Access to electricity may be something basic for many. However, for children and families living in remote areas, the brightness of a single light can change the course of a life in unexpected ways.
The story of Paphop, a sixth grader from a remote part of Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, is another real example of the change that can truly happen when a basic necessity such as light returns to his life and family.
Paphop’s home is shared by ten family members who make a living through farming, which does not generate much income compared with the expenses required to support everyone. Their home is an old wooden house with only one partitioned room. There is no electricity. At night, everyone relied solely on the dim glow of small candles
“Candles run out quickly. We have to buy them often. Many times, when my parents didn’t have money, they had to ask the shop to let us take candles first and pay later,” Paphop said, describing his family’s hardship
The darkness not only makes daily life at night difficult but also affects the education of Paphop and his school-aged siblings.
“My brothers, sisters, and I rarely finished our homework. The candles usually ran out, and we had to continue our homework at school the next morning,” he said—a simple statement that reflects a much more complicated problem.
When educational opportunity begins with something as basic as light, it becomes clear how limited life is without it. Because they could not continue any activities after sunset, everyone had to go to bed early. Even going to the toilet required a flashlight, which was inconvenient and increased the risk of accidents.
A Solar Power System Generating the Light of Hope
Thanks to the support of generous donors, World Vision Foundation of Thailand has implemented the “Solar Power Support for Households Project”, providing solar power systems to 10 families, including Paphop’s. This brought light back into their homes—changing not only the atmosphere at night, but also the quality of life and learning opportunities for the children.
“I’m really happy because now I can finish my homework and submit it on time. Yesterday, my mother told me to read my textbook, and I finished a whole chapter!” Paphop said with a smile. “My mother can also use the light when she wakes up early to cook. It’s much more convenient. And when I have to go to the toilet at night, I’m not scared anymore because the whole house is bright when the light is on.”
World Vision Foundation of Thailand and Its Ministry to Walk Alongside Children, Families, and Communities in Remote Areas
Providing solar power systems to vulnerable families in Thong Pha Phum Project in Kanchanaburi Province is part of the wider ministry carried out by World Vision Foundation of Thailand across 32 provinces. The aim is to improve the quality of life of children and families in all dimensions, including reducing the financial burden on households (SDG 1: No Poverty); addressing structural inequalities in remote communities (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities); and promoting and protecting children’s basic rights, especially in education (SDG 4: Quality Education), and in health and safety (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being). These efforts reflect the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as an important framework guiding the organisation’s ministry to ensure the sustainable well-being of children, families, and communities.
With over 50 years of experience, World Vision Foundation of Thailand understands the complex realities of working in challenging, remote contexts. Our field teams work closely with communities to ensure that assistance truly reaches the most vulnerable children who need it most.
“Thank you to the kind donors for giving my family a solar power system. I’m very happy that we now have electricity and light, so I can do my homework, read books, and go to the toilet easily at night. I promise I will study hard and read more,” Paphop said in closing.
Paphop’s story is evidence-based proof that support which truly meets real needs can sustainably improve the lives of children and their families. World Vision Foundation of Thailand will continue our ministry to support children, families, and communities facing hardship, ensuring that every child—no matter how far away they live—has the opportunity to grow to their full potential, equally and sustainably.
