10 Years of Challenges
“My message for today, is how our dreams, hopes, and opportunities became connected through our parts working with Teach For Thailand,” explained Mr. Vichien. “This past decade has proven our determination and ambition to increase opportunities for children, and Teach For Thailand has proven that it can carry on with this mission.” Education inequity is deeply intertwined with economic disparity in many aspects. For example, if a child lives in poverty, they are less likely to have opportunities for improvement and are at a higher risk of dropping out of school. Once they are outside of the educational system, their quality of life is also affected.
“Teach For Thailand’s mission is to reduce this inequity, to free Thai children from the unfortunate cycle and from having a poor quality of life.”
Mr. Vichien also recalled the first time he met Mr. Ta – Vichitapol Pholpoke, founder and CEO of Teach For Thailand, when the foundation was only an idea.
“Ten years ago, I met Ta, who told me about his idea ‘Teach For Thailand’ with such enthusiasm. He said the model derives from Teach For America and Teach For All, and he wants to implement it in Thailand. Ten years later, this organization has proven capable when faced with challenges and has become a key player in the Thai education system.”
“When he told me he wanted to create changemakers, I did not think it would be easy as they would have to live in impoverished schools and face various obstacles. However, the past decade has shown that there are many people ready to make this change together.”
Valuable Experience as a Teaching Fellow
“The Fellows learn many life skills and gain valuable experiences, and they have the opportunity to provide what children in communal schools need. There are also countless alumni who continue to make changes in our society.”
Finally, Mr. Vichien remarked on how every supporter needs to collaborate to face the current challenges.
“Our society faces various obstacles, but we can create more opportunities. Teach For Thailand, along with its supporters, has already been creating changes and improvements. This battle needs to continue so that, in the end, Thai people can have a good quality of life.”
Teach For Thailand expresses its gratitude towards the Yuvabhadhana Foundation and all our supporters, who have been with us during our mission to reduce inequity and drive positive changes for Thai children over the past ten years. With our belief in this “possibility,” Teach For Thailand will continue to drive Thai education forward, so that one day all Thai children will have equitable access to quality education.
