Pathompong is a young father from northern Thailand and a carpenter by trade. He worked hard to support his wife and four-year-old daughter. Pathompong was excited about the future for his family, until one day, tragedy suddenly struck.
Pathompong had a serious accident at the factory where he worked, and his fingers were severed when they got caught in machinery. Thankfully, hospital staff were able to stitch-up his fingers. However, since they were so badly severed, it was no longer possible for him to use his hands to the same capacity at that time to carry out his carpentry work as he had done in the past to support his family.
Sadly, tragedy struck again when Pathompong's loving mother, who financially supported the young family, passed away. Pathompong battled through much trauma at a very young age. With determination and resilience, he knew he had to push through and find a way to provide for his wife, daughter, and now also his widowed father and two nephews as well. He was resolute in not giving up on his family!
When BSF invited Pathompong and Euang to join an 18-month family strengthening program, they eagerly accepted the invitation. Together, BSF and the couple began researching ways for them to generate more income using the skills and resources they had available.
Pathompong then participated in BSF trainings on managing money and increased his knowledge on how to raise chickens. He also began exploring markets to sell chickens in his community. After much research and planning, the family asked BSF for help to raise a special variety of black chickens that many ethnic groups in Thailand find delicious. BSF immediately put their plan into action and assisted the family with the required equipment to construct and set-up a chicken coop. This was then supplemented with the provision of twenty-five black chickens and chicken feed. It wasn't long before those little black chickens were enjoying their new home and growing rapidly.
Pathompong takes great care of his chickens. He aims to expand his brood of feathered friends into a long-term sustainable income project. As he sells some, he plans to reinvest that money, purchase and breed more, and enlarge his business for his family.
As well as BSF assisting the family to generate more income, Pathompong also noticed that the relationships within their family were improving since they joined the program. Parent trainings and spending quality time together as a family has helped shape their relationships for the better. The family enjoy BSF Family Fun Day outings together, visiting places where they may never have had the chance to go before due to a lack of time and finances.
Pathompong feels the caring support, development opportunities, fun outings and advice BSF provided have helped him and his wife, Euang, and their daughter, Hannah, build a much stronger and happier family. After facing so many tragedies in his young life, Pathompong is so grateful and hopeful of brighter days ahead for his empowered family.
Throughout his trials, Pathompong's strength of character shines through. He displays a determination and maturity beyond his years to provide for his family, regardless of the challenges they face, and is so thankful for a lifeline from BSF when they most needed it.
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.