Empowering Thai Children’s Dreams: More Than 100 Ford Volunteers Give Back During Global Caring Month

Ford Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to creating positive impact in the communities where it operates through two major projects under Ford Global Caring Month. This year, more than 100 Ford volunteers from the Bangkok office, Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM), AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT), and Ford dealerships joined forces to support children and youth in Bangkok and Rayong.

Working alongside social impact partners through the Ford Community Center (FCC) in Bangkok, Ford focused on helping young people thrive by creating safer learning environments and equipping them with the skills needed for the future. The initiatives included the renovation of a pre-school learning center in Bangkok and the second year of the Dream Builder for School program in Rayong.

Creating a Safer Learning Environment for Early Childhood Children in Bangkok

With support from Ford Philanthropy, Ford Thailand partnered with Urban Studies Lab (USL), a non-profit organization specializing in community development and one of the eight NGO partners of the FCC, to improve learning spaces at Bamrung Islam Child Development Center in Bangkok.

The project was designed to enhance safety and create a more stimulating learning environment that supports early childhood development. Approximately 45 Ford employees and dealer volunteers worked together to transform the classrooms and provide essential learning resources. Improvements included:

• Assembling child-friendly desks and chairs designed to better suit children.
• Creating a reading corner complete with bookshelves and protective flooring.
• Reorganizing electrical equipment and installing ceiling-mounted fans to improve ventilation and reduce safety risks.
• Adding protective padding to structural poles to enhance safety for children and teachers.
• Repainting classrooms with colors and designs that encourage creativity and cognitive development.

The initiative serves as a pilot model for improving early childhood learning spaces within local communities and is intended to be replicated in other areas that could benefit from similar support in the future.

Dream Builder for School Returns for a Second Year in Rayong

Ford Thailand also partnered with the SATI Foundation, another FCC NGO partner, to continue the Dream Builder for School program for a second consecutive year. More than 50 FTM employee volunteers took part in upgrading facilities at Ban Nong Rai School in Rayong to improve hygiene, safety, and the overall learning environment for students and school staff. Ford and the SATI Foundation developed a series of targeted improvements, including:

• Installing bird deterrent systems around school buildings and the cafeteria to reduce contamination from bird droppings.
• Installing chain-link fencing around the cafeteria area.
• Improving the school’s water system and vegetable garden, which serves as a hands-on learning space for students.
• Repairing, resurfacing, and repainting the playground to improve safety and usability.

The program also focused on helping students navigate today’s digital world. More than 40 schoolchildren participated in an interactive workshop titled ‘Think Smart, Stay Safe Online,’ where they learned about protecting personal information, recognizing online threats, responding to cyberbullying, and practicing responsible digital citizenship.

Both projects reflect Ford Philanthropy’s commitment to Education for the Future of Work, which focuses on expanding educational opportunities, creating quality learning environments, and helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.