Creative Life Foundation is unique because it offers true wraparound services, which is quite uncommon in Thailand. What distinguishes CLF from other foundations’ work is the mentoring component of the program. Students receive tuition funds, and, more impactfully, they are also paired with a qualified, paid mentor who helps guide them through completing school and preparing for university. Finishing school beyond grade 7 is rare for most students in Thailand, and these young people need help navigating high school, applying for college, and considering different careers. Their designated CLF mentor is there for them, and this is why the program has such a successful graduation rate.
Fai Sai started working with CLF when she was just 3 years old and would attend the Saturday program to learn English. She was formally accepted as a scholarship recipient when she entered seventh grade. Fai Sai’s mentor is Plar, and Fai Sai says, “Whenever I have a problem I am struggling with, Plar is always there for me.”
The struggles adolescent women face in Thailand are considerable: Fai Sai’s mother fell ill when she was in elementary school. The responsibility of caring for her sick mother and two younger siblings fell on Fai Sai, and Plar knew that if she was unsupported, she would ultimately have to leave school. Plar helped Fai Sai enroll in the Creative Life Foundation’s scholarship program and agreed to serve as her mentor.
Devastatingly, Fai Sai’s mother passed away when she was in middle school. But in spite of this tragedy and needing to care for her two younger siblings, Fai Sai persisted. Plar states that Fai Sai “has grown from these challenges with the support of CLF; she has strength and determination.”
Fai Sai is now in the 11th grade and beginning to consider what career she wants after school. Fai Sai says “I think education is very important. We use what we learn to do what is right every day.”
The strengths of CLF are summarized beautifully by Fai Sai’s mentor, Plar, who says “CLF is creating a positive difference by helping Thailand have people with positive values, education, and knowledge to help develop the country. Additionally, we are reducing social inequality by making education possible and creating pathways to careers for people in Thailand.”
The mentoring component of CLF is truly invaluable; without mentors like Plar, students like orphaned, twelve-year-old Fai Sai would be scared and overwhelmed. Creative Life Foundation’s mission is to give young children access to education, but, more importantly, it is also to give them hope.
Rachael Rossi, Ph.D.
CLF Board Secretary
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