Some intentions begin as small dreams in childhood, only to grow into something deeply meaningful later in life. For Ms. Tan, Saruda Srichayanon, sponsoring a child was one of those dreams she had cherished for many years. It was an item on her bucket list since junior high school: that one day she would have the opportunity to help create a better future for a child, supporting them as they grow, learn, and enjoy a better quality of life.
That long-held aspiration eventually led her to the Chosen: Chosen with Love program of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, a child sponsorship initiative that reimagines the traditional sponsorship model. Typically, sponsors select a child based on photographs or profiles provided to them. However, the Chosen program reverses that process by allowing children to choose their sponsors instead.
Through the program, children are introduced to photos and stories of prospective sponsors and are empowered to decide whom they would like to become part of their journey. This approach reflects a core belief of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand: children are not merely recipients of assistance. They are individuals with inherent worth, dignity, and the right to have a voice in shaping their own futures. Allowing children to make the choice is more than the beginning of a sponsorship relationship; it strengthens their self-esteem and reinforces the message that every child’s voice matters from the very first moment of a relationship built through being “chosen with love.”
Although Ms. Tan had been familiar with the World Vision Foundation of Thailand through volunteer activities for many years, she admitted that she had never seriously explored child sponsorship. That changed when she came across the Chosen: Chosen with Love program on social media, at a time when she felt truly ready to take the next step in giving back.
For her, readiness was not only about financial capacity. It was about having the willingness and commitment to help transform someone’s life.
What caught her attention was not simply the opportunity to sponsor a child but the program’s unique concept, which completely redefines the traditional sponsorship experience.
When she was invited to participate in a field event and witness the process firsthand, she immediately accepted. She wanted to experience what it felt like when children selected their sponsors and to see for herself how the process she had been fascinated by would impact both children and sponsors.
“Before coming here, I thought sponsoring a child would feel rewarding and make me happy. But once I experienced it in person, the emotions were far beyond anything I had imagined.”
She recalled the moment when a child held up her photograph and chose her, her voice still filled with emotion and gratitude.
During the event, Ms. Tan stood nearby as Peerawit, a young boy participating in the activity, walked among the displayed sponsor profiles. When his eyes landed on her photograph and he decided to choose her, she witnessed that heartfelt moment firsthand.
The experience filled her with excitement and emotion that words could hardly describe.
At the time, Peerawit did not know that the woman standing nearby was the sponsor he had just selected. When asked why he chose her, he answered simply:
“Because she’s beautiful.”
When asked what he would say if he met her, he smiled and replied:
“Hello.”
His sincere and innocent answers made the moment even more meaningful for Ms. Tan.
“We’re accustomed to adults being the ones who choose. But that day, the child chose me. It was such a warm and touching feeling. It felt like a bond was formed instantly from the very moment he chose me.”
For Ms. Tan, that day was not merely a one-time activity. It marked the beginning of a relationship built on trust, hope, and connection between two people who had never met before.
She believes that child sponsorship is about far more than providing financial support. It is about creating opportunities for a child to grow in an environment that nurtures their potential, ensures their well-being, and enables them to determine their own future.
“I don’t expect him to become the smartest child or the most successful person. I simply want to be someone supporting him from behind, encouraging him to dream, to hope, and to pursue the path he chooses for himself.”
This perspective closely aligns with the World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s holistic approach to development. The organization works to strengthen not only children but also families and communities through programs focused on education, health, nutrition, child protection, life skills development, and economic resilience.
The Foundation believes that sustainable change in a child’s life can only be achieved when the environment surrounding that child is strengthened as well. As a result, child sponsorship impacts more than one child. It helps create opportunities for families and communities to become stronger, more self-reliant, and better equipped for the future.
Another aspect of sponsorship that resonated deeply with Ms. Tan is the idea of walking alongside a child over time. She recognizes that every child grows at their own pace, with unique dreams, aspirations, and challenges. Having someone who consistently supports and encourages them can provide a sense of security and confidence that empowers them to move forward.
“Watching a child grow year after year, learning what they love, discovering their dreams, and seeing them steadily move toward their goals is incredibly meaningful. It’s not only the child who grows; we grow alongside them. What may seem like a small contribution from us could mean an opportunity to learn, a chance for a better quality of life, or the possibility of pursuing a dream for a child.”
And that is the true meaning of Chosen: Chosen with Love. It is a program that does more than change the life of a child. It transforms the way people think about giving by affirming that every child has value, a voice, and the potential to achieve the future they aspire to create.
“I would like to invite everyone to become an important part of a child’s life. What may seem like a small act to us today could become a life-changing opportunity for their future.” Ms. Tan concluded with a heartfelt invitation.
