One story that beautifully illustrates the power of this conviction is that of Mr.Kraipob Phaengsapha, a sponsor with World Vision Foundation of Thailand who has been creating opportunities for children for two decades. Looking back 20 years, Mr.Kraipob recalls that he had long wanted to sponsor a child but was unsure which organization to support. At the time, information was not as readily available as it is today. He had to read, ask questions, and speak with others before gaining a clear understanding of the work of World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
What led him to choose World Vision Foundation of Thailand was the clarity of its mission and approach. “When we contribute money to help a child, we need to be confident that the child will truly benefit from that support,” Mr.Kraipob said. What resonated with him most was the organization’s commitment not only to helping an individual child but also to strengthening the entire community. A child’s school and community, after all, are equally important. Khun Kraipob added that child sponsorship is not a one-time contribution but a ‘long-term commitment’ that requires consistent support.
Kraipob’s first sponsored child was a girl about two years old the same age as his daughter. This coincidence created a special connection, making him feel as though the two children were growing up together. Whenever he chose a gift for his daughter, he would also think of his sponsored child, selecting items such as colored pencils, sketchbooks, and clothing. He even arranged for computers that were no longer in use at his workplace to be passed on to her school for its use.
With goodwill as the foundation, exchanging just a few letters each year was enough to build a genuine bond. When World Vision Foundation of Thailand organized an event where sponsors could meet their sponsored children, Mr.Kraipob recalled the experience with a smile: “Once we met in person and sat down to talk, we immediately felt a connection because we were not complete strangers.” It remains a cherished memory for him to this day.
Throughout the 20 years as Kraipob’s daughter grew up, she was always aware of and observed his journey of giving. Whenever a letter or photograph arrived from a sponsored child, he would share it with her, encourage her to write a reply, and involve her in selecting, preparing, and packing gifts.
Mr.Kraipob thoughtfully explained his reasons: “I wanted my daughter to understand what I was doing. Giving and helping others cannot be taught in a single day it takes time.” He hopes that when she is older and must decide for herself whether to help others, she will understand the value of giving through what she has witnessed throughout her life and carry that principle forward in her own way.
For Mr.Kraipob, continuity is essential. “As a father, I have to care for my daughter throughout her life,” he explained. “Child sponsorship is the same. It is an ongoing journey, not a one-time act of support.”
By regularly following news and progress reports from World Vision Foundation of Thailand, Mr.Kraipob has seen increasingly clear evidence of change from improvements in his sponsored children’s academic performance, health, and development to the growing strength of their communities, which have gradually become able to support themselves sustainably.
Mr.Kraipob believes the success of child sponsorship cannot be measured solely by statistics or improved grades. Rather, it is reflected in “the overall improvement of the child, the community, the school, and the surrounding environment.” Over the past two decades, he has seen these positive changes become a reality.
Reflecting on 20 years of child sponsorship, Mr.Kraipob said, “Child sponsorship means taking part in creating change for an individual, a community, and a school and, more broadly, for Thai society, because developing people means developing the country.” His words reflect a deeply rooted conviction that has inspired him to provide consistent support without ever considering stopping midway. Even today, he continues to dream bigger, hoping that children who grow up with support from the World Vision Foundation of Thailand will have the opportunity to pursue a university education so that this support can truly ‘go all the way’.
Mr.Kraipob and many other sponsors have shown that ‘opportunity’ can truly transform lives. World Vision Foundation of Thailand extends its heartfelt thanks to Mr.Kraipob and all sponsors who have continued to walk alongside children in Thailand. Every contribution and every expression of trust does more than change the life of one child—it is helping to create lasting change for families, communities, and Thai society as a whole.
