World Vision Foundation of Thailand held an event, ‘Chat Trakan Project Handover,’ at Ban Pa Daeng School in Chat Trakan District, Phitsanulok Province, to commemorate 18 years of development work with children, families, and communities in the area. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with a network of partners, community leaders, educational institutions, and supporters from both Thailand and abroad, leading to tangible positive change.
The event showcased the project’s results and accomplishments, demonstrating improvements in the quality of life for children, families, and communities in several areas – education, well-being, and livelihoods, and community engagement. It also offered a platform for children and youth from schools across Chat Trakan District to express their talents through cultural performances and creative activities, highlighting their confidence in expressing themselves, confidence, and life skills, all of which have been continuously fostered throughout the project.
For the past 18 years, the World Vision Foundation of Thailand has worked closely with communities in Chat Trakan District to promote children’s holistic development – encompassing education, health, and child protection – and to strengthen families and communities. As a result, many children and youth have gained access to educational opportunities, experienced improved quality of life, and have grown into important contributors to the development of their local communities.
The success achieved reflects not only positive child development outcomes, but also the strength of the community in driving its own development. This is accomplished through occupational groups, the establishment of community funds, and educational support activities for children and youth – key results of collaboration between the community, partner networks, and the World Vision Foundation of Thailand. This collaborative effort is building a strong and sustainable foundation for long-term development.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Rosalin Kowae, Director of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand, spoke about the success of their work in Chat Trakan District, stating, “For the past 18 years, World Vision Foundation of Thailand has been privileged to walk alongside the community in Chat Trakan District – a period of mutual learning, growth, and meaningful change.”
As a Christian organization, we believe the love we receive from God is an important inspiration for us to share love, care, and opportunity with others, particularly those who lack opportunities in life. Therefore, our work is not a burden, but a joyful mission undertaken with dedication and purpose.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand prioritizes ‘development work’ because we believe development is the foundation of sustainability, and children are at its heart. Every child has inherent value and the potential to grow into a good and capable individual, uniquely themselves. While each person’s life journey is different, everyone has the ability to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
What we have learned from our work in this area is that success isn’t achieved by any single organization working in isolation, but by the collective power of collaboration among all sectors, working together to implement and drive change.
The success achieved in Chat Trakan District demonstrates the strength of collaboration between the community, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society in jointly creating opportunities and sustainably improving the quality of life for children, youth, and families in the community.
Additionally, the event featured a scholarship ceremony for local students and a forum where former participants in the project, parents, community leaders, and stakeholders shared their experiences. They recounted stories of change and growth over the project’s lifetime, demonstrating the tangible results of investing in children, families, and communities.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand believes that investing in child development builds a strong foundation for a sustainable society. The success of today’s Chat Trakan Project is a result of the collaborative efforts of all sectors – government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and community members – who are continuously driving change and creating opportunities for children and youth.
The “Chat Trakan Project Handover” event marks not only the celebration of 18 years of success, but also demonstrates the capacity and strength of the community to continue driving its own development. It reaffirms the mission of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand to stand with children, families, and communities to create lasting change and bring ‘hope, opportunity, and a better future’ to Thai children and communities nationwide.
