มูลนิธิ ดุลภาทร
Providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged young people in
Northern Thailand
Project
In this project, we identify poor children in extremely difficult circumstances and pair them with a donor who is willing to commit to sponsorship for a minimum of 3 years. Aside from being poor, many of these children “fall through the cracks” because they are challenged by social, cultural, physical, or intellectual limitation and, at times, discrimination. There are other children who are currently being taken care of by their elderly, sometimes sick, grandparents or other struggling community members because their parents are gone or unsuitable to care of them properly. We assess the children and their home situations to document what they have and what they need. Sponsorship of 1-1.5 thousand baht/month (roughly US$30-45) allows these children access to education, a safe and supportive place to live, and enough cash to assure nutritious meals.
Our Contribution
We now have 12 children enrolled in this programme, in Sansai Luang where the Dulabhatorn is based and in Baan Huay Tong, a mountain village in Mae Wang district.
The children and their families are monitored closely by a local “manager” and by members of the Dulabhatorn Executive Management Committee, to assure that the funds are not misused, for example by an alcoholic or drug-addicted parent. Foundation staff, through monitoring our interactions with the children and their caregivers, form bonds with the children and those who look after them, and genuinely care about their wellbeing. During their visits they talk with the children, increasing their self-confidence through knowing there are other people who care about them. The goal of this project goes beyond providing children with what is needed financially, by helping them develop into educated, responsible citizens successfully integrated into their community.
Achievements
- The Promise a Child program is not only successful in financially supporting the children but it gives hope to the caretakers and families. Our volunteers, who monitor the families, build a relationship with the entire family and provide emotional and spiritual support. They have noticed that by reassuring the families that they are not left out or alone, the caretakers have more courage and motivation to face adversity and take good care of their children.
- Our volunteers also have noticed that the childrens typically gain more confidence and are happier after being sponsored. Having nutritious food, snacks, new uniforms, other school supplies, etc allows the children to feel like they have the same advantages as all the other kids in school. The security enables them to be more carefree and focus on (being a child, school, having fun, developing their talents and skills, etc).
- During the past 2 years, 8 of the 9 students have stayed in school and maintained or improved their grades.
Sponsor a Child
There are still many children in desperate need of your help. Please go to our Sponsor A Child page for more information about how you can improve a child's life.