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For children facing challenges due to family hardships, such as financial difficulties, uncertain living conditions, and various obstacles, accessing basic rights and even the most essential factors for education becomes a struggle. These children often need to exert more effort, dedication, and resilience compared to their peers, who have more family resources to support their education.

Recognizing these challenges, the EDF Foundation initiated a scholarship program to provide opportunities for underprivileged students to access at least basic education. Since 2531 B.E. (1988), the foundation has been redirecting assistance, in the form of scholarships funded by donors and compassionate individuals, to students facing adversity in over 5,600 schools across 61 provinces in Thailand. The program has reached more than 400,000 students, alleviating their financial burdens and enabling them to pursue education.

The EDF scholarship program doesn't solely consider academic performance as a criterion for eligibility, acknowledging the environmental constraints these children face. However, each year, the foundation observes students who, despite challenging family circumstances, maintain excellent academic performance, discipline, and outstanding abilities. These students believe that education can lead them and their families to a better future, breaking the cycle of hardship.

Teachers overseeing the scholarship program in various schools unanimously agree that these diligent and high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds should receive additional financial support. This support becomes crucial for covering various expenses not covered by state support, such as transportation, meals, and other educational costs. Financial struggles are significant factors that influence these students' decisions to drop out of school.

The scholarship not only provides financial relief but also changes the mindset of recipients. It instills confidence that educational opportunities can transform their future for the better, offering a broader spectrum of career choices beyond entering the workforce with limited skills. It becomes a vital "encouragement" certifying that these students can continue their education without worrying about the uncertainties that arise from their families' financial hardships.

To address the financial constraints faced by some exemplary students, the EDF Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign on Taejai.com. The goal is to provide scholarships to 500 deserving students in lower secondary education (with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above), each receiving 3,000 Baht annually. Your support is crucial in helping these students alleviate the educational expenses for their families, covering aspects not addressed by state policies, such as meals, transportation, and additional educational costs.

Let's take a moment to hear the stories of a few scholarship candidates:

 

Namsai (Namsai), Grade 7, Surin Province

After her parents separated, Namsai lives with her grandmother. Her mother runs a pastry business, and Namsai helps by selling pastries to classmates. Despite the challenges, Namsai is determined to study and dreams of becoming a teacher.

 

Kontarat (Kon Thong), Grade 7, Nakhon Phanom Province

Kontarat's parents divorced when he was 5. He now lives with his father and grandmother. His father, a general laborer, relies on additional income from making traditional Thai instruments. Kontarat assists with housework and helps his grandmother collect flowers for crafting.

 

Thatsaphon (Ohm), Grade 7, Srisaket Province

Raised by a single mother who works as a seamstress, Thatsaphon also contributes to household income by assisting monks in the morning. Despite his responsibilities, he maintains excellent academic performance and dreams of becoming a teacher.

 

Dejthasada (Nokia), Grade 7, Maha Sarakham Province

Dejthasada is a temple boy who, despite facing a challenging path to school, is determined to excel in his studies. He assists with temple activities, including cleaning and maintaining the temple grounds. Despite his hardships, he consistently achieves top grades in his class.

 

These stories highlight the resilience and determination of these students who, despite financial constraints and challenging circumstances, strive for academic excellence. Your support can make a significant impact on their educational journey and contribute to breaking the cycle of hardship.