Scholarship Program
Why a Scholarship Program
The Scholarship Program started in response to the Tsunami of 2004. ACF responded to the needs of families affected by the catastrophe by sponsoring children with uniforms, books and everything else they needed to go back to a normal school routine. The Scholarship program has supported more than 700 children with long and short term scholarships during the past 20 years.
Who benefits?
ACF believes that financial barriers should not hinder a child’s access to quality education. Scholarships are offered to deserving students, ensuring that they can pursue their educational dreams.
Children aged 7–18 in Phuket and Phang Nga as well as from Cornerstone Learning Center (ACF’s preschool center) can apply for a scholarship. The program provides financial assistance to children to go to school and counseling and encouragement to families facing financial and social problems.
Since 2005 ACF has sponsored on average 120+ children in primary and high school with scholarships annually. Children who require assistance receive a scholarship of THB 10 000 (US$ 320) per year.
In 2019 ACF set up a University Scholarship Fund. University scholarships of THB 25 000 (US$ 800) per year can be applied for depending on a student’s course and the institution they are accepted for their studies. Preference is given to students with whom ACF has built relationships through the years while they attended primary and high school.
Sponsors receive information about the child or student they sponsor as well as annual updates on their child’s progress. Children also learn to write a thank you letter to their sponsors which is sent once a year.
Scholarship Impact
The impact of long term scholarships can be seen in the stories of new university graduates who have benefited from the program. These children, once facing a bleak future, now have renewed hope and determination.
‘Mai’, and her brother came from a family who recycles garbage for a living. Her parents both had issues with alcohol abuse and violence, and her mother can’t read or write. Both children attended our early childhood education center from ages four and five.
ACF’s scholarship program enabled the children to continue their education throughout primary and high school, but Mai continued her studies at university and has successfully completed a degree in English. She now works at a lawyer office. She is the first person in her family to graduate from university.
More and more students are graduating from university each year and ‘Mai’s story is confirmation of the positive impact that ongoing financial support can have on a child’s life and future.
The scholarship program has changed more than 700 children’s lives so far, and provided many opportunities to children who wouldn’t be able to attend school. this was made possible with the help of individuals from across the world who have supported the scholarship program over the years, and for which we are most thankful for.
How Can I Sponsor a Child?
Sponsorship required: THB 10 000 (USD 320) per year per child (once-off payment). For donors in Thailand – please scan our QR Code.
Sponsorship provides assistance with general expenses such as school and sports uniforms, stationery, transportation, school bags and shoes, and lunch at school when required. No cash is provided.
You can donate to our Scholarship Program for a Primary and/or a High School Student.
Sponsorship required: THB 25 000 (USD 800) per year per child (once off payment) For donors in Thailand – please scan our QR Code.
Sponsorship provides assistance with registration fees for each term. No cash is provided.
A student or child in need of this support is selected by the Scholarship team according to specific criteria, and a yearly amount of THB 10 000 (USD 320) will be provided at THB 1,000 per month for 10 months.
Funds may be utilized to assist with expenses for personal hygiene items, transportation and food. Students and families are required to keep track of how they use these funds and provide a monthly report in order to improve management of their personal budgets.
General donations can be made online, by direct bank transfer, in cash at ACF’s office or by scanning ACF’s QR code. Monthly or annual donations are extremely helpful and can done with Credit Card also on our Simply Giving Donation Page.
General donations assist with unexpected emergencies a child or student may need help with, as well as help with technology purchases for university students.
Thank You Letters
Examples of ‘Thank You’ Letters written by Scholarship Program recipients to Their Sponsors: