“This education fund has given me the chance to pursue what I have always dreamed of — continuing my education to a higher level, securing a stable job, and earning a good income so I can take care of my parents and give them a more comfortable life.”
Pongphop, or Phop, a determined 21-year-old from Chiang Mai, is now in his third year of a vocational certificate programme in electrical power. He speaks with a voice full of hope and determination. Though his journey has been far from easy, he has never let hardship hinder his dreams.
Phop grew up in a poor family. His parents worked as day labourers, taking on whatever jobs they could find — from agricultural work to odd jobs. With six children in the family, financial hardship was a constant reality. His parents’ income was insufficient to support all their children through school, making access to education a significant challenge.
“I am the youngest child in my family,” Phop explains. “Because my parents had to support so many children, some of my siblings never had the chance to go to school. They had to help our parents work from a young age. Only three of us — my second-oldest brother, my fifth sibling, and I — were able to study. And I am the only one who made it to the vocational certificate level.”
Although Phop had a clear goal in life, reaching it was far from easy. After finishing Grade 9, he could barely allow himself to hope for further education, fully aware of the burden his family carried. The thought “I will need to stop studying and start working” was something that constantly lingered in his mind.
But then, it was as if fate stepped in to offer him a chance. One day, staff from World Vision Thailand visited his school to introduce the Education Fund at his school. It was an initiative aimed at supporting high-achieving students from low-income families. The programme enables them to pursue vocational education and develop the skills needed for a more secure future.
“When I heard about the programme, I did not hesitate — I applied right away. And when I found out I would receive the education fund, I was overjoyed. It meant that the path to my dream was not over yet.”
This education fund not only eased the financial burden on Phop’s family, covering tuition fees, school supplies, and other expenses, but also became a powerful source of motivation. It gave him hope and the strength to keep moving forward.
“I made a promise to myself that I would study hard and never give up, even if I have not reached my dream yet. I want to become an electrical engineer,” he says with determination.
For Phop, the education fund is more than just financial aid. It is a guiding light. It represents opportunity, hope, and the beginning of a better life, not just for him but for his entire family. A brighter future awaits, and he is ready to pursue it with unwavering dedication.
