A Chapter Completed, A Future Strengthened: BSF Graduation 2025
- Loukmeeh
- Dec 20
- 4 min read
Eighteen months ago, families from two communities in Northen Thailand, Tha Wang Tan from Chiang Mai Province and Pha Dang Luang from Chiang Rai Province, stepped into the Building Strong Families (BSF) program carrying their own stories, struggles, and hopes. Some came unsure of what lay ahead. Others came simply wanting a better future for their children. This month, that journey came full circle!
At the BSF Graduation Camp, families gathered not just to mark the end of an 18-month family strengthening program, but to celebrate how much had changed — within their homes, their relationships, and their sense of hope for the future.
Walking Together, One Step at a Time
The BSF program was never about quick fixes. Over the past 18 months, families met regularly through training, home visits, and shared activities. Trust grew slowly. Conversations deepened. Parents learned to listen with patience, to discipline with love and understanding, and to see their children not as burdens, but as gifts worth protecting and nurturing.
Grandmother Mun from Tha Wang Tan shared during the camp: “Life was very hard when I was raising my grandchild alone. Receiving the right support from BSF changed our family and our hearts. I am thankful to God, and today I truly feel our family is stronger.”
Through consistent weekly visits, BSF staff walked alongside families — offering counseling, encouragement, and practical guidance. Changes began to show in everyday life: cleaner homes, healthier routines, warmer interactions between parents and children, and greater confidence in handling challenges.
Mother Mee Aor shared: “I want to thank BSF for standing beside me and my children. The opportunities we’ve received have truly changed our family — especially having a bathroom for the first time. I am also deeply thankful for the support to start a livelihood that I can build on to help provide for my family. Thank you from my heart.”
Strengthening Families from Inside Out
Along the journey, families participated in practical learning sessions that addressed real-life needs. Topics such as family roles, child protection, positive parenting, health and hygiene, and money management helped families build stronger foundations at home.
Learning about finances as a family became a turning point for many. Early in the program, families were trained to manage money together and plan responsibly. With this foundation, they later received Income Generation Assistance (IGA) support to begin or strengthen livelihood activities.
Nam, from Pha Dang Luang, shared during a home visitation: “When we earned more money, we didn’t plan how to use it wisely. Now we talk, plan, and decide together. That has changed our family.” Their new business and training have done more than just increase their income — it has created teamwork, dignity, and shared responsibility within the household.
Making Space for Joy
Not every lesson happened in a classroom or living room. Throughout the program, families were also invited to step away from daily pressures and simply enjoy being together. Through bi-monthly BSF Family Fun Days, parents and children explored new places, laughed freely, and created memories many had never experienced before.
These moments reminded families that joy is not a luxury — it is part of a healthy family life.
The Graduation Camp itself became a space for reflection and celebration. Through games, shared meals, and group activities, families looked back on the journey they had taken and the relationships they had rebuilt.
And a result that truly matters, as the program concludes, one outcome stands out: Every child in the BSF program remains safely within their family, not a single child has been separated into institutional care. With Pha Dang Luang being a village where nearly every household has sent a child away to an orphanage or children's home over the last 30 years, this is significant achievement that brings a generational change. Families are now stronger, relationships are healthier, and parents feel more equipped to protect, care for, and provide for their children.
Grandmother Mee Thor shared: “I used to be someone who was afraid — afraid to try new things, especially stepping out to join this program. But when I look back to 18 months ago, I feel proud of myself for choosing to let BSF be part of my journey. It helped me believe again that I am capable of caring well for my granddaughter, without having to send her away. I would do anything to see her happy.“
Moving Forward with Hope
Graduation does not mean the end of growth — it marks a new beginning. As families step forward from the BSF program, they do so with stronger bonds, practical skills, financial sustainability, and the belief that change is possible. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has walked alongside these families — partners, donors, supporters, and friends who believe that strengthening families is a truly powerful way to protect children.
Together, we celebrate what has been built — and we look ahead with hope to the many
families yet to come.
BSF is a partner for project J1079 with Australian NGO, Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993). Donations to BSF through Global Development Group are tax deductible in Australia, NZ, and the USA.
Building Strong Families Foundation or มูลนิธิสร้างครอบครัวเข้มแข็ง is a registered foundation in Thailand (ชม770), approved by the Ministry of Interior.
