Written by James, Project Coordinator in Thailand
As the sun rises over Mae Sariang, the heart of our work begins. My morning starts with a cup of coffee from the shop next door, brewed from beans grown and processed by the local community. Sipping this coffee feels like being part of their journey, a reminder of how deeply interconnected our lives and efforts are. With my planner open, I review the day’s tasks: organizing workshops, visiting local partner schools, and supporting the team. Looking around at the community I grew up in, memories of my childhood resurface. Year by year, I see the changes that I never thought about back then. Friends I grew up with have moved to cities in search of better job opportunities. The village feels quieter now, yet its essence remains deeply rooted in me.
Growing up in a hill tribe area, technology was a luxury. I remember the single TV in our school and my first memory of learning English at 13—stumbling over the word “London” taught by an Agricultural teacher because we had no English teacher. Back then, I thought my future would mirror my parents’, working as farmers, because I didn’t feel I was good at anything. Opportunity may appear when its time comes; that uncertainty shaped my commitment today—to give children in my community opportunities I once thought were out of reach.
Every project we undertake begins with listening. Meeting with locals to understand their challenges ensures we support areas where help is genuinely needed—not based on assumptions. Today, I visited a local school to follow up on the progress of our educational projects. Measuring impact in education is never immediate; it requires observing behavior, speaking with teachers, and gathering feedback from students. During a workshop with local students, I noticed the initial confusion on their faces as participants and students tried to communicate. Soon, smiles and laughter emerged as they used body language to bridge the language barrier. It reminded me of myself as a student, unable to imagine ever speaking to a foreigner. Seeing the connection unfold reaffirmed my belief: confidence is the key to starting any learning journey, especially in another language.
Reflection is a vital part of our workshops. After every session, we take five minutes to review and assess. This time allows us to identify challenges—like language barriers—and celebrate progress. The small moments, such as a participant inspiring a child to try speaking English or the joy of shared understanding, highlight the workshop’s impact. These may seem like minor changes, but they hold the power to shape lives.
So, what does it take to support a thriving community? Is it long-term development? Is it breaking the cycle of poverty? For me, the answer lies in education. Education equips individuals with the skills to develop themselves and lead their communities. Watching a child’s face light up as they grasp a new concept reminds me why we do this.
As I close my planner for the day, I reflect on the journey. Supporting a community is not just a job—it’s a commitment. It’s about creating opportunities for a better tomorrow and empowering every child, teacher, and participant to believe they can make a difference. Small changes may seem insignificant, but they build the foundation for a brighter future, one step at a time.
Be Part of the Change
Supporting a community takes commitment, collaboration, and small steps that lead to big change. Whether it’s empowering students, supporting teachers, or improving local resources, every effort counts.
But we can’t do it alone. You can help – by participating, donating, or sharing our mission. Together, we can create a lasting impact.
Join us today and be part of the change!
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