![GULF's 'Powers the Dreams' Scholarship Project Marks Its 5th Year Committed to spark the dreams for young people with craniofacial anomalies](/img/files/20230915/iq37464518cec10f476a547e046cfb850b.jpg)
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) continues "Powers the Dreams" project for the fifth consecutive year, providing 89 need-based scholarships, totaling 5 million baht, to child patients from low-income families undergoing medical care at Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society. These scholarships allow recipients access to the highest feasible level of education, based on their intellectual potential and physical capabilities. The initiative is a joint endeavor between social workers and psychologists from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. District social workers, school directors, and homeroom teachers closely monitor each patient's academic performance, household expenses, and living conditions. This supervision ensures that each scholarship's funding is annually evaluated and adjusted to best suit the needs and potential of every patient.
Mr. Tanon Tantisunthorn, Head of Infrastructure & Utilities, GULF, said, "GULF and Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center have had a continuous collaboration. It began with modest initiatives such as providing support for the center's operations and deploying GULF staff to participate in a mobile clinic activity. These initial steps gave us first-hand opportunities to recognize their socio-economic challenges. Understanding these needs, we developed the 'Power the Dreams' scholarship program to enhance patients' access to education, thus paving a path towards their aspirations. The hope is that these underprivileged youths are holistically prepared, both physically and emotionally, to engage and thrive in the society with confidence. At GULF, we recognize that education, which can have a significant impact in their perspective and identity, can be their most potent tool to navigate the challenges in their lives. Given that Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center conducts thorough evaluations of each patient's aptitude and potential, we are assured that our scholarships are allocated to those who will benefit the most and will be utilized judiciously."
Prof. Emeritus Charan Mahatumarat, M.D., Head of Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center, stated, "Over the past 36 years, the center has served more than 3,000 patients with craniofacial anomalies. We discovered that majority of the center's patients are from low-income families residing in other provinces. The center itself provides free consultations, surgeries, and assistance to these patients, helping them lead a quality life in society. The scholarship from GULF plays a significant role in fulfilling and improving their quality of life. As such, we would like to express our gratitude to GULF and all parties who contributed to the success of this project."
Associate Professor Chanchai Sittipunt, M.D., Director, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, expressed, "On behalf of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital's, Thai Red Cross Society, we deeply appreciate GULF for recognizing the importance of supporting the aspirations of individuals with craniofacial abnormalities and for backing such a noble project. GULF has continually supported King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in various areas, including co-hosting the launch of an off-site dental unit with the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, and aiding in the procurement of vital medical equipment. I believe that the key to driving our nation forward sustainably lies in each sector performing its responsibilities to the best of their ability while utilizing their expertise to the fullest extent."
Mr. Nattanon Pramoonsri, a scholarship recipient, shared, "I am currently studying at Suphanburi School of Dramatic Arts because of my passion for playing musical instruments, especially the two-faced drum, which can be performed in group settings with friends. I dream of becoming a music teacher one day. Receiving the GULF scholarship for four consecutive years has boosted my confidence and strengthened my belief that if I continue learning and working hard at my skills, I can achieve my goals."
Over a 5-year collaboration, GULF and Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society have committed to providing educational funding for 89 students, ranging from K1 to college levels, spanning through a 4-year period (2020-2023) and amounting to over 5 million baht in total. These scholarships, tailored to each patient based on their physical conditions and intellectual capabilities, offer funding towards an appropriate education level, thereby alleviating the financial strain on each family and mitigating the lifelong limitations that these patients may face.
For more information and updates, please visit GULF website at https://www.gulf.co.th/th/news.php and Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/GulfEnergyDevelopment/ and https://www.facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH