Journeys to a Better Tomorrow

"I believe in helping children because I know it can change their lives for the better. UNICEF's work gives me confidence and inspires me to stay committed to this mission." – Pornpun Ratanapitakku, a UNICEF donor.

"Today, children face fewer opportunities, especially those in vulnerable countries affected by conflict. They don't have the chance to live safely, eat enough food, or get the medical care they need. In Thailand, while we don't face war, children in rural areas still experience inequality. Many don't have the same access to quality education as children in cities. These challenges hold them back and could lead to a generation lacking the support needed to thrive and help the country grow."

"Years ago, I worked closely with children and underprivileged communities. I've always had a soft spot for kids, so I knew I could do more to help. Around that time, I discovered UNICEF, an organization with a long history of making a real impact. Every time I donated, it wasn't just a one-time act. UNICEF's team kept me updated on how my contributions were being used and the difference they were making. Since I didn't have much time to volunteer directly, I decided to become a monthly donor to ensure my support was continuous."

Pornpun has been a donor for 202 months. She has set aside a dedicated fund for her donations and doesn't keep track of how long she's been contributing. Her only focus is ensuring children have the chance at better lives.

"My goal is simple: to make sure all children, no matter where they're from, have access to 'basic rights' like education, skills, and good job opportunities. For children in vulnerable countries, I just wish for them to be safe, have access to nutritious food, receive medical care, and break free from the cycle of unsafe environments. My greatest hope is for every child to be able to stand on their own and reach their full potential."

As a regular donor, Pornpun believes her contributions help UNICEF plan for the long term, which she feels is essential to effectively support children across the country.

"Since I started supporting UNICEF, I've always hoped that every child could have a bright future. But with the way the world is today, I just want them to be healthy and have a safe place to live. Seeing initiatives like the Box of Life or vaccines reaching children shows me that my donations truly make a difference. If I can give more in the future to help UNICEF reach even more children, I'll happily do it."

"Finally, I want everyone to know that UNICEF is an organization you can trust. They stay connected with donors, answer every question, and share regular updates with measurable outcomes that show real progress. You can see exactly where your donations go and how they help. So, I encourage everyone not to hesitate—every donation truly makes a difference."

"I'm a UNICEF volunteer because I want to plant a seed called 'helping others' in people's hearts, just as my mother once planted it in mine," said Ohm Maninthares Tansathien, UNICEF volunteer.

"When I was younger, my mom and aunt would often ask me to help sort through clothes we no longer needed, along with old items around the house, and donate them to different foundations and shelters. We did this every year, and it opened my eyes to how many people in Thai society live in poverty and how many children face limited opportunities. I found myself asking: Why do so many children have to endure such hardships? It was then that I made a decision: when I grew up, I wanted to work in social services. I didn't want to see any child trapped in those difficult circumstances."

Ohm dreamed of studying social work to directly help children. However, life took him in a different direction. He pursued a different field of study and later worked in event organizing and the gemstone industry, almost leaving his childhood dream behind. But everything changed when an unexpected event forced him to spend six months in the hospital. It was during this time that Ohm reflected on the value of life. He witnessed many different people coming in and out of the hospital, including parents bringing their children with disabilities for treatment. This experience reminded him of his childhood dream once again — to "help others."

"Right now, many people with disabilities are unaware of their rights. Many don't even know how to contact government agencies for help and support. The quality of care for people with disabilities also varies across Thailand's government services. In some rural areas, there is a lack of access to sign language education, making communication difficult. In some families, parents of children with disabilities don't offer the emotional or skill-building support they need, and they simply just try to get by. Another issue is that in rural areas, sign language is often taught in the Thai version, while in Bangkok, it's taught in the American version, which is more widely used and internationally recognized."

Ohm joined UNICEF as a volunteer after following the organization's work for many years. He trusted that UNICEF was reliable and genuinely committed to helping disadvantaged communities. He believed that by working with UNICEF, he could make a meaningful difference in society.

