Dear Donors and Supporters,
During the beginning first semester of the 2024 academic year, the Department of Learning Promotion (DLP) reported that over 20,000 children have dropped out of the education system. Most of these students come from impoverished backgrounds, where economic challenges remain significant barriers to accessing education. Despite state support, there are still many expenses that are not fully covered, such as transportation, lunch for high school students, and other related educational costs.
For the EDF Foundation’s 2024 Scholarship Program, which has been continuously open for donations from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, we are pleased to report that we have received a total of 8,249 scholarships (unofficially). These scholarships are distributed as follows: 6,812 for lower secondary students, 846 for upper secondary/vocational students, 297 for students with disabilities in regular schools, 272 for orphans affected by the unrest in the southern border provinces, and 22 for higher education students.
The 8,249 scholarships donated to EDF Foundation cover 86% of the 9,658 students awaiting scholarships for the 2024 academic year. While this number may seem small compared to the 20,000 students who have dropped out, EDF Foundation is proud to play a part in helping these children stay in the education system for at least 1-3 years or until they complete their studies.
Currently, the EDF Foundation Scholarship Team is in the process of announcing scholarships, confirming the continued education of all scholarship recipients, and collecting the necessary documents to ensure scholarship funds are transferred within the first semester of 2024. We will also provide donors with information about the students they are sponsoring after the process is completed.
Your support is crucial in alleviating the educational expenses of impoverished families. Financial difficulties are a major factor influencing dropouts. Additionally, scholarships can change the attitudes of the recipients, helping them believe that educational opportunities can transform their future. It broadens their career options beyond dropping out to join the labor market as unskilled workers, preventing them from falling into the endless cycle of "generational poverty."
On behalf of the EDF Board of Directors and all scholarship recipients, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our generous donors for your unwavering support and dedication to providing opportunities for underprivileged students. Your contributions have brought hope and encouragement to many young lives. Together, we are building a brighter future through education!
Starting from July 1, 2024, EDF Foundation has begun accepting advance donations for the 2025 academic year to continue our mission of bringing children back to school. We estimate that no fewer than 10,000 children nationwide will apply for scholarships next year. We sincerely hope that EDF Foundation will once again be the bridge of kindness, transferring educational aid from you to the children who genuinely seek a brighter future through education.
For donation notifications, tax-deductible receipts, or further inquiries, please contact the EDF Foundation’s Public Relations Department at 02-579-9209 to 11, email [email protected], or Line: @edfthai.
