Eileen was known for her pink hair, infectious grin, tireless positive energy, and unwavering passion for educational tours and local communities. In September 2023, she passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.

Eileen Yee worked with our partner, whom we collaborate with extensively throughout Asia, so we had a close working relationship with her over the years.

In honour of Eileen, our partner has established an educational fund in her name: the ‘Eileen Yee Education Fund’.

Eileen was passionate about setting ambitious goals, and those close to her affectionately nicknamed her ‘101’, inspired by the Chinese pronunciation of her name. This led to the creation of the fund’s first initiative: Project 101. This unique number has since become a symbol inspiring us to dream big, aim higher, and bring lasting changes to the local communities we bring our guests to.

‘Project 101’ offers scholarships to vulnerable school students in communities where our partner has established local connections. With an initial goal of supporting 101 students, the fund aims to reduce high school dropout rates. This will enable students to obtain a solid education, unlocking a multitude of opportunities.

The UN estimates that 84 million children and young people will be forced to leave high school by 2030, often due to socio-economic challenges and hidden educational costs. In many families facing financial difficulties, there’s pressure on young people to earn money and contribute to the household, where short-term income is prioritised over the long-term benefits of education.

Even when tuition fees are covered, the hidden costs of schooling—such as transport, uniforms, and homework assistance—can be overwhelming for low-income families. These financial barriers, added to the need for young people to contribute to household income, create significant obstacles to accessing education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting future opportunities for millions of youngsters.

The scholarships will provide financial support to students, enabling them to complete their three-year high school education. This includes access to necessary materials and equipment for schooling, such as a bicycle, backpack, school uniform, and all writing and drawing tools needed for their studies.

In collaboration with teachers and local communities, students from low-income families will be identified and invited to apply for the scholarships. To receive the scholarships, students must complete a 60-day online learning programme to demonstrate their commitment to education. They will then apply their newfound skills to craft a personal statement, explaining how the scholarship will benefit themselves and their community.

Upon graduation, students interested in tourism, hospitality, and catering careers can receive referrals to vocational schools across Asia.

At TourCompass, we support ‘Project 101’ with a fixed monthly amount, so when you book your tour with us, you are also contributing to the education of young people from low-income families in Asia.