"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." — Benjamin Franklin

FDSC’s mentorship program identifies gifted graduates from orphanages and disadvantaged backgrounds with strong social, academic and leadership aptitude. They are young future leaders, often earmarked for the university scholarship program, who will confront their studies without the support of a family.

Naloa is enrolled in our current mentorship program. She is studying an intensive English language course and hopes to go to university next year	At 15 years of age, Naloa was orphaned. When she was younger she sold vegetables at the night market until 6am and then went to school all day

To help students overcome this challenge, the mentorship provides a gap year to complete advanced English courses and a work placement program focused on building the study habits and professional skills they need to support themselves through university.

At the orphanage where she grew up, Suwanna joins in on an enrichment activity	Suwanna is pictured on the left, when she was doing her work experience in Bangkok

FDSC project managers first met Suwanna when she was about 10 years old. She has benefitted from the mentorship program and now at 21, has just graduated from university with a partial scholarship from FDSC. Working in the hotel and tourism industry, Suwanna also volunteers at the orphanage where she grew up, as part of FDSC’s “Eat, Think, Achieve” program.

As a residency, the mentorship program also provides for twelve months of food and accommodation, direct mentorship in life skills and personal development, and the opportunity to build a small network of friends and supporters.

Participants enjoy learning about keeping financial records. This is an important part of the program to help prepare for their future lives	Learning handicrafts is one aspect of the program and enables the girls to also earn a little extra money for themselves

Upon completion, participants are able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Completion of a part-time job role for ten months
• Ownership over projects with measurable results
• Time management & study habits
• Business and personal financial management
• Administrative skills & initiative
• Exposure to relationship, team & project management
• Proficiency in Microsoft, Email & Adobe products

It costs $4000 to support a participant for one year, which equips them for a lifetime: 

•    $500 Advanced Courses
• $2,000 Food and Accommodation
• $1,000 Transport and Insurance
•    $500 Personal Expense Fund

Fruits of the Mentoring Program:    Read Special Interest Story Meet Naloa        Read Special Interest Story Meet Praew