A traffic accident had tragic consequences for Daad's family, causing them great suffering and an accumulation of significant debt. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity for growth. When the family joined an 18-month BSF Family Strengthening Program in Ton Pao, Thailand, they discovered a newfound hope and resilience to overcome the adversities that were causing them so much stress, pain, and suffering.
Prior to the accident, Daad, and her husband, Tom, owned a noodle shop, but due to the economic recession that followed, they had to close down the business and move back to selling noodles from in front of their small house. Furthermore, Daad discovered that she was pregnant with their second child, resulting in her being unable to continue on with her small business.
As a result, Tom began a job at a paper factory but the income was insufficient to support the family and they faced greater hardship than ever before. After giving birth, Daad struggled to find ways to pay off debts and to support her children's education. Her dream was to re-open a noodle shop because this was her area of expertise and skill and she could draw on her former customer base. However, she became disheartened, had no funds to proceed, and felt tired and overwhelmed even though she was determined not to give up!
On joining the BSF program and learning of all the activities that would be provided to help strengthen the family over 18-months, Daad became full of hope and determination to turn her family's situation around. She participated in BSF activities such as Training Days and Family Fun Days, and now has a willingness and renewed energy to develop herself further to gain new skills to take care of her family.
Daad was excited to learn that BSF would help her open a noodle shop again. All that she needed, such as tables, chairs, ingredients, and other necessary materials were purchased and provided by BSF. Daad was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to be able to do what she loves and is now earning significantly more to support the needs of her family!
Attending training sessions on topics such as Positive Discipline and Valuing Children has also helped Daad gain more knowledge and increased her awareness, especially with regard to parenting. She has been able to apply her learning to assist her family to become more stable and grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
Daad expressed her joy about being a part of the BSF program and said, "This is such a great opportunity for my family, and it has been such a blessing for us to get to know BSF. The program has provided many things for my family, including all the knowledge gained from the training sessions. This has helped us build a sustainable livelihood and has enabled us to generate more income to provide for our family. We are a much stronger and happier family now thanks to the BSF program."
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.