World Vision Foundation of Thailand has been working in Nong Hi District, Roi Et Province, for over 10 years and recognises the urgent need to create a safe and standardised environment for schoolchildren.
Previously, the 48-year-old canteen at Mueang Nong Hi School posed serious safety and hygiene concerns. The roof structure and wooden beams had deteriorated due to long-term use and termite damage. Birds built nests in the roof area, leading to potentially contaminated food. Falling wood debris risked injuring students, and broken roof tiles caused leaks during rain. Most critically, the canteen floor was lower than the surrounding area, making it prone to flooding during the rainy season.
Mr Atsadawut Choichot, Director of Mueang Nong Hi School, explains, “The old canteen had been in use for a long time and was in poor condition. Being located in a low-lying area, it was often flooded during the rainy season. We had to temporarily relocate students to eat elsewhere.” The space under the school building was not sufficient for all students, so meal times had to be staggered to manage the limited space.
Kanokwan, or Ice, a student who has attended the school since Kindergarten 2 and is now in Grade 6, shares her feelings about using the old canteen: “The roof was starting to collapse. I was scared it might fall while we were eating. The walls also had cracks because it was so old.”
She continues, “The old canteen was too small. There was not enough space to eat. The teachers let the kindergarten kids eat first. We had to wait until they finished. When it rained, the canteen was flooded. The floor was much lower than it is now.” She recounts the recurring problems she had faced for years.
Due to the urgency of the issue and the celebration of World Vision Thailand’s 50thanniversary, the organisation has hosted the ‘LIMITLESS GRACE Gala Dinner’ to thank donors, supporters, and partners. Plaques of honour have been presented to individuals and organisations that play a vital role in helping vulnerable children, families, and communities improve their quality of life. This event also serves as a fundraising opportunity to support the construction of the new canteen. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the ‘Clean and Standardised Canteen for Students’ Good Health’ project has come to life.
With the funds raised by World Vision Thailand, the school has relocated the canteen to a higher area. “Previously, we temporarily moved the canteen to under the school building, but it was not ideal. Now, thanks to World Vision Thailand, children can eat in the new canteen. They are happy and enjoy their meals,” says Director Atsadawut Choichot.
Ice shares her joy: “I am so happy! We do not have to deal with the old roof anymore. I am not scared it will fall on us. All my friends are happy too. We were all waiting for the new canteen.”
“I feel so happy and excited. My friends feel the same. We are now using the new canteen, and I want to keep using it because it is clean and strong,” she adds with excitement.
In June 2025, Mr Athinon Pungsanthia, Regional Programme Implementation Manager – Northeast & South, World Vision Thailand, along with kind-hearted donors, visited the school to officially hand over the new canteen amidst a warm welcome from teachers and students.
Director Atsadawut Choichot expresses heartfelt thanks: “On behalf of Mueang Nong Hi School, we have received continuous support from World Vision Thailand—uniforms, school supplies, and now funding for the canteen construction. It greatly benefits the students. They can now eat in a hygienic environment, which supports their growth and learning. Thank you to all the kind-hearted donors.”
Ice also sincerely thanks the supporters: “Thank you to all the generous donors. We will make the most of it, keep it clean, and make sure it lasts a long time.” She added, “If we had not received support from World Vision Thailand, the old canteen would have continued to deteriorate, and we would not have a canteen to use.”
The ‘Clean and Standardised Canteen for Students’ Good Health’ project would not have been possible without the support of generous donors. This initiative not only solves an immediate problem but also creates a safe, hygienic, and sustainable learning environment for students. It is a collaborative effort involving the school, community, and supporting organisations to ensure Thai children receive quality education and nutrition.
