Sisters work as construction workers in Thailand
Image adapted from: AISSarnrak
Taking up part-time jobs to save money is something some of us might have done as teens. But for Sadanan “Kwan” Wongsuwan, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Kwan is a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Kanchanaburi who has been working as a construction worker together with her sister, Narin, in order to support their family and save money for their school fees.
Parents are no longer able to afford expenses
Image credit: AISSarnrak
3 years ago, their father Mr. Long lost his eyesight in an accident while working in a sugarcane field. He has been spraying chemicals along the field when a sharp leaf hit his right eye, causing him to lose his vision. Because of his impaired vision, he then got into another accident while loading sugarcane onto a truck. This made him unable to walk.
Image credit: AISSarnrak
The girls’ mother was afraid of Mr. Long running into more accidents, and thus stays at home to take care of him. She earns some money from selling handmade broomsticks, which she makes from coconut leaves. She shared that she sells the broomsticks for ฿50 each, which isn’t enough to sustain the entire family.
The sisters joined a construction site
Kwan and her older sister work in a construction site
Image credit: AISSarnrak
As a result, Kwan and Narin had no choice but to find jobs to help support their family. They currently work as construction workers in order to get an income to afford their expenses.
“They are hardworking kids; they hardly spend money,” said their employer, Boonma Kantawong.
The girls also work in an agricultural field to earn extra money in order to fix up their home’s old roof, which hardly protects them from the rain.
Image credit: AISSarnrak
Although the sisters feel exhausted from working under the unbearable sun, they still encourage each other to keep working hard. Plus, Kwan is not one to easily give up thanks to the constant support from her parents.
Received a scholarship and family-support fund
Image credit: AISSarnrak
Thankfully, Kwan’s hard work did not go unnoticed. Sarnrak, a series dedicated to helping under-privileged youth in Thailand, covered Kwan’s inspiring story and has given her a scholarship until she graduates with her undergraduate degree. Included is also a family-support fund to aid her parents and sister.
Image credit: AISSarnrak
Even though Kwan and her sister need to work hard every single day to support their family at such a young age, they’ve never stopped trying. “I’ve always thought of my family. When they’re happy, I feel motivated to keep going,” said Kwan.
We can also do our part in helping Kwan by sending her a donation via the following bank account:
Ms. Sadanan Wongsuwan
Krungthai Bank: Don Chedi
Number: 739-0-29201-6
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