“We should not give them fish—we should give them a fishing rod and teach them how to fish.” This saying reflects the essence of true support: not a temporary fix, but the creation of lasting opportunities. It perfectly aligns with the story of a long-time sponsor who has been partnering with World Vision Thailand for 25 years, proving that continued support can truly transform lives.
It all began with a life-changing recommendation. Twenty-five years ago, Ms Sawangjit Traicharoenwiwat (Ms Jue) recalls: “It started with my younger sister’s suggestion. I was already donating to several causes, but I felt that children needed ongoing support, not just a one-off donation.” That insight became a turning point in her life, helping her see the difference between general donations and the Child Sponsorship programme. “If a child comes from a disadvantaged background, a single donation will not be enough to sustain them or help them finish school.” Ms Jue understood that children in poverty need consistent support—not just temporary aid. That is why she decided to join World Vision Thailand’s Child Sponsorship programme.
Over the past 25 years, she has witnessed real change in the lives of the children she sponsors. What impressed her most was receiving regular updates and heartfelt letters from the children. “I love that I get regular updates—about their studies, height, weight—and letters where they share their stories sincerely.” These letters not only show physical development but also reflect growth in thinking and education.
One story she will never forget is a letter from a child she had supported since they were very young: “One child wrote that they had grown taller, which meant they were eating better. They also helped their parents with work. The letter was long and detailed—it really showed how much they had grown.” She also recalls how, in the early years, the child struggled to write even basic Thai characters. They would write and erase repeatedly. But eventually, they could fill an entire page with a letter. That is when she realised her support was truly making a difference. “I could see the progress through their writing. Each year, their letters improved. From half a page to a full one. Their writing reflected their development and thought process.”
When asked why she continues to support vulnerable children, Ms Jue responded with conviction: “There are still many people in poverty in our country. Real development must begin with the family.” She believes that building strong families is the foundation for national progress. Children who grow up in a nurturing environment are more likely to become good citizens who contribute positively to society. “If a child grows up in a loving, stable home, they have a better chance of becoming a good person. That is why ongoing support is so important.”
More than two decades of sponsorship have strengthened her belief in the power of consistent support—from families to communities. She understands that supporting children should not focus solely on the child, but must also extend to their family and community. “A good society starts with good families. If families are strong, communities and villages will thrive. Children will grow up in a positive environment.”
In June 2025, Ms Jue was invited to attend the Sponsor Recognition Event, held to thank sponsors who have supported the Child Sponsorship programme for 10, 15, 20, and 25 years. She shares enthusiastically, “I was surprised—has it really been 25 years? Time flies! I am so happy to be part of this journey. Even if it is not a huge contribution, I am proud and grateful to be here.”
Her pride does not come from the amount she has given, but from being part of creating opportunities for children to live better lives. “Today, one child told me their family received egg-laying chickens from World Vision Thailand. They still sell the eggs for extra income. The child also knows how to raise chickens and sell eggs. It is like building a livelihood from a young age.” This clearly shows that long-term support not only helps children access education but also equips them with life skills they can use in the real world.
In the final part of the interview, Ms Jue shared a heartfelt message for children who may be facing hardship: “Everyone has days when they feel tired or discouraged. Life can be tough, physically or emotionally. Whether or not someone is there to help, set a goal and keep moving forward. It is okay to feel down, but do not give up. Be a good person and trust in the values you have been taught, whether by your family or school. Your efforts will take you to your destination.”
The 25-year journey of Ms Jue and her sister shows us that consistent support does not just change the lives of children—it creates lasting change for Thai society. It is a shining example of how true transformation happens through ongoing giving, filled with love, and the power to create opportunities and a difference in children’s lives.
