See Pon grew up in the remote village of Ma Oh Jo as the eldest of three daughters. While her
family life was more stable and close-knit than many in the village, which struggled with issues
like drugs and broken homes, it wasn’t easy growing up in a village where you were not the
norm. Although not expressive with physical affection, her parents were role models of hard
work and integrity. They instilled in See Pon the values of discipline and the importance of
knowing right from wrong. Their straightforward guidance and faith in God strengthened her to
set herself apart from the struggles of many of her family members and other villages.
See Pon also found solace and joy in her grandmother’s hut. She often spent nights there, caring for her grandmother and creating cherished memories. She balanced her time, helping her grandmother in the evenings, going back to help her parents in the day, and always striving to do the right thing to help her grandmother and parents.
In her village, it was common for young girls to marry and have children as early as 13, leaving little room for education or personal dreams. However, with her parents’ guidance in faith and encouragement to resist negative influences, she stayed focused on her goals. Through prayer and trust in the Lord, she found the strength to persevere, defying societal norms to pursue her education and future.
Despite her dreams and goals, See Pon faced many challenges to achieve an education to pursue her dreams. With no school in Ma Oh Jo and the nearest one being miles away, See Pon faced this significant barrier. Much of her previous learning came from the church teams visiting
through the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF), who engaged the children with
games, songs, and crafts while working on community projects, such as bringing clean water to
her village. These interactions sparked her curiosity and love for learning and spurred her to
dream big.
Despite no clear path to a brighter future and no school nearby, she held onto hope. Trusting in the uncertainty and relying on the Lord’s goodness, she proved that all things are possible through Him. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the transformative impact of education.
Yet, there are still countless children in the northern hill tribes of Thailand who face the same challenges she once did. They dream of an education, a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty, and an opportunity to build a better future. You can be a part of their journey.
By supporting education initiatives for these communities, you help create opportunities where none exist, lighting the way for children to achieve their God-given potential. Together, we can make a difference—one child, one school, and one dream at a time. Will you join us in changing lives and giving hope to the next generation?
