In the process of reviewing and setting a new strategic direction for 2026–2030, World Vision Foundation of Thailand recognises the vital role of churches and Christian organisations as partners in driving sustainable development for children, families, and communities, especially in nurturing the spiritual growth of children so they will flourish in body, mind, and spirit.
Therefore, World Vision Thailand organised a workshop to gather input from church leaders and Christian organisations across the country. The goal was to exchange experiences, reflect on lessons learned, and co-design a new collaborative direction that strongly reflects Christian identity while aligning with the Thai context.
This workshop aimed to create space for spiritual leaders to deeply engage in the strategic process, particularly in integrating faith into World Vision Thailand’s work across various dimensions—individual, community, and policy. Key ideas shared included encouraging staff to appropriately express their Christian faith in their work, connecting ministry to the roots of vulnerabilities, such as poverty, injustice, and lack of opportunity, and expanding partnerships with churches so that children and communities experience God’s love concretely.
Church and Christian organisation leaders shared profound insights on the importance of holistic child care, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. One participant remarked, “We cannot just teach children to read or study; we must teach them that they are valuable in God’s eyes.” They added, “Local churches can be centres of transformation if we share the same vision and are willing to work with the younger generation with understanding.”
The workshop also addressed challenges in cultures, beliefs, and social norms in Thailand that affect children, such as the belief in corporal punishment as discipline or the limited roles of girls in many areas. Participants agreed that churches can play a key role in shifting these mindsets by communicating God’s love and creating safe spaces for children in their communities.
Additionally, discussions included deepening collaboration between World Vision Thailand and churches, such as empowering churches to lead in areas like nutrition, mental health, child protection, and disaster response. These are critical components of the new strategy. Some participants noted that having joint programmes with World Vision Thailand has helped their churches become “not only places where the Word is preached, but also sanctuaries for the community in times of hardship”.
As part of this process, World Vision Thailand also reflected on findings from a spiritual landscape assessment in Thailand. The results revealed both values that support child development and hidden barriers within societal norms and beliefs, such as acceptance of physical punishment, diminished roles for women, or authoritarian systems that silence children. Nevertheless, Thailand’s core religious beliefs still hold potential to cultivate virtues like compassion, kindness, and social responsibility—if nurtured and interpreted creatively.
The workshop also highlighted research on children’s faith and hope, which identified key traits in spiritually nurtured children: compassion, inner strength, life purpose, joy, wisdom, and a relationship with God. These qualities are signs of hope and can serve as a foundation for child development that is truly aligned with the Christian context.
Under the new strategic framework, World Vision Thailand will continue aiming to integrate spiritual development with key areas, such as education and life skills, child protection, health and nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods, including disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, and conflict response. World Vision Thailand believes that true child development can only happen when children are raised in environments that nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits in balance.
This workshop was not just a platform for discussion but marked the beginning of a collaborative journey to shape a new direction rooted in faith, guided by love, understanding, and shared commitment from churches and Christian organisations across the country. World Vision Thailand believes this partnership will be a powerful force in helping every child, especially those in vulnerable situations, grow fully in God’s grace and live a life filled with hope for the future.
