From Sponsored Child to National Teacher: The Inspiring Journey of Kru Base

From a Sponsored Child to a National Teacher

“I owe everything I am today to the love of my sponsor, the unwavering support of the World Vision Foundation of Thailand, and the tireless efforts of the community development workers who never gave up on me,” says Mr. Kowit Raksa, affectionately known as Kru Base. With a genuine smile, he reflects on his remarkable journey, from a young boy living in poverty to a proud teacher serving the children of Nan Province.

Growing up, Kru Base faced many challenges. His family’s financial struggles and the painful separation of his parents cast a long shadow over his childhood. These hardships could have easily derailed his education and future prospects. Like so many children in similar circumstances, Kru Base was at high risk of dropping out of school and falling into a cycle of poverty that seemed impossible to escape.

However, his life took a hopeful turn when the World Vision Foundation reached out with their Child Sponsorship Program. This program was not just about financial aid. It was about creating opportunities and nurturing potential.

“The foundation didn’t simply provide me with school supplies or help with living expenses,” Kru Base explains. “They gave me something far more valuable: hope. Their support lifted the enormous burden off my family’s shoulders and opened a door that allowed me to continue my education when it seemed all hope was lost.”

But the support extended beyond material assistance. Kru Base was also invited to participate in life skills development activities such as family camps and youth leadership camps organized by World Vision. These experiences were transformative. They helped him build resilience, develop a sense of responsibility, and understand the importance of community and leadership.

“Being a sponsored child meant much more than receiving help,” he shares thoughtfully. “It taught me how to stand tall in the face of adversity, how to make positive choices, and most importantly, how to give back to others who might be facing similar struggles.”

Today, Kru Base has come full circle. He is no longer the boy struggling to survive poverty. He is now an educator, a mentor, and a source of inspiration. As a teacher of Social Studies, Religion, and Culture at Traikhet Prachasamakkee Ratchamangkhalapisek School, under the Nan Secondary Educational Service Area Office, he plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of the next generation.

With passion and dedication, Kru Base imparts not only academic knowledge but also the life skills that were so pivotal in his own development. He teaches his students how to navigate life’s challenges, avoid pitfalls such as violence and drug abuse, and grow into responsible, caring adults.

“My mission is to help young people see that no matter how difficult their circumstances, there is always a path forward,” Kru Base says. “I want them to grow into individuals who contribute positively to their communities and lead fulfilling lives.”

The journey of Kru Base, from a vulnerable child in need of support to a respected national educator, is a powerful testament to the profound impact that child sponsorship can have. His story embodies the transformative power of love, opportunity, and kindness in breaking cycles of poverty and building brighter futures.

Through his work as a teacher and community leader, Kru Base continues to uphold and extend the mission of the World Vision Foundation in Nan Province. His life’s work is proof that with the proper support and encouragement, children from the most challenging backgrounds can rise, succeed, and inspire others to do the same.