“I never thought I would earn a bachelor’s degree because my family could not afford it. But with tuition assistance and access to learning opportunities, I gained the confidence to speak up, take initiative, and continue my education until I earned a bachelor’s degree. After graduating, I returned to work as a teacher, sharing knowledge and supporting children in my community, just as I once received support.” These heartfelt words from Akkapol, known as Kru Tarn, reflect more than one person’s success. They demonstrate the power of educational opportunity to transform the life of a child and a family—and create a lasting impact on those around them.
Today, Kru Tarn serves as an educator in his community, caring for children and supporting their learning.
Several years ago, however, his story began in a family facing severe financial hardship. Kru Tarn’s parents worked in rubber farming, a livelihood heavily dependent on commodity prices and economic conditions. When rubber prices fell, their income was barely enough to cover their expenses. Meanwhile, production costs—including fertilizer and equipment—as well as household expenses continued to rise. The family had to live frugally and spend only on essential needs.
Despite the family’s financial difficulties, Kru Tarn’s parents remained determined to keep their son in school. As a child, he did not fully understand the hardships his family faced. He attended school like other children, had lunch each day, and received the same school supplies as his classmates, with support from World Vision Foundation of Thailand. As he grew older and became more aware of life’s realities, however, he began to recognize that his parents’ income was unpredictable. He did not know whether his family would be able to afford his continued education.
His concerns about the future gradually grew, along with one persistent question: ‘Will I have the opportunity to continue my education?’ Just as his family’s financial circumstances threatened to limit his dreams, a life-changing opportunity set him on a new path.
Throughout his years as a sponsored child with World Vision Foundation of Thailand, Kru Tarn received ongoing educational support, including school supplies, life-skills activities during his school years, opportunities to participate in skill-building activities, youth camps, and other learning opportunities that broadened his horizons and strengthened his confidence. He also received tuition assistance through the Supporting Students to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree program. This assistance not only eased his family’s financial burden but also enabled him to pursue his dream without having to give up along the way.
Once hesitant to express himself, he gradually gained the confidence to speak up, think independently, share his ideas, and embrace new opportunities. He became a student leader and represented his school at various events. He also entered singing competitions, where his talent earned him awards, scholarships, and valuable experiences that contributed to his personal growth.
The educational opportunities he received gave him more than knowledge in the classroom. They also built the confidence and life skills that played a vital role in helping him move forward.
In every class he teaches and every word of guidance he offers his students, Kru Tarn is passing on the same gift he once received: ‘opportunity.’ In doing so, he is nurturing the seeds that will grow into a powerful force for positive change in society.
