Her name is Jutraporn Fuangfu, but she goes by the simple nickname of Noi.

She’s like so many young people in Thailand — with one notable difference: Though her background is filled with crushing poverty and hardships, she still has hope. That’s because several years ago Noi became involved with Sustainable Hope International, an organization that provides life, learning, and leadership skills. In short, it clears pathways to a better life.

Noi started in Khonkaen, one of the 10 government welfare boarding schools in which SHI has introduced We Can Clubs. The schools largely are filled with orphans and impoverished kids bearing hardships beyond expression.

Before going to the government welfare school, Noi lived with her grandparents after her parents divorced. “Father has a new wife. My mother died. I have a young brother, who is autistic. My grandparents can’t send money to me for study in university because they are very old. They are farmers and have insufficient income.”

Enter SHI, an organization founded by Ken and Jean Brookens of Independence, Missouri.

The We Can Club taught Noi numerous life skills and helped her begin to learn English. Now Noi’s aspirations, once no more than dreams, can become reality.

With a Sustainable Hope grant, she says she is “studying with the Business Administration in Tourism faculty at Northeastern University in Khonkaen.”

Her dreams include earning a bachelor’s degree, teaching English, and working in tourism. “I want to bring my knowledge to reach rural children without opportunities to learn English.”

She realizes how blessed she has been.

“I’m very thankful to Sustainable Hope International for this opportunity and scholarships to support me. Thank you very much Dr. Ken for supporting and taking care me.”