"I am one of the people with partial hearing loss. When I reached out to several organizations to volunteer and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, I didn't hear back from anyone until UNICEF accepted me. Through UNICEF, I've been able to advocate for disability rights, campaign against bullying in schools, and empower people with disabilities to understand that they are not burdens on society. But the project I enjoyed most was creating a manual for deaf people—a project I started myself, where I get to use all my knowledge and skills."

This e-book manual for deaf individuals teaches universal sign language for everyday situations, such as contacting government agencies, navigating the subway, and engaging in basic conversations. It's designed not only for people with disabilities but also for their families, teachers, and others in their community, enabling them to communicate more effectively with those who are deaf.  

"As a volunteer, I believe that the key to a better tomorrow for people with disabilities is helping them recognize their worth and the importance of having a life goal. From my experience, many people living with disabilities feel as though they've lost their spark, lacking motivation and hope. In reality, they have dignity and potential to stand on their own without being seen as burdens on society. Families and society must help them feel that they can have dreams and goals too. If we continue projects like this, we can reduce the 'ignorance' in Thai society, particularly when it comes to disability rights, youth rights, and sign language."  

"Finally, I want to tell anyone interested in becoming a volunteer: Whatever work you do, do it with your 'heart.' When we put our heart into something, we can move forward, step by step, from step 1 to step 2, 3, 4 — and eventually, we'll see the changes we've worked so hard for." Ohm concluded. 

"For children to grow up strong, they need to be cared for by adults during certain stages of their lives. However, for 'children without opportunities,' they don't always get the care they deserve. That's why I choose to step in as the adult who supports these children through UNICEF," says Montira Prasomsup, a UNICEF donor.

"The big issue I see children facing today is growing up with 'stress.' Many kids are growing up in unsafe families, dealing with problems like their parents' debts, emotional struggles, and violence. In some families, living in high-risk neighborhoods means children are constantly fearful. Instead of focusing on their studies, playing, or dreaming about their future, they're focused on survival."

According to data from the Department of Mental Health, based on a sample of 183,974 children and youth under 20 from 2020 to 2021, 28% of children and teens are experiencing high levels of stress, 32% are at risk of depression, and 22% are at risk of suicide. Family issues are a significant cause of this stress.

"Right now, it's not just Thai children who are facing these challenges. Children around the world are dealing with similar struggles—they don't even have enough food for a single meal. Many families lack access to basic necessities like food, medicine, vaccines, and clothing. I believe that by helping these children, we can make a difference in society as a whole because the children of today will grow up to be the adults shaping the future."

"As I was trying to figure out how I could make a difference, I discovered UNICEF, an organization with a long-standing commitment to supporting children. I had conversations with their staff, asked questions, and learned about the various projects they're running both locally and globally. That's when I realized I wanted to be a part of their mission."

Montira has been a dedicated supporter of UNICEF for 175 months. She firmly believes that adults with stable careers have the ability to share their resources to help children in need. As part of her commitment, she donates 10% of her income each month to support children who lack opportunities.

"I have a simple belief: if I have a stable job and enough income, I should share a portion of it to help children. For them to grow strong, they need support from adults in areas like food, education, and other basic needs. Unfortunately, many children today don't have access to these opportunities. As adults, we have a responsibility to take care of these children. While I can't show up in person, supporting them through UNICEF feels like the best way to make a difference."

When talking about a better tomorrow, Montira views "education" as the most powerful tool for change. However, the education she envisions extends beyond traditional school curricula.

"Education is what helps people survive and thrive," she says. "Today, it's about teaching kids the skills they need to succeed in society—things like financial literacy, communication, language skills, leadership, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills go beyond the classroom. They equip children to build their futures, and eventually, they'll be able to pass those opportunities forward to other kids, just like they've received."

Montira adds, "I also want to share something personal. Every time I donate to UNICEF, I see the impact of my contribution. I know that my donations go toward things like vaccines, developmental toys for children, and disaster relief when UNICEF steps in to help. UNICEF is transparent with its data, and their long history of growth shows just how committed they are to making a difference." In closing, Montira emphasizes that through education and charitable giving, we all have a part to play in creating a better future for everyone.

