Hello, my name is Chanaphon, but everyone calls me Keem. I’m 14 years old and currently in Grade 8 in Chaiyaphum Province.
 

 

I live with my great-grandmother, who is too old to work. My mother works far away in another province as a kitchen helper at a small restaurant, earning around 300 baht (less than $10 USD) per day. My parents separated when I was very young, so it’s just the three of us now—fighting to get by.
 

 

On weekends, I go into the forest to collect bamboo shoots or mushrooms to sell, or I do sugarcane cutting jobs that pay 100–200 baht a day. Every bit helps cover school expenses and support my family. On school days, I only have about 15 baht (less than $0.50) for lunch—or sometimes, nothing at all. On those days, I help teachers with cleaning and small tasks to earn a little money for food.
 

After school, I return home and cook for my great-grandmother, clean the house, wash clothes, and do whatever chores I can. I know I must be strong—there’s no one else to rely on.
 

 

Even though life is hard, I’ve never thought of giving up on school. I study hard and keep good grades because I know that education is the only path to a better life—one where I can take care of my mom and great-grandmother and give them the comfort they deserve.
 

 

When I heard from my teacher about the EDF Foundation’s scholarship program for students who study well but struggle financially, I felt a glimmer of hope. I’m writing this with the wish that I might be chosen to receive a scholarship to help me continue my studies in Grade 8 this year.