Impact Report
JANUARY - JUNE 2025
We conceived the idea of The Eileen Yee Educational Fund while grieving the loss of a dear colleague, whom I also considered a dear friend and sister. We wanted to honour her impactful life, during which she worked very closely with disadvantaged grassroots communities in Asia, to make high school education accessible and affordable for numerous families.
Suyin Lee, Chairperson
Following Eileen’s footsteps meant learning from her tireless efforts and using her legacy as inspiration to forge ahead and continue removing various barriers to education across our destinations. In the first year alone, we were able to support 20 students across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Parents of these children have expressed relief and their aspirations for their future. Some want their kids to become teachers, others are simply grateful in the knowledge that this much-needed assistance will open up a whole new set of life opportunities. The students themselves feel emboldened with this support and want to chase their goals with courage and confidence.
This collective sense of joy and accomplishment is all thanks to the generosity of our partners, who saw the promise in this initiative and generously contributed to it. Our first year has also set us up nicely to continue working towards our goal of raising USD 90,900 in total funding in a span of three years and financially assist 101 students in completing their high school education.
We hope you keep supporting this cause and investing in the education of our communities’ future generations.
Honouring Eileen Yee’s Legacy
Eileen Yee was a visionary leader whose passion and positivity shaped Discova’s Educational Travel business. As General Manager, she championed her team and introduced educational visitors to local villages, leaving an indelible impact on countless lives. Though her sudden passing in September 2023 was deeply felt, Eileen’s legacy endures through the Eileen Yee Educational Fund.
Eileen understood the challenges young people, and disproportionately girls,1 2 in Southeast Asia face in completing their education and believed in empowering them to overcome barriers to education. Inspired by her parents’ values, Eileen believed that education could transform lives. The Fund provides essential support for students—bicycles, backpacks, uniforms, and stationery—for just USD 300 per year, enabling them to stay in school and pursue brighter futures.
Discova’s goal is to sponsor 101 students over three years, raising USD 90,900 for the first phase. This target honours Eileen’s nickname, “101,” from the Chinese phonetic “Yi Ling Yi.” As Suyin shares, “When setting the target, we did what Eileen would have done—set it high!”
Aligned with the UN’s mission to reduce school dropouts by 2030,3 the Fund strives to create opportunities for education and empowerment. Through purposeful travel, Discova continues Eileen’s commitment to building connections and changing lives.
Her legacy inspires us all to dream bigger and act boldly, proving that every small action can leave a lasting impact.
Mission Vision
Our goal is to reduce the high school drop-out rate. This will enable students to reach adulthood with a quality education that allows them to pursue a broad range of life opportunities.
Inspired by Eileen Yee’s legacy, we envision equitable opportunities for young people, fostering brighter futures and thriving societies through the transformative power of education.
Empower Futures.
The Eileen Yee Educational Fund will provide financial support to disadvantaged high school students in communities where Discova has grassroots connections.
Objectives
1.
Support 101 Students: In the first phase, provide scholarships and educational resources to 101 disadvantaged high school students in communities where Discova has grassroots connections, empowering them to complete their education.
2.
Promote Gender Equality in Education: Prioritise support for young girls, addressing the barriers they face in completing their high school education and fostering greater opportunities for their future.
3.
Expand Network and Communities: As Discova’s network and community reach grow, expand the Fund’s support to include additional students, with a focus on communities in need, ensuring that more children benefit from quality education.
4.
Set Ambitious Future Goals: Continuously assess the Fund’s impact and set new, ambitious targets for the next phase of growth, striving to increase the number of students supported and expand the Fund’s geographical reach.
5.
Engage Partners and Stakeholders: Cultivate partnerships and seek funding opportunities to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the Fund, involving local communities, donors, and corporate partners in driving educational change.
How it Works
The Fund ensures students can complete their three-year high school education by addressing barriers unique to their communities. With just USD 300 per year, students receive essential resources such as transportation subsidies in Thailand or bicycles in Indonesia. Discova conducts a thorough needs analysis to prioritise impactful and effective support for each region.
Why High School Education?
Globally, 84 million children may be out of school by 20304 due to socioeconomic pressures and hidden education costs. While school fees are often subsidised by local governments, expenses like uniforms, transportation, and supplies remain prohibitive for low-income families. By reducing these barriers, the Fund tackles a key driver of poverty and empowers young people to seize future opportunities.
