By Evelind Schecter | Co-founder, Program Manager
The new school year is well underway. Our first-year university students are settling into their new routines, while our high school seniors are beginning the long process of taking the required exams, watching application deadlines, and deciding what comes next.
Behind the scenes, a lot of work goes into getting them there. Mali, who manages our Children’s Home, and Soda, who oversees eldercare as well as the health of our staff and children, work closely with each student to set goals and stay organized through the university application process. Applying to university is stressful enough, and the rules seem to become more complicated every year. Mali and Soda track the different exams, deadlines, and timing of special university “quota” admissions available to top students.
This year, we have two young men in their final year of high school, and much of our work with them is helping them build a vision of where they want to go. Both are studying accounting and business and spent their summer break interning at our local police station.
“A” has some added pressure. He must complete university to fulfill the requirements for his Thai citizenship. Right now, he has his sights set on a career in logistics and is searching for the university program that will get him there. Thiew enjoyed his internship at the police station and is now considering whether becoming a police officer might be a path for him.
We also hear regularly from graduates who are further down that road. Joy graduated from college during the COVID years, when hotels were closed, and jobs in tourism were scarce. She found her way into the industry and has been steadily moving up the career ladder with a successful hotel chain. She recently completed additional management training in Bangkok and, eager to travel and gain more experience, has put her name forward for a posting outside Chiang Mai.
Mali’s job has also become more demanding as Thailand’s Social Services department introduces new rules and guidelines for registered Children’s Homes. We must maintain detailed records for every child and keep up with health requirements for our staff and students. At the same time, Mali remains the go-to person for our students away at school. Most recently, she attended Parents' Day in Chiang Mai with Jaran, who is studying for his certificate in Electronics.
Thanks to you, we are currently supporting 18 students at vocational colleges and universities, studying business, languages, teaching, architecture, electronics, psychology, plant pathology, and more. Our ten high school students are looking toward higher education as well.
For some, the path ahead is already clear. For others, it takes time, encouragement, and a chance to see what is possible. You make it possible to give these young people the support they need to imagine a future and find their way toward it.
With gratitude and good wishes for the months ahead,
Dana, Michael, Evelind and the Warm Heart Family.
By Evelind Schecter | Program Leader
By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder, Program Manager
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