Help 500 Thai children get an education

Getting a child off to a good start is essential for long-term growth and development. When a child brings home a paper they colored in kindergarten, we may strain to figure out what it is supposed to be a picture of and praise the child for drawing such "an awesome picture" without thinking much about the essential skills the child is developing.

Pei Pei is a 5-year-old kindergarten student who attends a temple school because it's free. She lives with her mother and younger brother. Like many single-parent families, her mom struggles to care for herself and her two children. She has found help and support at Home of the Swallow, a sister project of Education Matters under The Family Connection Foundation. Home of the Swallow provides support for single moms who are struggling to take care of their kids. The teachers at Pei Pei's school noticed that she was restless and had difficulty sitting still. They told her mother she should get her checked for ADHD! When the staff at Home of the Swallow learned that Pei Pei was having problems, they started working to help Pei Pei improve her focus. Pei Pei would come to Home of the Swallow after school, and the staff encouraged her to draw pictures and color them. They hoped that this would help her learn to concentrate and engage her imagination. The staff noticed her progress and provided positive feedback. Pei Pei's mother also got involved by helping Pei Pei find videos to improve her drawing. This collaboration has resulted in improved concentration and a calmer demeanor. In a recent coloring contest at school, Pei Pei won second place, which made her really happy! She continues to develop her interests and skills. 

Pei Pei's story is an excellent example of why Education Matters works so well. The program not only provides financial support for children to go to school but the help and support of the mentors and staff who work with the children and their families combine to ensure that the child is successful!