Tim and Vanessa Ekno began working in Thailand in 1988 offering English courses and doing humanitarian aid. After eight years in the remote hill tribe areas of north Thailand, they moved into Vietnam to continue their educational and humanitarian works.
In 1996, Tim and Vanessa Ekno founded American Educational Development as a tool for working in Vietnam. AED is now used to assist in the development of educational and humanitarian programs throughout South Asia. Presently, the Ekno’s (and AED) are working in
South Asia, attempting to help people suffering with Leprosy. They work to make them feel accepted, cared for and respected by society. The Ekno’s believe it important for the world to see compassion expressed in tangible ways to those who are in need.