Student Selection Process
Partnering with teachers and local communities, Discova identifies students from low-income families who exhibit a strong commitment to learning. Selected students must complete a 60-day online learning programme and submit a personal statement detailing how the grant will impact their education and community.
Why don’t we give the same things to the same communities?
It’s true—handing out identical items, like a backpack with notebooks and pens delivered by bicycle, might be easier. But the impact would likely be small.
At EYEF, we embrace an unrestricted funding model. This means we work closely with communities and empower recipients to decide how funds are best used, based on their own judgement and evolving priorities. Instead of being limited to specific items, this approach allows for dynamic support.
By partnering with individuals and community leaders, we focus funding on what matters most at the heart of local challenges. This ensures that your donation makes a genuine and lasting difference.
Discova’s Commitment to Implementation, Transparency and Reporting
As a ChildSafe-certified partner, Discova ensures transparent implementation. In collaboration with partners, we deliver support in underserved regions and publish biannual impact reports to keep donors informed. Together, we can empower students and transform lives.
Our Committee
Each person in our Fund committee plays a crucial role in ensuring effective governance, strategic direction, and operational efficiency in line with our Discova values.
Suyin is not only Discova’s Managing Director but also the chairperson of the Eileen Yee Educational Fund, guiding the strategic direction of the Fund, ensuring alignment with Discova’s vision and goals and providing overall leadership to the committee.
Natalie Vine, Fund Manager
As our newly appointed Chief Purpose Officer, Natalie uses her skills in project management to manage the Fund’s operations and drive actions across the working groups.
Van oversees the financial health of the Fund by managing donations, reporting, and disbursements, ensuring proper allocation of funds aligned with objectives and guidelines, and maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Michaela Connor, Childsafe Officer
Leading Discova’s ChildSafe Partnership, Michaela works across the business to ensure that all interactions and communications with partner communities uphold and respect the international rights of the child.
Suyin Lee, Chairperson
Van Nguyen, Treasurer
Community Engagement Champions
Meet our passionate advocates who drive positive change by actively connecting with and empowering local communities, cultivating collaboration and support for impactful initiatives.
Community Engagement Leader
“My work in community development is rooted in building meaningful partnerships and implementing projects that create lasting impact. For instance, we’ve been actively engaged with the Na Chao community in Vietnam. With the support of Discova and partners, we’ve seen transformative changes that have empowered communities to overcome significant challenges.
One of our inspiring highlights is the success of the Eileen Educational Fund, which recently provided scholarship to high school students in the community, significantly improving their access to education. Witnessing the joy and hope these projects bring to families reaffirms the importance of our work. The Foundation’s commitment to fostering sustainable change through education and practical support continues to be a driving force in uplifting these communities and enabling them to thrive.”
“My name is Sintya, and I work with Kaura, our activity hub in Manggis, which focuses on community-led adventures that immerse guests in the heart of Bali. Here, I engage closely with the local community, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. At the Kaura Learning Hub, we provide English and digital literacy classes for students from primary to high school, environmental awareness programmes, and initiatives to support women in developing skills and strengthening their small businesses.
By honouring and embracing our local heritage, culture, and natural surroundings, we work hand in hand to shape a future filled with opportunity. It’s a privilege to witness how these efforts help our community grow, and I’m grateful to share the inspiring stories of transformation from East Bali.”
Community Engagement Bali
Chi Ngo Ni Putu Ari Sintya Dewi
Community Engagement Champions
Meet our passionate advocates who drive positive change by actively connecting with and empowering local communities, cultivating collaboration and support for impactful initiatives.
Community Engagement Thailand Engagement and Fundraising
Siwaporn Sooksai (Judy) Naome
“Sawasdee ka. My name is Judy and I’m a Community Development staff in Discova Thailand. My main responsibility is to coordinate and work with grassroots communities in Thailand for community-based tourism.
Apart from this, I also take care of the overall development of communities, especially when it comes to education. I have just completed the computer and library room renovation project at one of our local schools in Sao Hai District, Saraburi Province. And I am now working towards coordinating with one school for the Eileen Yee Educational Fund as we aim to find seven local students for the grant in this academic year. This fund will support the local students for a better educational journey, and I feel so grateful to be a part of this project to deliver such a great opportunity to locals and communities.”
