In 2006, the Ma Oh Jo village witnessed a groundbreaking moment when the ITDF began construction on a primary school. Completed in May 2008, the school opened its doors to See Pon and many other children in the village, providing a new path to education. Starting school at
seven posed challenges for See Pon, especially with language barriers and adjusting to a structured routine. However, her determination shone brightly through the struggles.
See Pon faced difficulties in learning both Thai and English. Yet, with the guidance of her mentor and language teacher, Kru Eh, she found encouragement during her moments of doubt. “Kru Eh gave me encouraging words: ‘No worries if you cannot speak complete sentences; learn words and more words, and it will help you in the future,” See Pon recalls gratefully.
As See Pon attended her lessons, she grew more confident and gradually adapted to her new environment. Her perseverance transformed her initial struggles into a journey of self-discovery and hope. With each new word learned and lesson mastered, she envisioned a future filled with possibilities. The Ma Oh Jo school became a beacon of hope, expanding her dreams beyond the confines of her village. Education became her pathway to new opportunities and a brighter future, igniting her aspirations.
Upon graduating from sixth grade, See Pon faced a crossroads: she had the chance to continue her education in middle school, but the associated costs—tuition, uniforms, and accommodation—loomed large. Many young girls in her village followed the traditional path of marriage and motherhood, but See Pon felt a solid drive to focus on her education. She learned about scholarships available to students graduating from Ma Oh Jo and determined to pursue her dreams, she applied for and received an ITDF scholarship. This support allowed her to continue her education with her parents’ encouragement.
The transition to Huay Nam Kaew, far from her village, required See Pon to live in a student hostel, which came with its own challenges. Initially, she felt isolated when her closest friends moved on to another school, leaving her alone. To compound the pressure, her mother fell ill, which weighed heavily on See Pon’s mind as she wanted to ensure she was not a burden to her family. Amid these challenges, her homeroom teacher, Miss Balicha, emerged as a guiding light. “See Pon, there is no need to feel pressure to be an expert in any one subject,” she advised. “Just find your passion and keep trying; the rest will come.” Inspired by her teacher’s words, See Pon learned that problem-solving was vital in persevering through adversity.
With the support of ITDF, her teachers, and her family, See Pon kept her dreams alive. Each step she took reinforced her commitment to education and the possibilities ahead. Her journey was
not just about personal success; it was a testament to the transformative power of education and the vital role that community support plays in shaping futures. As See Pon continued her educational journey, she remained a beacon of hope, inspiring others in her village to pursue their dreams as well.
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?
