The Natacha School non-profit organisation was founded by Elisabeth Zana following the 2004 tsunami.
Devoted to helping all children in need, SKÅL International Krabi is fund raising for the organisation.

On 19th June Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is generously hosting our Silent Auction. For auction will be a variety of items donated by local hotels, restaurants, tour companies and other hospitality businesses.

The proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Natacha School.

This is the story of the organisation's founder;

My name is Elisabeth Zana (née Bernheim). I was born on April 12, 1945, in France, into a French family. I had two brothers and one sister, all older than me and sadly, all have passed away. My father was the Chairman of a long-established family company, and my mother was a pianist.

I completed secondary school and earned my Baccalaureate at the age of 16. From the age of five, I studied classical ballet. After finishing school, I attended a specialized arts university where I focused on dance, music, and the arts. During that time, I began dancing professionally and went on to perform as a soloist in many theaters across Europe, dancing in numerous renowned ballets.

After marrying Jean-Claude Zana—who sadly passed away on January 10, 2020, in Krabi—I chose to end my dance career to care for our daughter, Natacha, born on January 31, 1969. Jean-Claude was a journalist for Paris Match, a well-known international French magazine. His work often took him around the world, and we were fortunate to travel with him when possible.

Once Natacha began school, I returned to work and opened my own dance school, where I served as both a teacher and director. The school offered a variety of art programs, and I organized numerous performances and events. During this time, I also published six books.

Natacha was an exceptional student. She earned a Ph.D. in Chinese Civilization and spoke four languages, including Chinese. She became a journalist, traveling extensively to report on social issues, particularly those affecting children in vulnerable situations. She was also passionate about environmental causes and, in 2004, traveled to Thailand to report on dolphin conservation for a Canadian newspaper.

On December 22, 2004, she decided to stay a few extra days on Phi Phi Island to complete her Level 2 diving certification. Her last message to us was sent on December 25. The following day, December 26, the tsunami struck.

In the aftermath of this unimaginable loss, Jean-Claude and I were overwhelmed with grief. We considered ending our lives. But deep within, we felt Natacha wouldn’t have wanted that. We realized we had to do something—to transform our pain into purpose.

And so, with my childhood friend Carole—Natacha’s godmother—we created the NAT Association. Initially, our goal was to support families and orphans affected by the tsunami. Over time, our mission expanded to helping all children in need.

During our first trip to Thailand in search of Natacha (her body was not identified until nine months later), I decided to leave France and settle in Thailand. Jean-Claude remained in France but visited often.

From the beginning, I received incredible support from the Thongthip family, especially Khun Gowit and Khun Tongchai. One day, they introduced me to Bankuankojan School and shared its story with me. That visit inspired me to make a major donation: 700 kilos of secondhand toys from France and 100 bicycles for the children. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, in memory of Natacha.

Since then, I’ve been surrounded by love and support—especially from Khun Chanita Sonboon, who has stood by me day after day and helped me understand Thai traditions. Together, we have built, cleaned, created, and imagined. I now have many projects in the works, especially for the upcoming 20th anniversary of Bankuankojan School—affectionately known as Natacha’s School.

The name of our organization, NAT Association, carries deep meaning in French: Naître (to be born), Aider (to help), and Transmettre (to pass on). Today, I feel a deep sense of peace, knowing that through NAT, we are helping many children build brighter futures—in what I now consider my second home, the Land of Smiles.

This is my story… in short.

Elizabeth Zana (4th from right) and her team welcoming His Excellency M. Poimboeuf, the French Ambassador to Thailand (centre). 20 September 2024