Mr Mechai Viravaidya established the Mechai Viravaidya Foundation (MVF) in 2008 following the Population and Community Development Association’s success in tackling family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention issues in Thailand. MVF addresses rural inequality and education issues in Thailand and neighbouring countries. Its flagship project is the Mechai Bamboo School. Its basic tenet is to be a lifelong learning centre for all and to act as a hub for social and economic advancement. The Thai Government has established the Partnership Schools Project, which is modelled on the Mechai Bamboo School and to be implemented in government schools across the country.