Join us in providing scholarships to ambitious but financially disadvantaged youth. This will provide educational opportunities to create a sustainable future for young people, enabling them to pursue their dreams and truly reduce the number of people dropping out of the education system.
Take your first step to bring hope, happiness, and educational equality to the youth. Experience the pride of being a part of fulfilling their dreams for a brighter future.
For 14 years, World Vision Foundation of Thailand has been implementing the Bachelor’s Degree Programme. Initially, we provided education funds for vulnerable youth within our operational areas to pursue bachelor’s degrees. After that, we have expanded to include students in vocational education, covering both vocational and high vocational certificates, in response to the growing number of young people aspiring to vocational studies as a pathway to employment and income after graduation.
(Report on analysis of the poverty and inequality situation in Thailand in 2023 by the National Economic and Social Development Council)
“Every day after school, I had to work in the sugarcane fields. Whatever amount of sugarcane I harvested, I must split it equally with the landowner. What remained was the money I could use for food, living expenses, and my education.” “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined staff from World Vision Thailand to help distribute alcohol gel and face masks, teach school children, and visit impoverished households and the elderly living in small shacks. It made me realise that many people are facing even greater hardship than I am. That experience was a turning point; it made me want to study political science so I could return and help develop my hometown.” The Bachelor’s Degree Programme has opened doors for a boy who relied on morning alms for food and worked in sugarcane fields with his grandfather to survive. It has given him access to higher education.
“Whether we are born or die, we must go through the district office. I believe working at the district office is a role that truly connects with and supports the people. I will use the knowledge I have gained to help and develop my community back home,”
“I had two dreams: I wanted to become a maths teacher and a nurse. I tried applying to the Boromarajonani College of Nursing in Udon Thani. It took me two attempts before I passed the entrance exam. But once I got in, I had to find money to pay the tuition fees. So I went to work in Bangkok at a Japanese restaurant. I worked for three months—six days a week with one day off—and managed to save 20,000 baht to cover my initial expenses. My family farms rice and taps rubber trees, but sometimes we do not get much latex.”
“When I was in Grade 11, my teacher invited me to do work exposure at Ban Phaeng Hospital in the emergency room. I got to take vital signs, measure blood pressure, and do basic screening. I really enjoyed it—it was challenging. I got to try new things. Although it was hectic, it had a certain charm,”
Sawitree shared, reflecting on the inspiration behind her decision to study nursing. The Bachelor’s Degree Programme allowed Sawitree to fully pursue her studies. She still took on part-time work, but no longer had to work so hard to afford her education.
After graduating and passing the professional licensing exam from the Nursing Council, Sawitree chose to work full-time in the emergency room at Ban Phaeng Hospital—the very place that sparked her dream during her Grade-11 work exposure. She now cares for and supports people in her hometown community and serves as a pillar of support for her family.
Vulnerable young people living in areas where World Vision Thailand operates can apply for the fund by submitting proof of their family’s financial hardship, along with evidence of admission to a higher educational institution.
A local-level committee, comprising our programme manager, community leaders, and representatives from the educational institutions where the applicants are currently studying or previously studied, jointly reviews the applicants’ backgrounds and living conditions. Eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 2.5, along with a willingness to participate in programme activities and submit regular academic progress reports.
Funds are raised from individuals, agencies, and organisations to support education funds for vulnerable youth.
Fund recipients are required to submit documents, letters, and academic transcripts each academic year as a way of expressing gratitude and keeping supporters informed of their educational progress.
World Vision Foundation Thailand, in collaboration with government agencies, local organisations, civil society, community leaders, and grassroots networks, is working to ensure that the most vulnerable children have access to their right to development (as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child). This effort also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
World Vision Thailand makes it clear that this is a sustainable way to help children. It provides children with education and a good quality of life. Our country is full of smart and capable children who have little opportunity. Providing opportunities to access higher education will benefit the youth as it will allow them to pursue careers, support their families, and contribute to society. If they have higher education, their quality of life will improve.
