In 1987 a missionary teacher from Mizoram, India arrived at Mussekee Baptist School. She was aware that "slave traders" were selecting teen girls from this area to be sold into prostitution in Bangkok. Zothansiami (Siami) took 5 "candidates" into her home, as their families were too poor to support them. In 1988 Siami shared her vision to care for these girls with visiting missionaries. They caught her enthusiasm and gave $1000 to start the project with no firm promise of any further gifts. She purchased a house and land at Ban Mai Phatana and the Center began. Soon there were 25 girls from all parts of Maechem Province. Gifts from several missions and friends allowed her to build a weaving & dyeing area, a 2 story Admin. Building and farming sheds. A 5KV generator gave them power for lights and tools. A gift of sewing machines began a small industry of clothing manufacture. The girls trained after school in productive industry. In 1993, a family from St. Olaf College Minnesota built the Lundquist Memorial Hall. A large meeting hall with kitchen and dining area adjacent to the Center. This hall has made it possible to gather large groups for teaching and practical instruction. Village women, after some classes at the Center, have started "Cottage" weaving. Cotton Thread dyed at the Center is given to women who weave Tribal patterns into strips of cloth which they can bring to the Center and be reimbursed for their labor. In 1995, new land was purchased nearby and a Graduation House was built for students who had completed courses at the Center and nearby school. The Graduation House offers further training in vocational skills and an opportunity to attend college in Changmai. Further expansion to this area is necessary, as most girls need to remain close to their families. Strong tribal ties still exist and girls separated from their families against their will lose their ambition and fall prey to the ever present slave trade. In 1997 a Rice Milling Machine was donated to begin another new self-supporting industry. This will allow local rice to be milled which was previously brought from town at a premium. It is the desire of Siami and all the students for the Center to become supporting so they too can help establish other centers in needy areas.

The Founder of the Center

Zothansiami (Siami) Ralte was born on the Northeast India state of Mizoram. She was raised in a Christian family, graduated from college and came to Thailand as a teacher. After a year in the city of Chiangmai, she moved to Karen tribal village of Ban Nong Chet Nua (Museekee). In 1989 she married Soradaet Manahmigaebthong, a Karen native who also teaches at the Friendship School. Their first daughter Sirikanga was born September 25, 1992. Siami has a gift of administration which she has used to gain the trust of the local people and respect of authorities at all levels in Thailand.
Siami is blessed when she sees each girl establishing a progressive path from desperate poverty to a self supporting, satisfied adult.