Scholarship Saves The Dream Of Underprivileged Thai Student

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

ANG THONG (Thailand), May 12 (Bernama) -- The dream of pursuing further education seemed elusive to 19-year-old Pharita Rueangsi.

Growing up in a financially strapped family in Ratchaburi, central Thailand, Pharita found herself at a critical juncture. Her parents toiled away as construction workers in remote provinces, their earnings scarcely enough to make ends meet.

 "To ease the burden on my parents, I initially made the decision to give up my studies," recalls Pharita, affectionately known as "Mild."

However, fortune smiled upon her when she discovered the iCare Thailand scholarship programme. Through unwavering dedication and hard work, she achieved excellent results in her exams, earning her a coveted spot as a scholarship recipient.

“Now I can continue to chase my dream of becoming a web designer,” she told Bernama here.

With the iCare Bachelor’s Degree University scholarship, Pharita’s tuition fee and living expenses will be fully covered for the four-year course and she plans to pursue an Information and Technology programme.

Earlier, Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Jojie Samuel with a delegation from the Malaysian Embassy attended the iCare Thailand University Student Scholarship Award 2024 hosted by the Director of the iCare Thailand Foundation Michael Andreassen, at Wat Sa Kaeo, Ang Thong Province, about 100km from Bangkok.

A total of 38 new scholarships awarded in 2024, 15 for university, 11 vocational college and 12 hospitality courses scholarships.

Jojie said he attended the programme annually as many Malaysian donors are playing their part to assist those in need and help change their lives with education.

“I really wanted to encourage more companies to come forward and contribute to this programme to help those in need, especially the less fortunate ones,” he said.

He added that annually the Malaysian embassy contributed 30,000 baht (RM3,865.86) to get sports equipment for Wat Sa Kaeo Orphanage.

Meanwhile, a Malaysian donor Low Tong Wah, 70, said he has been a regular contributor  for the iCare scholarship programme since 2014

Low, a Sarawakian residing in Brunei said annually he and his friends will sponsor two outstanding students to further their studies at universities in Thailand.

“We hope that our small assistance could help these students change their family fortune and create a better future.

“I also hope that these students when they enter the society after obtaining their certifications will also remember their responsibility to help back the society,” he said.

He added that apart from scholarships, his group of friends also joined the foundation to provide support, food and items to the orphanage.

iCare Thailand Foundation is a charitable organisation that is committed to long-lasting and meaningful community development through projects that empower youth and help the underprivileged.

-- BERNAMA