Grandma Aroon's story shines as an example of hope and resilience in a world filled with so much uncertainty. Her determination to provide a nurturing family for her grandson inspires us to carry on, always believing for a brighter future, no matter how challenging the obstacles may seem.
After participating in a BSF program, Grandma Aroon excitedly said, "I don’t think I can be any happier right now. I am so hopeful about the future and grateful for having a new job to support me and my grandson..." But it wasn't always this bright for Aroon.
Life was never easy for Grandma Aroon, who lives in a small house amidst a crowded community in northern Thailand. Aroon's husband abandoned her and her son, leaving her to navigate the challenges of single parenthood. Despite this hardship, Aroon courageously embraced her role over the years as both mother and father to her son, pouring her love and effort into raising him alone.
However, life had more trials in store for Aroon when her son's marriage ended in divorce resulting in him leaving his six-month-old child with Aroon. She once again took on the sole responsibility to care for a young child, but this time it was her grandson, Ifon. Grandma Aroon worked hard as a housekeeper to try and make ends meet to support her family. As Ifon grew older, Aroon faced mounting responsibilities due to her health conditions, and not being able to provide sufficiently for herself and her grandson.
The main family income from Aroon’s daily housecleaning job was barely enough to pay for their food, let alone pay for Ifon's education or Aroon's medical needs, without her having to borrow money. Aroon became worried about her and Ifon's future as she was getting older and needed to find another source of income that she could do at her age.
BSF heard about Aroon’s situation, and she was invited to join an 18-month family-strengthening program in Padaed, Thailand. During this program, Aroon received assistance with income generation, health, and education. Ifon and Aroon attended BSF family fun day outings, parent/caregiver trainings, and received ongoing support and home visitations from their loving and caring program coordinator.
BSF extended a helping hand by offering Aroon the support and resources she desperately needed and requested. BSF arranged for trained professionals in the mushroom farming business to train Aroon. She also received BSF's money management training. After planning and training, Aroon began her own mushroom farm, which was more suited to her age and situation. BSF provided her with 500 mushroom spores to begin the business venture, along with a bamboo greenhouse and shade netting.
Six days after beginning her own business, Aroon began harvesting her mushrooms. Within 15 days, she had earned 2,200 Baht from selling the mushrooms. The BSF program then provided an additional 500 mushroom spore packs as planned. With 1,000 mushroom spore packs, Arun can now make an additional monthly turnover of around 8,000 - 9,000 Baht to supplement her income and meet the needs of her family.
Aroon's heart is now full of happiness. The transformation in her family is a testament to her resilience, perseverance, and the difference that a little empowerment from a family-strengthening program can bring.
Aroon gratefully said, "I don’t think I can be any happier right now. I am so hopeful about the future and grateful for having a new job to support me and my grandson when I can't work as a housekeeper due to my health condition. If I am able to run my mushroom business well, I will pursue the mushroom cultivation business as my main job to support my family. Thank you BSF for giving me the chance to experience such warmth and love. Thank you for supporting me to establish my own mushroom farm and for giving me knowledge to establish a better way of life for my family through the BSF trainings. I am very happy, and my grandson is much happier too."
BSF is a partner for project J1079 & J1102 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.