Hello, my name is Thanakrit, but everyone calls me Tonkla. I’m 14 years old and currently studying in Grade 9 in Chaiyaphum Province.
 

 

I live with my parents—we are a small family of three. Both my mom and dad are day laborers with unstable income. They work tirelessly just to support my education, despite the challenges we face every day.

I was born with a physical disability—my arms and legs are weakened and underdeveloped. I’ve undergone physical therapy since birth. I can walk, but only with a limp. Sometimes kids make fun of the way I move, but I don’t let it break me—because I truly want to study, learn, and build a better future.
 

 

I try my best to live like any other child. I don’t want to be a burden to my parents.
I know how much they sacrifice for me. They can’t accept better-paying jobs in other areas because they need to stay close to take care of me. My hands are weak and it’s hard to do many tasks on my own—but I never give up.

On weekends, when my parents go out to work, I stay home alone and do whatever chores I can to help out. I know poverty forces us to fight harder—but even if I don't have much, I have a loving family who never gives up on me. And that gives me strength.
 

 

When I learned from my teacher about the EDF Foundation’s scholarship for students with disabilities studying in regular schools, I felt hopeful. That’s why I wrote this letter—to ask for a chance. If I receive this scholarship, I promise to use it wisely and make the most of this opportunity.

“I may walk differently… but I have the same heart and dreams to learn and grow like everyone else.”