Pangilinan
“My name is Naome, and I am the Engagement and Fundraising staff for the Eileen Yee Educational Fund. In my role, I focus on building strong communication with our supporters and leading fundraising efforts to ensure we can continue empowering students through educational opportunities.
I believe the Eileen Yee Educational Fund is making a significant impact by providing resources and support that opens doors for underserved communities, fostering growth and success. I am excited to engage with you and share inspiring stories about the positive changes your generous donations are making in the lives of our students.”
Learning on the Margins: Hidden Struggles, Unstoppable Dreams
For families living on just a few dollars a day, the cost of uniforms, transport, or exam fees can push education out of reach. Many young people balance studies with farming, childcare, or work — while still aiming for university and professional careers. Others face deeper barriers: a lack of role models, unstable homes, or facilities that fail to meet even the most basic hygiene needs.
And yet, hope persists. Through initiatives like the Eileen Yee Educational Fund, students are not only receiving financial assistance for essentials like books and exam fees — they are regaining belief in their own potential.
From aspiring teachers to future photographers and artists, their dreams are seeds for community-wide change.
Across Southeast Asia’s rural and marginalised communities, the path to education is often steep — and not just in the literal sense. Students walk hours to reach class, often through rivers and farmland, only to find under-resourced schools without electricity, clean water, or basic supplies.
Read the full story and hear directly from the students and educators working to break the cycle of poverty: www.discova.com/learning-on-the-margins-the-hidden-struggles-ofsoutheast-asias-most-vulnerable-students
Your Support in Numbers
We are proud to share that, as of now, the Eileen Yee Educational Fund has raised a total of USD 39,071.38.
In the last fiscal year alone, we generated USD 29,745.37, successfully meeting our Year 1 target to fund 20 students with a total allocation of USD 18,000, and we are in the selection process for the next 23 students to allocate the remainder of the funds.
Our three-year goal is to support 101 students with USD 90,900 in total funding. With two years remaining, we aim to raise an additional USD 51,900 to reach this target — enabling more young people across Southeast Asia to continue their education and achieve their ambitions.
Pipeline Update
These developments are part of the ongoing expansion of the Eileen Yee Educational Fund. With 20 students already supported in Year One and funding secured for an additional 23 students starting high school next semester, we are well on our way to achieving the Year Two target and moving toward our three-year goal of empowering 101 students across Southeast Asia with a total of USD 90,900 in funding.
Vietnam Cambodia
Current
Supporting five students through the 2025 school year.
Sep–Dec 2025
Partner with high schools in the community to identify, prepare and process applications for the 2026 student intake. Sep 2025
Five students begin Grade 11 with EYEF support, continuing from Grade 10 last year.
Oct–Dec 2025
Work with local high schools to prepare and process applications for the 2026 student intake.
2026 School Year
Five students to receive financial support to continue their education.
2026 School Year
Ten students to receive financial support to continue their education.
Bali Thailand
Aug 2025:
Provided full-year school fees and covered outstanding uniform costs. Financial assistance awarded to eight students and their families.
Oct–Dec 2025
Work with local high schools to prepare and process applications for the 2026 student intake.
March 2025
Visit to the school in Saraburi Province where EYEF recipients study.
“When we dig a little deeper, we realise how much broader the issues are beyond access to education. Spending time with the teachers to unpack some of their challenges has given us better ideas of how we can channel our efforts and funding to empower marginalised youths in rural communities.” – Suyin Lee, Discova Managing Director and EYEF Chair.
Current
Financial assistance awarded to seven students and their families, covering three years of support.
EYEF Mid-Year Impact Update
Thailand – Student Stories
In Thailand, EYEF funds are helping students prepare for university by covering essential costs such as books, study materials, and entrance exam fees. The support has also enabled students to focus more on their studies without the constant worry of financial strain.
“Education is a lifelong journey that has given me courage to dream bigger.” – “Phat”
“I want to share Thai culture as a tour guide or become a teacher.” – “Bell”
“I want to be an illustrator, art teacher, or tour guide — careers that match my passions.” – “Fern”
Teachers noted students’ commitment to preparing for entrance exams and a stronger sense of purpose in class. Parents shared that the financial aid has made it possible for their children to pursue their ambitions while easing household financial pressure.
ChildSafe Disclaimer
In line with ChildSafe principles, all student names in this report are pseudonyms and school details have been removed to protect the privacy and safety of children.
