Dhammajarinee Witthaya Music Program

Dhammajarinee Witthaya School, Thailand

Partner program

Since 2025

Dhammajarinee Witthaya School (DWS), located in Ratchaburi, Thailand, was founded in 1990 by a group of Buddhist nuns to provide a safe haven and free, high-quality education for girls from underserved and at-risk backgrounds. Today, DWS serves more than 1,000 students from kindergarten through grade 12—offering not just academic learning, but also a loving home, nutritious meals, and holistic education that includes a focus on music and the arts, STEM, vocational training, and mental health support. By nurturing the whole person, DWS empowers students to heal and thrive—with over 90% of graduates going on to attend university.

The Playing for Change Foundation is partnering with DWS to strengthen and expand its music and dance programs, particularly in traditional Thai dance and global music education. Through this collaboration, over 125 students deeply engaged in these disciplines will collectively receive over 1,000 hours of instruction each week—developing their skills, nurturing creativity, and building confidence. 

TAKE A VISIT AT DWS AND LEARN ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIP

Life in the community

Dhammajarinee Witthaya School is located in the peaceful countryside of Ratchaburi province, about two hours west of Bangkok. Many students come from across the country, including remote Hill Tribe communities, often carrying difficult personal histories. For many, DWS is the first place they have experienced true safety, stability, and opportunity. The school has transformed the lives of countless girls by helping them build self-worth, academic excellence, and emotional resilience.


Through its partnership with the Playing for Change Foundation, music and dance are becoming even more central parts of this journey of transformation—bringing healing, joy, and empowerment to young girls who are beginning to believe in themselves and their futures.

Dr. Aunampai Passakchai, Dhammajarinee Witthaya School | Director

Multiple locations and schools

African heritage

Nutrition program

Educational support

FEATURED STORIES

Icon 1 Inside a Dance Class in Mali!

We present this video of a dance class in Mali, showcasing the amazing dance program in the ancient village of Kirina, and symbolic of the outstanding efforts of our team to widen opportunities for girls and female leaders not just

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VIDEOS

Discover this program
  • Traditional West African Dance | Kirina, Mali
  • Oumar Dembelé | Ecole de Musique de Kirina
  • Traditional dance performance: Kirina, Mali
  • Jarabi | Kirina Lolow
  • When Malian Music Meets Beethoven | Massani Cisse | Ecole...
  • Koussa Kora Balla | Music performance at Ecole de Kirina,...
  • Guedé | A Rhythm from Ecole de Musique de Kirina,...
  • Boubacar & Nfaly: Sabou Diaby
  • Fakoly Fassa | Ecole de Musique de Kirina
  • Adama Tama solo performance in Kirina
  • Sacko Dougou by N'Faly and Gouem: Ecole de Musique de...
  • Welcome to Ecole de Musique de Kirina, Mali
  • A 360° dance class in Mali
  • Ecole de Musique de Kirina | Kora and vocals feat....
  • Meet Oumou, a young musician in Mali
  • Our music school in Mali dedicates a groove to the...
  • Ecole de Musique de Kirina Mali Kora student Gouem
  • Damon Albarn visits our school in Kirina, Mali

DWS ON A MAP

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GIVE BY CHECK OR WIRE

You can mail your checks at:

Playing For Change Foundation,

171 Pier Avenue, #271
Santa Monica, CA 90405 – USA

If you wish to give via Wire transfer, give stock or assets please email us at contact@playingforchange.org