On 11 September 2025, a warm and proud atmosphere filled Mae Suai District in Chiang Rai Province during the handover ceremony of Mae Suai Project, Chiang Rai Province. While it may sound like an ending, it marked a new beginning for this community. After 27 years of partnership with World Vision Foundation of Thailand, the journey of community development and child sponsorship has reached a meaningful milestone. The event featured joyful student performances and exhibitions from schools that have undergone comprehensive development—from improved school buildings and teacher capacity to playgrounds, agricultural plots for school lunches, and clean drinking water systems. “Today, 100% of children in Mae Suai have access to education and the opportunity to continue beyond compulsory education,” said Kasem Gunchai, Programme Manager, with pride.
From past challenges to present success: Back in 1998, the landscape of Doi Chang and Doi Wawee was completely different. Poverty, limited access to education, and a lack of stable employment opportunities meant many children were at risk of dropping out of school. Therefore, the Child Sponsorship Programme was launched to provide opportunities for over 3,800 children and later expanded to include family and community development.
Today, the results are clearer and more remarkable than expected. More than 2,000 youths have developed life skills, critical thinking, and vocational skills. Meanwhile, the community’s organic farming and tea-growing groups continue to thrive independently—a true reflection of the shift from dependency to self-reliance. “What World Vision Foundation of Thailand has done over the past 27 years has not only improved the quality of life for children and families but also strengthened the government’s role in community development. Today, we can see tangible results that will endure sustainably,” affirmed Mr Tharangkoon Suphawong, Deputy District Chief of Administrative Affairs, Mae Suai District, and Chair of the ceremony.
“This success has been made possible through the collaboration of all sectors, including the community, schools, and parents,” said Mrs Rosalin Kowae, National Director of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, in a heartfelt closing remark. “Although this is the final year of the Mae Suai Project, I believe the community will continue to care for one another, because everyone shares the same heartfelt desire to see their hometown and children grow up with quality.”
Though the 27-year journey may have come to an end, the seeds that have been carefully nurtured in Mae Suai are not merely remnants of the project success but have grown into strong trees, a foundation of hope and a robust community mechanism. This includes government agencies, non-government organisations, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, and civil society networks, all ready to drive the development of future generations.
The true project success does not end when World Vision Foundation of Thailand steps away—it begins anew when the community is strong enough to carry it forward on its own. The handover in Mae Suai is a passing on of belief: that every community can grow sustainably, given a strong foundation and genuine collaboration.
