Sponsor a Child’s Education in the Golden Triangle
Full sponsorship
See all sponsorshipsWelcome to the Divine Mercy Centre sponsorship program! Albeit it’s exciting name, the Golden Triangle shelters families faced with great difficulties amongst its mountain range, preventing children from going to school.
Your sponsorship can help students finish their education despite their unhelpful living conditions.
A Golden Triangle that is not so golden
Historically an area of wealth and production, The Golden Triangle refers to the large, mountainous region where the north borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. However, in recent years, Thailand has grappled with a severe economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the country recovers with resilience, migration has now become a key issue, particularly due to the crisis in neighbouring Myanmar and the prevalence of extreme poverty in Laos. Families from these regions seek stability and opportunity in Thailand, seeking refuge in provinces like Chiang Rai which borders these two neighbouring nations.
Chiang Rai is situated in the district of Chiang Saen, within the Golden Triangle. This region is characterized by rice fields, steep mountains, and a tropical, humid climate. However, behind this serene facade lies a complex set of challenges faced by ethnic minority communities, who have faced repression by the Burmese and Laotian governments, civil unrest, and geographic isolation. Seeking refuge in the plains and mountains, immigrating families struggle to integrate into Thai society, depriving them of access to education and job opportunities. Moreover, issues like drug trafficking add to the instability: Neglect, imprisonment and death occur regularly, taking a heavy toll on families and children’s emotional well-being.
Breaking the cycle with education
Education is vital for children in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to create a better future. The Thai school system, similar to that of the UK, emphasizes compulsory education up to the age of 15. By keeping children in school, they learn essential skills, gain independence, and broaden their understanding of the world, rather than going to work in the fields too soon. Education opens doors to various career paths, from academic pursuits to vocational training, offering opportunities for a brighter future.
The Divine Mercy Centre
The Divine Mercy Centre has a rich history spanning over 20 years, born from the division of the Baan Mae Aep Youth Centre. Initially catering to around sixty underprivileged children eager for education, the Centre faced challenges as it outgrew its capacity and eventually closed due to safety concerns. Its founding mission remained unchanged: to provide education to less fortunate children. and in November 2023, the revitalized centre re-opened its doors, offering shelter, skills training, and access to education to vulnerable youth, thanks to the support of the Thai Missionary Society. This is where the sponsored children reside and live, as school is only a brisk 5-minute walk away.
How sponsorship makes a difference
Your monthly sponsorship directly impacts a child’s education by covering school fees and essential expenses. From elementary to university, your support ensures that children have access to quality education, paving the way for a brighter future. The children’s wellbeing is also supported alongside their education.
Father Cherry, the dedicated local programme manager at the Divine Mercy Centre, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. With a background in working with youth and a strong commitment to the mission, Father Cherry quickly gained the trust and respect of the community upon his arrival in March 2023. His honesty, meticulousness, and determination shine through in his decision-making, as he envisions a brighter future for the centre. He engages with the community on a personal level, offering support and guidance while leveraging his diverse knowledge base to enrich the lives of the youth at the centre.
Assisting Father Cherry in his endeavors is Busaba, whose unwavering commitment to the cause stems from her own experiences as a beneficiary of similar programs in her youth. Her gratitude led her to wish in turn to help those places that supported her, right up to the end of their university career.
As of May 2024, 7 children are waiting to be sponsored at the Divine Mercy Centre of Chiang Saen.
You can make a difference in a child’s life.
Sponsor a child today!
Sponsor a child today