From Three Pigs to New Hope: Boo Der’s Journey Toward Sustainable Change
- Loukmeeh
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
Boo Der’s story is one of resilience and quiet hope. After migrating from Myanmar to Thailand, she has worked tirelessly to raise her family of five children despite the daily struggles of life in the fields. But when she joined the BSF program, everything began to change. With the right support at the right time, her home — once weighed down by worry — has slowly become a place of renewed laughter, stability, and possibility.
Boo Der, an Akha woman who migrated from Myanmar to Thailand years ago, has built a family of five children with her husband. They face daily challenges of making ends meet. Life in the fields is hard. The income from seasonal farming barely stretches to cover food and school fees, and some days, tiredness and worry seem to fill the house more than laughter. Still, Boo Der keeps going — working for the family, caring for the children, and holding on to hope for a better future.
Things began to change when Boo Der joined the BSF program. She found more than just support — she found hope. Through training sessions, she discovered new skills and confidence. During Family Fun Days, she and her children laughed together again — moments that reminded her that love and connection were still the heartbeat of her home. Her youngest son, Kris, became more confident and expressive, and every time Boo Der saw his smile, her heart filled with quiet gratitude.
Recognizing her dedication, BSF supported Boo Der in starting a small pig-raising business, something she already had knowledge to do. She received three pigs and 18 bags of feed as her first investment. Each day, she cared for them faithfully — cleaning, feeding, and teaching her children how to help. When the pigs grew and were sold, she earned enough to help cover family expenses and also reinvest to continue the next round on her own. Today, Boo Der is raising her third generation of pigs — four in total.
The income from this small business now helps pay for her children’s school expenses and daily household needs. Bit by bit, she has started saving and slowly paying off family debts.
But the greatest change is something you can’t measure in money. The once-quiet home is now filled with gentle laughter, shared meals, and a sense of hope that continues to grow — just like her small pig farm.
Boo Der gratefully said, "I never thought I would have a chance like this." Through the support of our amazing co-partners and donors, Boo Der was given the right opportunity at the right time, and because of that, she has turned three pigs into a future for five children —and now has renewed hope for the days ahead.
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.
