“If we are in a position to help, then we should share opportunities with other people’s children as well.”
These simple words come from Acting Sub Lt. Suphawat Thipyarak, one of World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s child sponsors, who attended the From the Heart: Moving Forward Together to Create Change appreciation event to receive a recognition plaque for 25 years of continuous child sponsorship. Although he says he has never really kept track of how long he has supported children, looking back, this journey of sharing has continued for many years and become a meaningful part of his life. “Today, I received a plaque for 25 years, but honestly, I never counted,” he said.
The decision to sponsor a child was not driven by anything complicated. It came from a heartfelt desire to provide opportunities for those who lacked them. “Some of my own children and grandchildren did not want to continue their studies, even though I was ready to support them. So I decided to give opportunities to other people’s children instead.”
For Mr. Suphawat, child sponsorship is not merely about providing monthly financial support. It is about witnessing children’s growth through photographs, letters, and stories regularly shared by the Foundation, creating a bond that is difficult to put into words. “I see these children as if they were my own children and grandchildren.” Over the decades, many sponsored children have grown up and achieved success, while new children have come into the program and received opportunities in turn. Although there have been so many children that he cannot always remember every name or face, his feelings toward them remain unchanged the goodwill of an adult who simply wants to see children have a better future.
When he met some of the children who attended the event, Mr. Suphawat said the feeling that arose was one of ‘happiness.’ “We want them to have opportunities in life because many of them may not have the same opportunities as others. Being able to help them receive an education and build a better future brings us happiness.” These simple words clearly reflect the heart of child sponsorship. For a child, receiving access to education may be the beginning of a life-changing journey. For a sponsor, happiness does not come from receiving anything in return, but from seeing someone grow toward a brighter future.
Throughout the past 25 years, he has also encouraged those around him to share opportunities in the same way. “When we have opportunities, when we are in a position to help, and when our own children can take care of themselves, we should share opportunities with other people’s children as well.” He believes that helping one child is not a burden but an investment in the future of society. The more adults who become involved, the more children waiting for opportunities will receive the support they need.
Beyond providing educational opportunities, one thing Mr. Suphawat would like to leave with every child is the importance of growing up to be a good person. “Be a good person. Think good thoughts. When you have a positive mindset, everything else in life tends to follow.” As a former civil servant, he also emphasized the value of integrity, which he considers a fundamental principle in both life and work. “Be honest and faithful to your duties and responsibilities.”
Mr. Suphawat may never have counted how many children’s lives he has helped transform over the past 25 years. Yet one thing is clear from the story he shared today: the decision of one person can truly create meaningful change in the lives of many children. Sometimes, great change does not begin with a large group of people. It begins with a single adult who chooses to give one child the opportunity to step toward a better future.