"Helping children is the greatest act of kindness. Every time you help a child, you're not just saving one life—you're part of changing the entire world." – Sawapan Keenapan, UNICEF monthly donor for 40 years.

"In the past, raising children was seen as a profound responsibility. Parents in my generation took an active role in their children's lives—spending time interacting, playing, and learning together. But things have changed. Many parents today are less hands-on and often rely on phones to keep their children entertained. While this might seem convenient, it can have lasting effects on a child's development, learning abilities, and behavior. As a mother, I find this trend deeply concerning," Sawapan shared.

A 2020 UNICEF survey found that one in four Thai children aged 0-17 is raised by their grandparents because their parents have to work far from home. While grandparents provide plenty of love and care, they're often not able to support a child's learning and development the way parents can. On top of that, many parents today rely on phones or digital media to keep their kids entertained. According to Thailand's Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Thai children spend more time in front of screens than the global average, and this is having a big impact on their IQ and cognitive development.  

"I've heard about UNICEF's Magic Box. It's a wonderful kit packed with toys and materials that help children learn and grow. It's a great way for busy parents to support their child's development. Over the years, I've seen so many reports and videos from UNICEF showing these kits being delivered to children, along with vaccines and water purification tablets. They've reached kids not just in Thailand but all over the world, especially in Africa. Every time I see this, it fills me with pride to know that I've played even a small part in making it happen."  

"At 73, I've seen so much change over the years. What I want most is to see a future where children have brighter opportunities. But at the same time, I hope they can hold on to their Thai identity. While modern advancements have brought many changes, it would be wonderful if children could grow up with all the opportunities the future holds, while still staying connected to their cultural roots."

14,600. That's not a donation amount, but the number of days Sawapan has continuously supported children through UNICEF. For 40 years, she has set aside a portion of her income to make a difference, even while working as a civil servant with a modest salary. Her commitment to helping others goes beyond her own contributions. She has inspired friends and family to get involved, encouraging both one-time gifts and regular commitments.  

"I want everyone to know that even a small contribution can go a long way. It doesn't just help Thai children—it reaches children all over the world. I often encourage friends to donate on special occasions like birthdays or New Year's. I always tell people that helping children is the greatest act of kindness. Each time we help a child, we are part of changing the world. I've followed UNICEF's work for many years, and I'm confident that every contribution truly reaches the children who need it most."

"If we limit ourselves to the boundaries society sets, we'll never realize our full potential. Shadowing Thailand's first female Muslim governor has shown me that women can be powerful leaders driving societal change,” says Nawiya Denbase, a youth participant in the "Young People Takeover" initiative.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed its profound impact on the people around me—loss of income, disruptions in education, and more. While families with resources managed to weather the storm, I returned to school after the pandemic eased, only to find many of my friends had lost that opportunity. These experiences ignited a desire in me to act and bring about positive societal change because I don't want to see anyone's future limited again."

Nawiya was one of the youth who participated in the "Young People Takeover" project, where she had the opportunity to shadow Governor Patimoh Sadiyamu, the Governor of Pattani Province and Thailand's first female Muslim governor.

"The 'Young People Takeover' allowed me to see the governor's work up close. It felt like I was stepping into the shoes of a provincial leader. I learned about her vision, from improving OTOP products to boost local incomes to understanding that good leadership requires being a 'good listener'—someone who values the input of colleagues and experts to ensure the best outcomes for the people."

According to data from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Thai women face lower employment rates and earn less than men, even with higher levels of education. UN Women also reports that about 30% of Thai women have experienced domestic violence.

"In the southernmost provinces, particularly for Muslim women, it's incredibly challenging to rise as leaders. Societal expectations often place men in charge, making it difficult for women's leadership to gain acceptance. Governor Patimoh shared the struggles, criticisms, and challenges she faced throughout her career. Yet, she chose not to be discouraged, understanding that her efforts were focused on creating meaningful change and improving the lives of those in her community."

