By Sr.Apinya Sornjan, Director of Fountain of Life Children’s Center, Thailand
Le October 22, 2025, la Fountain of Life Children’s Center in Pattaya, Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Learning Encouragement, Bang Lamung District. The ceremony, held at the center, marked a significant milestone in promoting collaboration between civil society and the public sector to strengthen inclusive and equitable education for children and youth from underprivileged backgrounds across Thailand.
This partnership was established with a shared vision of advancing education development for equity and quality of life, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential in body, mind, and spirit. It supports Thailand’s broader educational goals while directly contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by expanding access to learning and addressing social and economic barriers that limit opportunities.
Since its founding in 1998 by Sister Michelle Lopez et Khun Lampa Watanasunthorn, the Fountain of Life Children’s Center has operated as an NGO under Thailand’s Good Shepherd Foundation, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 3 to 14. These children, often at risk of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, find refuge and opportunity within its walls.
Today, the center is managed by a dedicated team of Good Shepherd sisters, partners-in-mission, professional staff, and volunteers who provide a holistic education, life skills training, and essential care, such as meals and health services, to around 120 children daily.
The recent signing ceremony was graced by Mrs. Pitsamai Longcharoen, Director of the Department of Learning Encouragement (Bang Lamung District), and Mr. Korawut Khuntabuppa, teacher and advocate for underprivileged students. Representing the Good Shepherd Foundation were Sr. Jiemjit Thampichai, President, and Sr. Apinya Sornjan, Director of the Fountain of Life Children’s Center. Together, the parties affirmed their commitment to making education accessible and relevant for every learner, especially those from marginalized or vulnerable communities.
After the signing, Sr. Apinya Sornjan led visiting guests through the children’s creative exhibition, where students proudly presented their hands-on learning projects — including hydroponic vegetable cultivation, waffle making, and the production of natural goods. The exhibition embodied the children’s confidence, creativity, and love of learning, reflecting the transformative power of education when linked to real-life experience and community development.
Beyond the event itself, this collaboration demonstrates Good Shepherd Thailand’s holistic approach to human development. By integrating academic learning with creativity, ethics, and life skills, the program nurtures confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. The partnership also advances SDG 5: Gender Equality by supporting inclusive education for girls and young women, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by uniting public, faith-based, and civil-society actors around a shared mission.
This MOU stands as a testament to how collaborative action can bridge institutional boundaries and generate sustainable impact. Together, the Good Shepherd Foundation, la Fountain of Life Children’s Centeret la Department of Learning Encouragement are fostering a learning society where every child — regardless of circumstance — can access opportunity, dignity, and hope for a brighter future.
Découvrez-en davantage sur la mission du Bon Pasteur en Thaïlande ici.
