From a student who once avoided self-expression, was afraid to speak, and lacked confidence in personal potential, today “Earn,” or Miss Nattathita, an 18-year-old Grade 11 student, has stepped forward to become one of the school’s youth leaders, confidently serving as a member of the Student Council Committee.
This journey did not happen by chance. It is the result of a carefully designed development process aimed at ‘unlocking’ the potential of children and youth. This is implemented under Faith and Development, integrated with the Youth Development model through the Dare to Discover (D2D) curriculum by the World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
A Small Space That Changed a Life: From Fear to Courage
The D2D curriculum is not just a typical training activity; it is a ‘safe space’ where young people are given the opportunity to pause and listen to their inner voice. Through participatory learning processes—including creative games, reflection sessions, and life storytelling—grounded in Christian values that emphasize human dignity, hope, and potential.
For Earn, the starting point of change came from a simple intention:
“I wanted to develop my leadership skills, so I decided to join the D2D program.”
Yet, what the student gained was far greater than expected.
Before joining, Earn admitted to being someone who avoided speaking up, lacked confidence, and often viewed oneself negatively. But through the step-by-step learning process in D2D, experience by experience, Earn began to recognize self-worth and gradually transform.
“I learned both life skills and new ways of thinking. From someone who was not brave, I became braver and more confident.”
This transformation did not stop at internal feelings but was clearly reflected in real life—from speaking in front of the school assembly, actively participating in activities, to stepping into leadership roles within the school. One significant moment was being selected as an emcee for the school’s Chinese New Year celebration, which required speaking Chinese on stage.
“I never thought I could do it, but I dared to take the opportunity—and I truly succeeded,” said Earn with pride.
Growing from Within to Create Change Beyond
Beyond external skills, what Earn discovered was an “inner strength.” Earn began to understand self-worth, learned to accept and value oneself, and gained the courage to try new things.
“I have learned to love myself more, see my own value, and dare to do things I was once too afraid to try.”
This transformation has extended into every aspect of life. Earn now dares to ask questions when unsure, express opinions, and embrace new opportunities. Within the family, Earn has also started helping parents, seeking additional income, and expressing love openly.
“In the past, I was too shy to say ‘I love you’ to my mother. Now, I can finally say it.”
Reflections and a Clearer Dream
The transformation of Earn has not gone unnoticed by those around.
“My friends say I’ve changed—I’ve become more active and more of a leader.”
From someone who once lacked confidence, Earn now has a clear life goal: to pursue a degree in Education (Early Childhood Education) at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.
“I want to become a teacher and pass on the positive energy I’ve received to others.” In addition, Earn actively engages in volunteer work, such as teaching children in the community and participating in church activities—reflecting a growing heart of giving.
More Than Training: A Journey of Self-Discovery
For Earn, the D2D program has been a pivotal turning point in life.
“This program did not just give me knowledge—it gave me encouragement and helped me discover my own potential.”
Earn hopes to extend this opportunity to other young people:
“I would like to invite friends who want to discover themselves or build confidence to join the D2D program. This camp is so much fun—you gain friends, positive energy, and realize you have more potential than you think.”
Earn’s story reflects the working approach of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand, which believes that “sustainable change must begin with transformation within individuals.”
Through the integration of youth development and faith and development work, the organization goes beyond short-term activities to create continuous learning processes that strengthen life skills, leadership, and inner values in young people.
When youth are given “opportunities” alongside “the right process,” they are not only able to transform themselves but also become key drivers of change within their families, communities, and society in the long term. And for Earn, this journey… has only just begun.
