My name is Dayanand Kumar, the founder of the Thamboon Bodhi Foundation Free School and Coaching. Before the establishment of this school, my life took a challenging turn. I come from a middle-class family, and when I was just 12 years old, my father had a severe accident that left him with a broken backbone. He became paralysed from the right side, rendering him unable to work or even move for a significant period. This incident forced me to shoulder the responsibility of providing for my entire family.
It was a tough time for us, and my mother and I had no choice but to seek employment to cover our family's expenses and my father's medical bills. I began working at the age of 12. While my friends were attending school, I couldn't join them due to my family's financial constraints. This was a source of great distress for me as I had a strong desire to receive an education. The fear that I might never be able to pursue an education alongside my job haunted me during those challenging days.
I managed to find a job at a Thai temple, but this job came with its own set of difficulties. The language barrier made it difficult for me to understand the people I worked with, which reinforced the importance of education in my mind. Despite these difficulties, I continued to work at the temple for an extended period. Unfortunately, the abbot of the temple passed away, leading to my departure from the temple.
Soon after, I secured a new job as a helper with a Thai group, thanks to the support of Thai people who knew me from my previous work.
However, a pivotal moment in my life came in a dream. I had a recurring dream where I saw numerous underprivileged children, asking for help and support. Initially, I thought it was a common dream, as I often witnessed impoverished children seeking assistance during my travels with the Thai group. But the persistence of this dream made me realize that it held a special significance. I decided to save money from my earnings since 2012 with a clear goal in mind: to purchase land for the purpose of establishing a school. In 2019, the school was officially registered and opened its doors to 75 students. It was a dream come true, allowing me to provide education and support to children whose families couldn't afford to give them proper schooling.
However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected not only me but the entire world. It devastated my business and left me in dire financial straits. I am now deeply concerned about how to cover the school's ongoing expenses, including teacher salaries, essential supplies like books, pens, and pencils, and even basic seating, as we currently lack benches for the students.
Looking ahead, my vision for the Thamboon Bodhi Foundation includes expanding our educational offerings:
Offering computer courses to enhance education for children and adults, paving the way for brighter futures.
Providing sewing classes, particularly for underprivileged girls and women, which can be especially beneficial for those who are illiterate.
Organising medical camps, subject to our budget, to offer healthcare and awareness programs for villagers and children, ensuring access to essential medical services and knowledge.
I remain committed to the cause of education and the well-being of our community, and I hope to find the necessary support to continue this vital work.
Our mission is to break down the barriers to education and create a brighter future for all by providing free and accessible quality education to children, youth, and adults in need. We believe that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves the opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop essential skills, and unlock their full potential. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to empower communities, reduce educational disparities, and foster lifelong learning, equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive and contribute positively to society.
Our vision is to create a world where education knows no boundaries and every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has access to free, high-quality education. We aspire to build a society where knowledge is a universal right, and learning is a lifelong journey. Through our unwavering commitment to breaking down educational barriers, we aim to empower individuals to reach their full potential, promote social equity, and contribute to a more enlightened and equitable world. We envision a future where education becomes a catalyst for positive change, bridging divides and fostering opportunities for all.
