Impact Report
JULY - DECEMBER 2024
Suyin Lee,
Chairperson
Eileen was a friend, colleague, and sister, and losing her suddenly in 2023 was a brutal and devasting shock to the entire team at Discova. In the process of grieving her, we realised how her impactful life was marked by tireless efforts to bring about tangible development in marginalised communities in Asia, especially in the field of education.
This understanding led to the inception of the Eileen Yee Educational Fund which, seeks to honour her incredible legacy and assist disadvantaged high school students in completing their high school education and gaining access to more life opportunities.
Contributions to this initiative from our generous partners have allowed us to already start providing financial assistance to high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds at our destinations. This impact report lays down our future plans, the ambitious targets we have set for ourselves, messages from our wonderful Community Leaders and the specific communities we aim to serve (and potentially expand to more places) through this project.
We hope you will join us in supporting this cause and helping travel transform the lives of not just visitors but also the local people who are the torchbearers and preservers of centuries-old cultures and traditions in the countries we operate.
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 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, 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 journey can leave a positive impact.
Mission Vision
Empowering every child with access to quality education, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty, reach their full potential, and contribute to their communities.
Inspired by Eileen Yee’s legacy, we envision equitable opportunities for young girls and boys, fostering brighter futures and thriving societies through the transformative power of education.
Positively impact the futures of disadvantaged students from local communities at our destinations.
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 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 2030 due to socioeconomic pressures and hidden education costs. While school fees are often subsidised, expenses like uniforms, transportation, and supplies remain prohibitive for lowincome 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.
What Does Your Donation Support?
Every dollar supports essential, non-tuition costs tailored to local needs. In Cambodia, donations might fund books and uniforms, while in Vietnam and Indonesia, they cover transport and meal allowances. With 100% of funds going directly to students, your support makes a tangible difference.
Discova’s Commitment to Implementation, Transparency and Reporting
As a proud partner and supporter of the ChildSafe Movement and leader in Educational Travel, 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.
As well as being Discova’s Managing Director Suyin is 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, Secretary
As the Research, Design and implementation specialist in the People and Culture team 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 Foundation 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.”
Discova’s Successful Pink Week Celebration
Pink Week in September was a resounding success, bringing Discova staff from all our offices together to raise funds and awareness for the Eileen Yee Educational Fund. From the 23rd to the 27th, employees participated in a variety of fun and meaningful activities, including a photo competition, “Paint Yourself Pink” day, a collective walk, and a Pink Potluck. These activities not only celebrated Eileen’s legacy but also fostered a strong sense of community within the company.
The “Walk 101” challenge, a key part of Pink Week, saw impressive participation across Discova’s global offices. The goal was to walk 101 km over the month, symbolising the distance students in supported communities often walk to school each day. With over 7,800 km collectively walked, this challenge was a true testament to Discova’s commitment to the cause.
The success of Pink Week went beyond just the kilometres walked. It highlighted the power of coming together as a team, raising awareness
about the barriers to education and making a tangible impact. The funds raised will directly support the Eileen Yee Educational Fund, which provides essential educational materials to students in underserved communities.
Pink Week was not only a celebration of Eileen’s life but also a demonstration of how Discova’s global network can unite to create lasting change. The enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity displayed by all participants set a strong foundation for the continued success of the Eileen Yee Educational Fund, empowering more students to access education and brighter futures.
Since the launch of the Eileen Yee Educational Fund, we have raised a total of USD 27,540.
EYEF’s First Five Students
Thanks to your generous contributions and support, in December 2024, the Eileen Yee Educational Fund marked a significant milestone by providing financial support to the first five students in Mai Chau, Vietnam.
These students, selected for their academic commitment, received much-needed assistance to continue their education.
Your Support in Numbers
The fund supports high school students, with USD 25 per student per month covering essential nontuition educational needs. Over three years, this support totals USD 900 per student, ensuring they have the essentials required to succeed in their high school education.
This is the first small but vital step towards completing our three-year goal to sponsor the high school education of 101 students.
Program Targets
01
This support will help empower the next generation, enabling them to access quality education.
Expand to 40 students across Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
by June 2026
02 year year year
03
by June 2025 by June 2027
Support 20 students in Vietnam, Bali, and Thailand.
Maintain support for 41 students in the programme for a total of three years.
Pipeline Update
Vietnam
Current The programme currently supports five students though the 2024 school year.
June - Aug 2025
Work with high schools in the community on the next intake of students for the school year of 2025.
These developments are part of the ongoing expansion of the Eileen Yee Educational Fund, aiming to provide educational opportunities to more students across Southeast Asia.
Bali Thailand
Sep - Oct 2024
Established connections with high schools in Manggis area.
Nov - Dec 2024
Created list of potential students with teacher and community support.
Jan - Feb 2025
Students enter into selection process and make applications for funding.
July 2025
Eight students will be awarded support as Indonesia school year begins.
Sep - Nov 2024
Established connections with high schools to work on community needs in Kok Na Sai.
Jan - Feb 2025
Students enter into selection process and make applications for funding.
July 2025
Seven students will be awarded support as Thailand school year begins.
A Moment of Gratitude Take Action
A heartfelt thank you to the 127 individuals who have contributed to the Eileen Yee Educational Fund. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of students. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our corporate partners, FCM Asia and TourCompass, whose support has accelerated the growth of this fund. Together, we are helping create brighter futures for students across Southeast Asia. Your continued involvement is truly appreciated!
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!
discova.com/eileen-yee-education-fund