Supporting Thai Students’ Personal Development and Entry into the Workforce

This project aims to support disadvantaged young people in Thailand in their personal and professional development through summer programmes, personal development training and career guidance initiatives. Co-developed with local partners, it helps strengthen their confidence, skills and integration into society.

Why Is This Support Needed in Thailand?

The children supported by Children of the Mekong come from some of the poorest families in Thailand. While these families already struggle to afford basic schooling without external support, they are even less able to provide extracurricular activities or additional training, whether personal or professional.

Yet these are precisely the experiences that make a difference: learning in new ways, building self-confidence, discovering one’s talents and being able to look ahead to the future. They allow young people to grow fully and break the cycle of poverty in a lasting way.

However, families simply do not have the financial means to allow their children to take part in these activities. Programme coordinators are also unable to organise summer camps or career guidance events without the necessary funding.

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Thailand

How Does the Project Support Young People?

Summer programmes

These programmes take place during school holidays, particularly in March and April. They bring together between 10 and 80 children and young people for periods ranging from a weekend to a full week.

This year, we have chosen to support around ten programmes, organised by our programme coordinators and co-developed with Children of the Mekong volunteers on the ground. The 2026 budget covers transport, accommodation, activities, meals and logistical costs.

Personal development training

During these summer programmes and throughout the year, our programme coordinators organise training sessions for young people on a range of topics, including financial management, self-awareness, addiction prevention and interpersonal relationships.

At their request, we support the funding of these sessions, ensuring that they remain aligned with our values.

Career guidance and professional integration

The two social workers responsible for supporting student beneficiaries organise two events each year, bringing together between 10 and 30 young people.

One will take place in northern Thailand, in Chiang Mai, and the other in Bangkok.

These events include career guidance forums, interview preparation workshops and opportunities to engage with professionals working in fields related to the students’ areas of study.

What Are the Strengths of This Project?

This project is built around two complementary components, but they share a common goal: to support young people in their development as individuals within society.

Children of the Mekong takes a holistic approach to education. The project goes beyond schooling by supporting young people in their personal and professional development, helping them become independent, responsible and confident adults. It is fully aligned with a vision of comprehensive education.

Perhaps most importantly, this project comes directly from the field. The proposed actions respond to the needs expressed by local programme coordinators and by the young people themselves. The project is not imposed; it is co-developed with those on the ground, ensuring its relevance and impact.

It focuses on concrete and measurable actions. Summer programmes, training sessions, career guidance forums and support for entering the workforce are all based on clear and measurable objectives, such as skills development, improved career orientation, access to employment and increased self-confidence.

Like education itself, this project is a long-term commitment. It has been running for several years and will continue for as long as these young people need it. Year after year, they will be better trained, better supported in their career choices, and ultimately able to support their families and communities in return.

Who Benefits from This Project?

The personal development programmes run by Children of the Mekong are aimed at all sponsored children who receive regular support through school sponsorship in Thailand. Children of the Mekong believes that academic education alone is not enough to help a young person break the cycle of poverty in a lasting way. This is why personal development initiatives are offered from an early age.

Of course, the activities, training sessions and seminars are adapted to each age group and to the specific needs identified with local programme coordinators. These coordinators determine the beneficiaries for each activity. Some awareness sessions are also more effective when parents and families are involved.

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