Volunteering and community service have been an integral part of my life. One day while I was searching the Internet for ways I could help Thai children through self-sustained, environmentally-friendly projects, I stumbled upon the Foundation’s website. I was impressed with all the different projects the Foundation can do through the help of its donors and volunteers—especially giving so many children their only chance at a good education. I knew right away that I wanted to write Jeannie; for the past two years, I’ve helped Jeannie translate the children’s letters to their non-Thai sponsors. We also donated some money to support the lunch project at Baan Huay SomSchool in Leoi and my family has given scholarships to send five high school students to school.

During my last annual visit with my family in Thailand, I had the honor to join Jeannie on her trip to the villages in Surin and Buriram. It was a truly wonderful, eye-opening experience. We were greeted with great enthusiasm and warm welcomes everywhere we went. I was amazed at the beauty of this part of my home country (Southern Isan). I learned about their rich heritage and culture, and was encouraged by natural resources this area has—and what these fellow Thais could do with even a little help. Indeed, the poverty is there, but these resourceful people are not without hope.

After talking with so many friendly and happy students, I felt that wherever they are, children are still children. Each of them is full of promise and faith, while each is nonetheless unique in his or her own individual way. The children the Foundation helps are normal kids with attainable dreams.  Just like other kids, they and their dreams deserve to be treated with love and respect. They deserve to have healthy lives, supportive environments, and academic opportunities just like other children.

I was very impressed and was inspired by the Foundation’s successes. Although I have come to understand how difficult it is to manage this large scope of charity work and organize these trips to the villages, I saw how efficiently Jeannie accomplished both.  Moreover, I feel that programs like lunch projects or building school toilets do more than just provide my fellow Thais with food and facilities. They show that students’ well-being and their community’s local wisdom are also the concerns for the Foundation. This is why I’m proud to be part of the great work of the Foundation and hope to continue to do more if I can.           

Sasipote Tangtiang