Vocational training gives Sai a fresh start

Monday, October 17, 2016

Some youth from Sai's village look for better livelihood opportunities in Thailand, just a 7 hour drive to Mae Sai, a border town. At the age of 14, when Sai was in grade 9, his home situation became very difficult. His divorced mother, the main breadwinner who earns money by farming pumpkins, potatoes and beans, could no longer support his educational costs.

When World Vision learned about Sai’s condition they spoke with Sai and his mother but nothing changed. Sai thought that helping his mom with the farm was more important for him than to be in school. He decided to leave school to help his mother on the farm before finishing high school.

“I thought that I could farm but it was really tiring and we only earned a low income,” Sai recalls.

After a few months working on the farm, Sai decided this was not the way he wished to spend his days.

Luckily, one day not long after he was invited to attend life skills training provided by World Vision. At life skills training, they learn about decision making, self-awareness and setting life goals. After the training, the youth were offered vocational training if they were interested. 

“When World Vision offered to support vocational training I decided to learn about hairdressing,” recalls Sai. “I was so excited after I finished the six month training. It was a very first step for my career,” said Sai.

However a new job is not always easy at the beginning.

“At first, I had to work as an assistant at the hair dressing shop. And some customers had doubts if I could really trim their hair properly. And most of the customers requested a trim from my boss because they have experience with his cuts,” he adds.

Later a chance came for Sai to prove his talent – he took responsiblity for the shop when his supervisor was away on a trip, when the shop was full with many customers on the weekend. 

“I earn at least 3,000 kyats (around US $3) each day, but sometimes I earn around 8,000 kyats (around US $8)," says Sai. “I pay for my household expenses such as electricity charges and kitchen costs. And I save the rest,” says Sai.

“Thanks so much World Vision for the support to my son, now I have less worry for his future,” says Daw Nan.

“Sometimes, I want to go vacation with my friends but I remind myself by saying this is not the time and I have to save money,” says Sai. He is a wise young man and has a bigger dream for the future.

“I am going to attend hair washing and more advanced hair trimming training, that’s why I am saving money,” smiles Sai. “I will try to open my own hair dressing shop after I turn 20. I wish to open in downtown Kyaing Tong."

While some of the youths from Sai village look for better livelihood opportunities in Thailand, he has responded differently.

“Actually, I don’t have a plan to go to Thailand for work, I want to help my mom at home, that’s why I will just stay here,” says Sai.