Help 500 Thai children get an education

We want to share some heartwarming stories to celebrate the thousands of Thai grandmothers who are faithfully raising their grandchildren. The first story is about two sisters,  Sarah and Amy (not real names). Sarah,  age 10, is a bright fourth-grade student  (wearing the black and white shirt in the photo). Her younger sister, age 8, is in second grade (wearing the purple shirt). Sarah and Amy live with their grandmother because their parents separated two years ago, and both moved away to find work.  Their grandmother faces significant financial challenges in providing for the girls, especially necessities like clothing and school supplies. Her sole focus is caring for her granddaughters, and she has limited income. The financial help these girls receive through GlobalGiving and Education Matters helps them go to school and provides even the basic necessities for life! Here is a note from their mentor, who regularly visits them.  "I've witnessed firsthand the children's gratitude. They eagerly anticipate the times we can go shopping together for the items they need. Seeing their joy as they choose new clothes and school supplies is truly moving and a testament to the blessings your support provides."

Mandy is a 9-year-old girl in fourth grade. She also lives with her grandparents since her parents had to move to another province for work due to the family's heavy debts. There are very few job opportunities in their hometown, and the income is low, so her parents had no choice but to leave to find work with a sustainable income. They only return home once every 2-3 years. Although they send money back home, it is not enough to cover all the expenses. The support from Education Matters has made it possible for Mandy to stay in school!

One final story is from Nelly, a high school student. Nelly cannot live with her parents because her father is in prison on drug-related charges. Even before his imprisonment, he did very little to care for Nelly. He had no permanent residence and no job and sometimes brought her to dangerous places as part of his drug trade. Nelly hasn't been in contact with her mom for a long time, and her grandmother does not know her current whereabouts.

Where would these children be if it weren't for a caring grandparent (or grandparents) who stepped in and provided a safe and loving home for their grandkids? They are a lifesaver for these children! But, there is a downside. In Thailand, the standard pension for a retiree is only $20 per month! These grandparents love their grandkids, but it is a huge burden for them to bear with very little income. Their love is not enough. Through the help and support of generous donors, we can come alongside these amazing grandparents and give them the support they need to care for their grandchildren. We can also provide them a future and hope for a better life!

Ted is a bright-eyed, five-year-old boy who is filled with curiosity. He attends a temple school at Wat Saimoon, where he is in Kindergarten. He is always eager to learn and make new friends. His life, however, is not easy. Ever since his parents separated when he was only three, he has lived with his mother, who works as a server at a restaurant. In Thailand, this job requires long hours and short pay.

Ted has two older siblings. His elder brother, aged thirteen, had to drop out of school due to financial hardships. Without education, his future is uncertain. The second brother is still attending school in first grade, but he is disabled and has difficulty walking and taking care of himself, so he requires a lot of special care and attention. 

The burden of all this falls on Ted's mother, who struggles to carry it all. Since their separation, she has lost touch with her ex-husband, whose personal struggles with alcohol have left the family in a precarious situation. With only one day off each week, she often had to leave her children in the care of neighbors or allow them to fend for themselves while she was at work.

On top of everything else, Ted’s mother must also pay expensive visa fees because they are not Thai citizens. Their home country of Myanmar is in the midst of a brutal civil war, making it impossible for them to return home. Despite all these burdens looming over their family, Ted’s mom has an unwavering commitment to her children. Ted is a beacon of hope, his laughter and resilience shining brightly in the shadows of their difficulties!

The help and support of Education Matters has been a lifesaver for this single-parent family. Now, Ted and his brothers can stay in school. The present may not always be easy, but they have a much better outlook on the future because they are getting an education! Your support helps children like Ted have hope and a future!