English 
Nederlands We want to see children go to school. In total we cover the education of close to 200 vulnerable children. How do we do this? What does our care look like? Here is 7 ways we keep children in school.
1. Provide school supplies and uniforms
Officially education is free in Thailand, that is: at primay school level. But there are costs involved, causing many children to drop out. Simply because their families can’t afford basics like notebooks, pencils, bags, shoes, or uniforms. With the help of our child-supporters, we cover these costs.
2. Help with school fees
Again: yes, (primary) education is free in Thailand. But unfortunately, oftentimes there are hidden fees. Sponsoring tuition, exam fees, field trips. Or some schools charge extra for the use of an airconditioner in the class room or a foreign English teacher. We talk to schools about these costs and sometimes help cover them.
3. Work with parents to show the value of education
Poor parents oftentimes would rather see their offspring work as soon as possible, rather than keeping them in school. Our staff regularly checks in with parents and ensures they understand the importance of education. Do you want your child to make a small amount by working as a day laborer, or do you want to see them make a lot more in the future by finishing their studies and finding a good job. We often need to repeat this and counsel parents in this process.
4. Support transportation
Long or unsafe walks to school keep many kids (especially girls) at home. We help fund bicycles, arrange school busses, or provide transport subsidies. Many of our children life in remote areas where school is sometimes 20 or even 30 kilometers away. So this way of helping is essential.
5. Arrange food
Hunger is a huge barrier to learning. Providing daily nutritious meals at school improves attendance, focus, and health. And thus we talk to school to see if they can provide free food for poor families. Or we provide some cash for the students to buy meals.
6. Talk to teachers
We often see parents show little involvement in their children's education. Sometimes cause they are too busy working, or because they live elsewhere. Oftentimes cause parents are completely absent. And so our staff often checks in with teachers. To raise awareness and help teachers understand the vulnerable background of a child. But also to screen school results and ensure a student is doing ok.
7. Pay schools/school busses directly
Unfortunately our experience is that when we give cash directly to families, they often spend it on different things than the education of their children. Sometimes fathers buy alcohol or other things. And so we try not to give cash but pay directly to the schools or school busses (see picture above), when possible. Or we buy uniforms and supplies ourselves, rather than letting the families do this themselves.
We do much more to ensure children can go to school. Like bringing children together for peer support, inviting children to camps and more. We can only do this, with your help! Only the most vulnerable children receive support. Those who can't survive with out our help. Will you allow a vulnerable child to study? Learn here how to do that!