Sasi (“Lukmi”), age 12 years

Lukmi is a cheerful and vivacious girl – in spite of her problems. Her father died three years ago and her mother works far away in Chiang Mai. Lukmi lives with her aunt Am, in the village of Ban Tungko. Money is scarce. Every year she has to survive on about 3,000 baht (60 euro).

Sasi - Lukmi - at the age of 12

Lukmi’s father had two wives – her mother (46) was “No.2”. Such things are still quite common in countries like Thailand. When her father died a few years ago, her mother in Chiang Mai sent Lukmi just 500 Baht (10 Euro) every year, but since 2005 has sent nothing.

In the mean time Lukmi was dumped at the house of her aunt Am (50), a sister of Lukmi’s father. Am is a woman with a good heart. She isn’t married and treats Lukmi as her own child. Am’s only income is from planting rice on other people’s land. It’s back breaking work for a few cents. Fortunately one of Lukmi’s step-brothers (from her father’s marriage to wife “No. 1”) sends her 800 Baht (16 Euro) every month. Not much, but every little bit helps. An elder brother has found work and also sends some money to support her.

Lukmi attends Ban Tra secondary school and her grades are pretty good. She loves maths and hopes to become a teacher. Her aunt Am desperately wants to help her, but with her meagre income, it’s impossible for her to keep Lukmi in school.

”Learning for Living” has decided to support Lukmi through six years of secondary school. The annual costs amount to 20,000 Baht (400 Euro), of which L4L and the family each pay fifty percent.