Rice for Thai kindergarteners in need

For many families living in Bangkok's urban poor communities, daily life is a constant struggle. Most parents work long hours in low-paying, informal jobs, earning just enough each day to provide food and shelter for their families. Many leave home before sunrise and return late in the evening, doing everything they can to give their children a better future. Yet despite their hard work, providing regular, nutritious meals remains a challenge.

This is why the Rice Project is so important.

A nutritious meal does more than satisfy hunger—it helps children grow, learn, and thrive. According to UNICEF, the first six years of life are the most critical period for a child's brain development, with approximately 90% of brain development occurring before the age of five. Good nutrition during these early years directly influences learning, health, and emotional well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlights that proper nutrition in early childhood improves cognitive development, school readiness, and lifelong health outcomes.

This year, nearly 200 kindergarten children graduated from Mercy Centre's early childhood programme, marking an important milestone in their lives.

From the very first day they arrived at Mercy Centre to the day they proudly graduated, we witnessed remarkable transformations. Many children came to us shy, lacking confidence, and having had limited opportunities to learn and play. Over time, they developed into confident, curious, and resilient young learners.

They learned to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, and express themselves with confidence. Most importantly, they developed a strong sense of self-esteem—believing in themselves and recognizing that they are valued, capable, and deserving of a bright future.

At Mercy Centre, our teachers and staff understand that early childhood is the "golden age" of development. Every member of our team is trained to support children from birth to six years old, recognising that each child has unique experiences, challenges, and potential. Our classrooms provide more than education—they offer stability, encouragement, emotional support, and opportunities for every child to flourish.

For many children, Mercy Centre is more than a school.

It is a safe place where they are protected, cared for, and surrounded by adults who believe in them. It is also a place where they can enjoy nutritious meals every day, giving them the energy to learn, play, and grow.

Your support of the Rice Project makes this possible.

Every bowl of rice you provide helps ensure that a child does not have to learn on an empty stomach. Your generosity gives children the nutrition they need during the most important years of their development while creating opportunities for education, confidence, and hope.

Thank you for standing with Mercy Centre and for investing in the lives of Thailand's youngest learners. Because of your kindness, children are not only receiving healthy meals today—they are building stronger foundations for tomorrow.

Links:

• Help children in Bangkok