Ford Thailand Volunteers Drive Lasting Impact at Three Schools through ‘Give to Grow’

As part of the Global Caring Month, Ford Thailand, in partnership with Sati Foundation, launched the ‘Give to Grow’ program, empowering three schools in Chonburi and Rayong provinces. The program provided essential infrastructures, technology systems, area improvement, and life skill workshops, each tailored to the specific needs of the schools. Over 150 volunteers, including Ford employees from Bangkok, Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM), AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT), Ford Ek Group dealership and private sector partners, actively participated to making a positive impact.

In collaboration with partners like WHA Corporation Public Company Limited, Prime Power Company Limited, and R 1-2 Thai Engineering Company Limited, the program focused on providing and installing solar roof systems along with other vital enhancements for the three school: Chumchon Borisat Namtan Tawan Ok in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, Ban Khao Kan Song, and Ban Rawoeng in Sriracha District, Chonburi Province.

The supporting partners contributed their expertise throughout the program, from surveying the schools’ needs to planning improvements and assessing students' skills gaps. The participating volunteers joined in delivering equipment, installing technology systems, and conducting various activities at all three schools, including:

• Installing a 5-kilowatt solar roof system with 39 solar panels, connected to the schools’ main power system, reducing electricity expense by approximately $58-$72 per month for each school.
• Installing water filtration systems at Ban Rawoeng and Ban Khao Khansong schools.
• Painting and decorating classrooms at Ban Rawoeng school.
• Improving playground equipment and filling soil at Ban Khao Khansong school.
• Installing and painting restrooms at Chumchon Borisat Namtan Tawan Ok school.
• Installing a canteen fence at Ban Khao Khansong School.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the ‘Give to Grow’ program offered life skills workshop in three key areas: social skills development, a comprehensive understanding of gender issues, and career exploration. Their workshops aimed to equip students with practical knowledge that can be applied in their future lives.

The ‘Give to Grow’ program is funded by Ford Philanthropy as part of Ford Global Caring Month in September. This year, Ford Thailand teams up with the Sati Foundation, an NGO that focuses on addressing the needs of at-risk children. The foundation plays a crucial role in opening opportunities for these children, helping them realize that there are multiple life choices available to them. The Sati Foundation also has a network of volunteers from various professions who are ready to share career skills and life skills that align with the unique challenges of each area.