Nikorn Duangsong

The Pathway Towards Quality Life and Contentment

By Somluck Khamsaen

Mr. Nikorn Duangsong is an analyst on Policy and Plan 6 at the Office of the Economic Development up North, which is affiliated with the Office of the Committee of Economic and Social Development. It is a prime agency that takes care of the economy and the entire society, strategy in the development of parts and the provinces within the parts and monitoring and evaluation of the development of parts for the economic and social development planning.

Mr. Nikorn is performing an important task in social development. He does a survey on some vital points in the parts, such as data on the population, poverty, education and public health centers. These points are used as an example, such as changes in the population structure. This can affect the elderly especially up North, which is moving rapidly more than other parts of Thailand. The change threatens the economy and society. Therefore, it is necessary to make plans, policies, strategies and regulations to prepare the Thai people before they enter into the elderly category in the future.

Nikorn is 35 years old and a father of 2 children. He used to be a sponsored child of WVFT in the project area of Moo Ban San Ton Muang Tai, San Poo Leu sub-district,

Doi Saket district, Chiengmai province. He shared about his childhood days. He came from a middle class family. They sold agricultural products, but they were not making any profit. The family fell into heavy debts. The 3 children were separated and went to live with relatives. Nikorn lived with Pastor Sukjai Boonma. At that time, WVFT started a child sponsorship program and Ms. Rasami Wanakiet, a WVFT worker in Chiengmai helped the boy to enroll. WVFT came in right on time when Nikorn's family experienced hard times. As part of his education support, the boy received payment of his school fees, books, uniforms and school supplies. WVFT's support paved the way for Nikorn to complete his education from primary grade 5 to university level.

“If I get to meet my Australian sponsor, I want to thank him for giving me this day. I'm very touched by his kindness. Even though my sponsor might have his own burdens and we've never met before, he's still willing to sacrifice himself to help me.”

Nikorn was a diligent student and his grades were consistently good. His sponsor and others were pleased with his studies. After his success in sitting for the entrance exams for Social Science at the University of Chiengmai, WVFT supported him with 3,000 Baht a year until he received his Bachelor's Degree.

The initial assistance from WVFT encouraged Nikorn to go on to complete his Master's Degree for Architecture at Chulalongkorn University in 1999 while he was working in a consultant company for town plan and geographic information system in Bangkok.

“As I look back over my life, it's as if God knows me and has chosen me since I was still a child. The preparations moved to each level accordingly. My parents were not opposed in any way because they knew that I'm in the right path. Every time I prayed to God, He answered. Moving back to Chiengmai wasn't an easy thing for me to do. Two years ago, I left my application form at the Office of the Economic and Social Development. At the right time, the Office threw away the registrar of previous applicants and opened a way for people to take new exams. I went with my 5 friends to sit for the exams and I was the only one who passed. I was very happy. I've now been working at the Office of the Economic and Social Development for 5 years now as a civil servant.”

The child sponsorship program has made a lot of difference to Nikorn and many others like him. “Supporting a child in education for future development is very important. We've studied about poverty and discovered that it stems from lack of education, whether formal or non-formal. WVFT doesn't give full education coverage, which I think is a good idea. If WVFT gives everything, the children will not be active. I believe that we should also help ourselves in some way.”

These days Nikorn is very proud with his important work that has value to the community and the country. He has greater opportunities than a lot of other children. This is why he did not throw away his opportunity to study. From being a rural child to what Nikorn is today, education does have a vital role in improving his level of daily living, work and society. Today, Nikorn is very proud and happy that he is able to choose a quality life for his family. He said that his family gives a lot of importance to being faithful. A Scripture verse reminds him of the truth to be faithful to his work and God.

WVFT has focused and given much value to the development of one generation to the next for 32 years now. Nikorn is one of the hundreds of children in the same age group who has received the opportunity to complete their university level and have a government job at the Ministry of Human Resources and Environment. Right now, there are over 90,000 children in our program who are experiencing quality life development to a brighter future.