Creative Life Foundation’s work in Thailand is multidimensional. CLF is so much more than a typical charity that sends money, but doesn’t get involved with the actual work. CLF’s main mission is to provide scholarships for education to girls at risk for trafficking and child marriage. To do that the organization provides a mentor for each student enrolled in the scholarship program. Tuition is provided to each student, as is money for books, transportation, uniforms, and meals. It is the mentor who assists the individual student with those things tuition doesn’t cover.
For Ice, as she is known, the role her mentor Plar has taken on has assured Ice that she indeed will be able to finish her university degree.
Ice signed on with CLF when she was in 12th grade. Although Ice’s mother has a bachelor’s degree, as a single mother (Ice’s father died when she was young), she could not help Ice attend university. Ice is a good, very determined, and hardworking student who managed to graduate from secondary school, when most students don’t make it past 6th grade. She is currently doing quite well in her third year of university while maintaining a part-time job to help her family.
Plar’s advice as a mentor to Ice has been quite helpful. One time when Ice was feeling particularly despondent with no hope, feeling like she had hit a dead end, Plar helped her “see a new and better way.” This is another way that distinguishes CLF from just being tuition assistance.
Ice is excited about graduating from university, but has not yet decided on a career. She is an English major which will give her many options to fulfill her dream of having a stable job and income.
Ice enjoys gaining more knowledge through school, especially the events for learning that CLF organizes, such as a psychology professor who discussed mental health and a government official who spoke on cyber security.
Ice believes that CLF is having a positive impact on Thai society, by providing scholarships and mentors children receive an education which helps to develop the students as well as society by having educated citizens.
Plar believes CLF is reducing social inequality by making education possible and creating pathways to good jobs/careers for people in Thailand.
Carol Rogers, PhD
CLF Board Chair
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