contributes to and influences any community. We value the message and model of Jesus Christ – humble service motivated by love (servant leadership). Maturing into a posture of servant leadership requires training.

Several parts make the KLDP training process. First, KLDP staff lives with the students. Staff members are committed to their own ongoing journey of discipleship in Christ. They work hard to live genuinely and transparently “under the same roof.” Living together, the staff can provide real time accessibility and accountability for the students. Second, each student is paired with a mentor. The mentor meets with them monthly – encouraging and supporting them in their personal goals and challenges. Third, there are a variety of subjects in the KLDP curriculum. Over the course of their university years, students will attend workshops and courses relating to the subjects of Christian education, theology, life skills, spiritual formation, and servant leadership. Finally, KLDP training includes discipline or practice (practical application). Our core values will only become part of each student through practice and dialogue.

Holistically, in every dimension of their lives, students develop an understanding that gracious training leads to freedom – freedom to become what they were created to be and to serve others in the process. Each year, the students write an individual plan that addresses each KLDP core value - spiritual growth, personal development, truth, education, and servant leadership. Staff, mentors, and students assess their progress as the year unfolds. Character is built on knowledge, understanding, and practice - empowered by the grace of God.