Pattani, one of the three southernmost provinces of Thailand, is a multicultural society, home to both Buddhists and Muslims. Having a female governor in this region is a significant challenge.

"Although Thai society is becoming more open, there are still many areas where women's voices are not given the recognition they deserve. I've seen firsthand the impact of discrimination and gender bias. This project helped me understand the importance of embracing my identity as a woman. It taught me to break free from societal limitations and stand as a voice for women—especially within the Muslim community, where many young people are determined to drive societal change."

"If we want to build a better tomorrow, I believe we need to see greater acceptance of women's roles and implement real solutions to address the violence that women and children face in Pattani. I also hope to see more support for single mothers raising their children alone. If my message reaches those in power, I hope it results in tangible change—through both policy reforms and psychological support."

"Finally, I want to share this message with all women: If we want to change society for the better, we must take action. These changes are not just for the greater good—they are for our personal growth, too. What we do today will shape the future for generations to come."

"The projects we're doing with UNICEF are about creating spaces for children to connect more deeply with their communities. Through this, they become more aware, take pride in their roots, and develop a desire to preserve and enhance local resources to uplift their communities," says Goey Wisit Kongkam, a UNICEF volunteer.

"When I was a child, my hometown was rich in resources, but my friends and I rarely engaged in community-related activities. We explored the neighborhood in our own way, but limited access to technology back then meant fewer opportunities for play and learning. I always looked forward to volunteer programs or camps, but they were rare because our area was so remote and difficult to access. That's when I thought—how amazing it would be if learning opportunities for kids like us were more widely available."

According to Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, more than 10,000 underdeveloped and remote villages across the country urgently need development, particularly in the North, Northeast, and South. UNICEF data also highlights that over 20% of children in rural areas lack access to education, basic services, and community activities due to challenging geography.

"My dream of becoming a volunteer never faded—it only became clearer over time. I gradually gained experience until I joined the I AM UNICEF project. That's when I decided to organize an activity in my hometown of Ban Lam Phoen, Kut Kha Kim Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province. Our activities are designed to be a bridge connecting 'children' and 'communities,' because today, technology often isolates kids from their surroundings. They become absorbed in distant, unrelated interests, overlooking the rich resources around them—like silk weaving, reed mat making, and local traditions."

"To counter this, we invited children to explore their community's resources, learn about its history, and engage with elders to hear their stories. We encouraged them to ask questions and discover their community on their own, helping them develop a sense of belonging and pride. At the same time, we incorporated essential 21st-century skills into our activities. For instance, we had children research their community and visit the places they learned about to foster critical thinking. We also taught them to question what they read online to build resilience against misinformation."

When asked about the most pressing issue to address, Goey highlighted the environmental crisis. According to UNICEF, air pollution accounts for 26% of newborn deaths worldwide due to complications. Young children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and their faster breathing rate exposes them to more pollutants than adults.

"Environmental issues are now so severe that children are struggling to cope. Polluted air is worsening daily, and kids with weaker immune systems are forced to grow up in the same toxic conditions as adults. Since these problems won't be resolved quickly, children will bear the burden far longer than we will. This is something adults must address urgently — clean air is a basic human right."

For Goey, a "better tomorrow" means "hoping that one day, meaningful change for children and youth will take root in Thailand. A change that might start with the minds and hands of children themselves."

"As a UNICEF volunteer, my role is to empower children with the knowledge and tools of 'development.' We show them that their potential is a key driver of societal growth. By equipping them with tools to solve problems, introducing them to like-minded peers, and creating spaces for collaboration, we help them realize they are not alone. They'll see that a network of people is working toward progress together. Over time, the society they're part of will improve—maybe not immediately, but change will come."

"To fellow volunteers, I'd say this: If you have the heart to create change, ask the right questions, and take action, the society we dream of will arrive sooner than we think."