11/08/2026
From a Remote Village to a Future in Public Health
In a small, remote village called Kler Ka Cha Day, opportunities are limited and daily life is not easy. For Pataporn, childhood meant balancing school with helping her family farm—work that is physically demanding and uncertain, as income depends on ever-changing market prices.
“My parents are farmers,” she shares. “As a child, I helped on the farm while going to primary school.”
Education, something many take for granted, was never guaranteed. The nearest government school was too far away, making access nearly impossible. Without intervention, Pataporn’s future may have followed the same difficult path as generations before her.
But everything changed when a school was built in nearby Ma Oh Jo.
“If the school had not been built, I would not have had the opportunity to go to school at all,” Pataporn explains.
That single act—bringing education closer—opened a door that had previously been closed. And when she completed 6th grade, scholarships made it possible for her to keep going.
“The scholarships allowed me to continue my education and helped my parents afford to send me,” she says.
For Pataporn, this support has meant far more than just attending school. It has been a foundation for hope, purpose, and the ability to dream beyond her circumstances.
“It has been such a gift to receive support in achieving my dreams and goals,” she shares, “so that one day I can return and help my own community.”
Growing up, Pataporn witnessed firsthand the challenges her village faced—not just economically, but physically. Healthcare was difficult to access. Roads were poor. There was no cell service. Reaching the nearest clinic was often a challenge.
These realities shaped her calling.
“As a child, I saw that our village had very limited access to healthcare,” she says. “That is why I chose to study public health.”
Today, Pataporn has officially graduated and is taking her next steps forward. She is currently serving as an intern with ITDF, where she is gaining hands-on experience by learning about the organization’s various projects and helping collect important data in the field.
This season is allowing her to see firsthand how community development and healthcare intersect—further strengthening her desire to serve.
Looking ahead, Pataporn hopes to build a career in public health, ideally working within or near her own village so she can directly support the people and place that shaped her.
“I want to educate my community about health and disease prevention,” she explains, “and help provide vaccinations for children who do not have access.”
Her dream is simple, yet powerful: a healthier, stronger community where children have a better chance to thrive.
When asked what advice she would give to other students—or even her younger sister—her answer is both practical and full of hope: “Study hard! If you do your best, you can get good grades and have opportunities for scholarships to continue your education and achieve your goals.”
Behind her journey is a deep sense of gratitude—for her parents, her teachers, and the many people who made her education possible.
“I want to thank my parents for allowing me to go to school, even though they did not have much money,” she says. “And thank you to everyone who helped build the school and supported me with scholarships. Without you, I would not have had this opportunity.”
Pataporn’s story is a powerful reminder that access to education doesn’t just change one life—it creates a ripple effect that impacts entire communities.
Through the support of donors and partners, students like Pataporn are not only given the chance to learn—they are equipped to return, serve, and lead change where it is needed most!
Become part of the Ripple Effect by donating at https://lanfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/111864-integrated-tribal-development-foundation-itdf
