Board members and guests of the Foundation for the Education of Rural Children recently traveled to the Region IV offices of the Department of Education for their annual Scholarship Day.  An anxious and happy 112 children and their teachers gathered at the offices shortly after 9 a.m. to await their guests and benefactors.  After welcoming the guests and children, Region IV officials asked Frank Weicks, Scholarship Chairman, to address the young scholars.  Mr. Weicks congratulated them on their achievements, and stated that he hoped that they would study hard, keep themselves healthy, and remember to help others when they have completed their educations.

Chadurat Kankuem, representing the high school students who received scholarship awards, addressed the group in English to thank them for their support.  She talked about her favorite subjects and her desire to attend university, and she stated that she intended to help other students when she completes her education just as the FERC scholarship has helped her.  Board and committee members and guests enjoyed handing out scholarships to each child, and received many polite “wais” in return.  Some students took the opportunity to practice their English language skills by saying “thank you”.

At the end of the ceremony, the high school scholarship recipients took the opportunity to thank FERC by giving representatives of the foundation token gifts from their homes or villages.

Scholarships are supported by the fund-raising efforts of the local board as well as representatives of the board in the United States and Europe.  Eligible students must be recommended by their teachers and pass through successive screening processes.  The final group is interviewed and recommended by members of the FERC Scholarship Committee, then approved by the Board.  Members of this group also monitor the progress of the students during the school year, visiting the schools and interviewing both students and teachers.  Donations to FERC may be made locally by contacting the organization at www.thai-rural-education.org or through Give2Asia for U.S. tax credit.