(more stories to be added soon)

Normaela's health and character have already developed immensely. She is indeed a Child of the Forest, and loves to plant vegetables and trees, so excited to watch them grow. Her understanding of nature is remarkable, she chooses everything edible for others to try. We can already see Normaela's potential as a bright and creative child.

With the generous assistance of her sponsor, she has been able to join a good local school and we feel confident that she will now begin to really grow and reach her potential, both academically and as a warm, happy child.

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Gozina's Story

Gozina is eleven years old and is also a Karen. Like many Karen, Gozina's family have no land and move from plantation to plantation in search of work. She has six siblings and, after her mother passed away some months ago, the father alone is left to take care of them. Gozina's father makes bamboo roofs and, when possible, works on a rice plantation for 60 Baht (US$2 a day), barely enough to provide food for the family.

Gayoo is a nine year old Mon girl from Burma. She was brought to our home recently by a friend of her mother's. Gayoo's father died last year of AIDS, her mother is now seriously sick with the disease and has moved to a home for AIDS patients. This is naturally an extremely difficult time for Gayoo,she will need much warmth and care.
Though anxious about her mother's health Gayoo is a strong child and is also beginning her new life at our home. She is a calm and gentle girl who makes friends easily and is liked by all in our community. Gayoo has started our free school and is studying hard, her efforts are helping her Thai progress quickly. With your sponsorship Gayoo will be able to attend an  official school next term. Her friends at the children's home already attend this private school and she is eager to join them. We feel starting this new chapter in her life will not only open opportunities but will be of great help emotionally.

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Tua's Story

. Tua is a twelve year old ethnic Mon girl from Burma, she has no father and her mother is extremely poor. We first met Tua after her elder sister (thirteen at that time) was placed in work on a plantation, where she was raped and then forced into marriage by her mother. We provided a safe home for her sister and, after learning of Tua and fearing a similar fate for her, also helped Tua travel from Burma to our home. When Tua came to us she spoke no Thai and was extremely withdrawn, rarely  did we see her smile. Since living with us Tua's character has grown immensely, she has become much more communicative and expressive, interacting well with both friends and adults. With a stable and secure life free from fear, we expect to see Tua continue to progress, in confidence and in happiness.

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Maratee currently lives on a rice plantation With her younger brother. 2 younger sisters and parents. Her parents are extremely poor. work on the plantation is scarce and only pays 60 Baht  (US$2) a day. As a result Maratee has never been able to receive formal education. Without starting her education soon Maratee will begin work on the Plantation or at the market in order to help her family. Maratee is a friendly. bright and motivated child. She already speaks excellent Thai (her native language is Karen) and is eager to learn more. Your sponsorship will create this opportunity by allowing her to join junior school. With her attitude and ability we feel she should progress excellently. . From Monday to Friday she will enjoy support. love and encouragement in the children's village. At the weekends she will return to stay with her family. With an education, encouragement and life in a positive environment wee feel confident that Maratee will be able to reach her potential and gain access to new choices in life, choices all children have a right to.

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 Is  a 10 year Karen girl. Forced from Burma and unwelcome in Thailand, the Karen people have no state of their own. Pyuwintui and her family have no permanent home and move around in search of work on rice and rubber plantations. Her parents are extremely poor, work on the plantation is scarce and only pays GBP£1 / U.S.$2 a day. Pyuwintui is a quiet but friendly child, eager to learn and attend school. As her parents cannot afford the uniform, lunch fees, books etc. she has never been able to attend formal school. Your sponsorship will create this opportunity by covering all costs of Pyuwintui's education. We do not consider just short term goals, if she has the interest and academic ability her education willfollow through to University. If this is not the case we will help her to find a trade she is interested in, one which will also open up a route out of the poverty. From Monday to Friday Pyuwintui will receive support, love and encouragement in our Karen children's community. Through learning and life in a positive environment we feel hopeful that she can reach her potential and gain access to new choices in life, choices all children have a right to.