EYEF Mid-Year Impact Update
Indonesia – Student Stories
In Indonesia, tuition costs and the need for learning materials were common challenges for students. The EYEF financial aid has given them the opportunity to focus on their studies, build skills, and work toward careers that will improve not only their own futures but also those of their families and communities.
“Education opens doors to opportunities and equips me to face life’s challenges.” –“Yuni”
“This scholarship is not just financial help — it’s an opportunity to grow and learn.” –“Pira”
“I refuse to follow the same path as my parents, who work as farm labourers — education will change my family’s destiny.” – “Merta”
Teachers observed increased participation in school activities and improved academic performance. Students expressed a stronger sense of confidence and motivation to achieve their goals.
ChildSafe Disclaimer
In line with ChildSafe principles, all student names in this report are pseudonyms and school details have been removed to protect the privacy and safety of children.
EYEF Mid-Year Impact Update
Vietnam – Student Stories
In Vietnam, tuition fees and transportation costs were identified as the most pressing barriers to education. The EYEF scholarship has lifted these burdens, enabling students to maintain consistent attendance, improve their grades, and participate more fully in school life.
“Education is the future of the country.” – “Duy”
“It is the foundation for personal, social, and economic development.” – “Duong”
“I feel much more confident now, and I want to thank everyone who supports the Eileen Yee Educational Fund.” – “Duy”
Teachers reported notable improvements in academic performance, particularly in history, geography, and biology, alongside greater involvement in extracurricular activities. Parents noted increased diligence and motivation in their children since receiving support.
ChildSafe Disclaimer
In line with ChildSafe principles, all student names in this report are pseudonyms and school details have been removed to protect the privacy and safety of children.
Pink Week 2025
Celebrating Eileen’s Legacy
This September, the Eileen Yee Educational Fund (EYEF) will once again bring our teams together for Pink Week – a week dedicated to celebrating the life and passions of Eileen Yee.
Running from 29 September to 3 October, this year’s Pink Week is filled with activities inspired by what Eileen loved most – learning, kindness, community, and connection. Highlights include: turning our offices “Discova Pink”, learning Japanese to celebrate Eileen’s curiosity in learning about new cultures, preparing care packages for those in need, and ending the week with a joyful “Party Like Eileen” celebration.
By joining in, our teams across Asia will not only honour Eileen’s memory but also raise awareness and funds to continue her mission of breaking barriers to education. We look forward to sharing the full impact of Pink Week 2025 in our next report.
Pssst... Want to know what we’ve got planned for 2026?
Well, it’s a big one!
Some of Discova’s leaders and friends of Eileen will be taking on the challenge of walking 101 kilometres in 5 days through the Nakasendō Trail in Japan. This epic adventure was high on Eileen’s bucket list, and we are excited and honoured to complete it on her behalf.
We’ll follow ancient footsteps — through forests, villages, and mountains — carrying her spirit with us every step of the way. Follow the Discova blog for updates.
Thank You to Our Donors and Supporters Take Action
Your generosity has made an extraordinary difference.
Because of you, we have not only met our first-year target but also given 20 students in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia the opportunity to continue their education and pursue their dreams.
Every contribution — big or small — has helped remove barriers such as tuition fees, transportation costs, and the expense of learning materials. More than financial support, your commitment sends a powerful message to our students: their dreams matter, and their potential is worth investing in.
With two years to go, we are confident that, together, we can reach our three-year goal of supporting 101 students. Thank you for walking this journey with us and for believing in the transformative power of education.
Join us in empowering students across Southeast Asia by supporting the Eileen Yee Educational Fund. Your contribution helps provide essential resources for education, opening doors for students in need. Whether you’re sponsoring a student, contributing to our overall fundraising efforts, or spreading awareness, every action makes a lasting impact.
Together, we can create brighter futures—one student at a time.
Get involved now and make a difference!
Learn More About the Global Education Challenge
1.
2.
3.
UNICEF. Empowerment of Adolescent Girls in East Asia and the Pacific. UNICEF
East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, 2014.
Available at: https://www.unicef.org/eap/empowerment-adolescent-girls-eastasia-and-pacific
World Bank. Girls’ Education. World Bank, 2023.
Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/girlseducation
United Nations. Education – United Nations Sustainable Development. UN.
Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/
4.
United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 – Goal 4: Quality Education. UN Statistics Division.
Available at: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2023/Goal-04
discova.com/eileen-yee-educational-fund