On 19 September 2025, at the meeting hall of Sangkhla Buri Kindergarten School in Kanchanaburi Province, World Vision Foundation of Thailand held a celebration and handover ceremony for the community development for self-reliance and sustainability project that has been running continuously for a full 20 years, aiming to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children, impoverished families, and communities along the Thai–Myanmar border in a sustainable way.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth and pride, built up over more than two decades of collective effort. Schoolchildren from various communities took turns showcasing their talents in charming and creative performances, including traditional dances by Mon and Karen groups. Teachers also shared stories of how their lives had changed thanks to support from World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
“As a coordinating teacher, I feel deeply grateful to be part of the work with World Vision Foundation of Thailand. It is not just about fulfilling the role of a teacher but also getting to learn the value of giving and see smiles and hope blossom in the hearts of children and the community
The support from World Vision Foundation of Thailand goes beyond education—it offers opportunity, hope, and joy. It is a guiding light in life and an inspiration for children to dream and believe that kindness can truly change the world,” said Teacher Rapipat, expressing her thoughts on World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s work in Sangkhla Buri.
Over the past 20 years, the project has brought about sustainable transformation for children, families, and communities in Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi Province:
- 100% of children in Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi have received access to education and continued their studies beyond the compulsory level.
- 1,900 youths have developed life skills through a variety of activities, including critical thinking, life planning, teamwork, and community leadership. Many have grown into role models with strong capabilities and a spirit of volunteering, ready to drive change in their own communities.
- 19 educational institutions in the area have received ongoing support, including teacher capacity development, repairs to classrooms, canteens, and playgrounds, provision of learning materials and teaching aids, clean drinking water systems, and promotion of school-based agricultural plots for lunch programmes to ensure proper nutrition and good health for children.
- 952 youths have been equipped with vocational skills, enabling them to earn income while studying and build a foundation for their future. This support allows them to stand on their own feet, not relying solely on higher education, but thriving through the skills gained from the project.
- Two sub-districts in Sangkhla Buri have seen urgent community issues addressed, particularly those affecting children, such as the installation of mountain water supply systems, support for community toilets, and provision of solar panels for vulnerable families.
All of this reflects the power of collaboration between World Vision Foundation of Thailand and the community and supporters, who have helped shape Sangkhla Buri into a place of hope and opportunity for children and families. During the celebration, stories were shared by individuals who had once received support from the project and have since grown into role models within their communities. One such story came from Porncharoen, also known as A-ngoon, a former sponsored child, who affirmed the transformative power from World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s support, which helped her grow with confidence and dream of becoming a news anchor.
“I have been a World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s sponsored child since I was about five or six years old. I have to say, it has been a long journey to get to where I am today. I have been through a lot, but World Vision Foundation of Thailand has stood by me and supported me every step of the way. They gave me the courage to hold a microphone—from someone shy, afraid to speak up, and scared of being bullied, now I am not afraid of anything
Sangkhla Buri is very remote, but World Vision Foundation of Thailand reached out to the community. People who had no jobs now have livelihoods. Those who were unemployed now have work.
I am determined to become a journalist in the future. I want to take the exam to become a news anchor. I do not know how it will turn out, but I will give it my all. And even when World Vision Foundation of Thailand is no longer with us, I will pass on the knowledge I have gained to the younger generation, so they can carry it forward,” said A-ngoon, confidently sharing her story.
