Giving hope back to the children

Many people in Thailand rely on agriculture for their incomes; however, a semi-arid climate, poor soil and the unpredictability of rain create sometimes insurmountable challenges for farmers. The sad result is that children are often forced to forgo health services, education and adequate nutrition. 

For families in Thailand to earn a living to support their children, many communities are encouraged to pilot programs, such as community cow banks, community pig farms and organic farms. Loans are provided to families to support these ventures and vocational training also is available for income-generating activities such as making organic fertilizer, cultivating mushrooms, weaving, gardening, and making shampoo and washing detergent.

We also focus on educating the children. We have been a pioneer in providing Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs to pre-school-aged children in rural communities for more than 20 years.  Our ECD program not only trains the day care workers, but we also educate disadvantaged families about child rearing, nutrition, health care, hygiene and learning stimulation.  Funding is provided for the construction of day care centers and supplies, such as sleeping mats, toys and books.

When children reach school age, they have the opportunity to participate in vocational training, activities to motivate leadership, and training in the development of life skills and communication.  We know that promoting good reading habits early on is critical. Working hand-in-hand with Thailand's Royal Patronage Initiative, we train children as young librarians in mobile libraries, which travel from village to village. Each month, the young librarians in the neighboring villages swap books so that children and adults have a fresh store of new books to read. All along the way, we promote the rights of the child, above all things.

Hope starts with health

Children’s health is also a top priority for us in Thailand. In cooperation with government health officers and community health volunteers, we monitor children’s growth, and in the communities we serve children receive basic health services, dental care, required immunizations, and training on disease prevention, including AIDS. By providing water filters, improving latrines, building water containers, and arranging for electric pumps, we give communities in remote areas access to clean water and sanitation.

The most effective strategy for teaching is often a hands-on method. We work with the Royal Patronage Initiative to establish small farms on school grounds to teach children basic farming techniques as well as provide them with fresh, safe food. The produce is used for cooking free lunches for students or is sold and the proceeds reinvested in the program. The Food Safety Program also enlightens children and their parents about healthy foods to eat.

We’re working side by side with the Thai people to give them new avenues of sustainable livelihood and improve education and medical care for their children.  Help us give Thailand more hope for the future.