Help 500 Thai children get an education

Tom is a kind and determined twelve-year-old boy with a heart for learning. He is currently in sixth grade at a small school in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai. At school, he enjoys drawing and football, and he has even represented his school in competitions. He also helps his teachers with activities, showing both responsibility and initiative.

Life, however, has not been easy for Tom. When he was just four years old, his parents separated, and he went to live with his grandparents in Omkoi District. During that time, his mother moved to Chiang Mai to find work, while his father provided no support. At the age of eight, Tom left the mountains to live with his mother in a small rented room in the city so he could continue his education.

His mother works as a housemaid a few days each week, cleaning homes for foreign families. Her health, however, makes steady work difficult. She has been battling a chronic illness, SLE, for over twelve years and had to undergo knee surgery earlier this year. When she was recovering, Tom lovingly cared for her, showing maturity far beyond his age.

Even with these challenges, Tom does not give up. He helps at home by cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry, and on weekends he sometimes takes small jobs like cutting grass to earn extra money. He has a cheerful spirit, a willingness to work hard, and a determination to build a better future.

The support of Education Matters has lifted a heavy burden from this family. With help for school expenses, Tom has been able to buy supplies, sportswear, and new shoes. More importantly, he has been able to stay in school and pursue his education.

Thanks to your support, Tom and his mother can look to the future with hope. Children like Tom remind us that education changes lives. With your help, he has the chance to keep reaching for his dreams!