Chanthun: "...wishes that he will one day find a good job to help support his family. ."

Chanthun is a remarkable little boy who is eager to learn and try new things.

At the age of 6, Chanthun’s dad traveled to Thailand to find work and never returned.  He left behind Chanthun as well as five other siblings.  At times, Chantum is haunted by the thought of not knowing whether his dad is dead or alive.  He cannot tell us the where abouts of his two eldest sisters, he only knows that they try to come home and visit 1 time per year. 

The financial strain of being left without the sole income earner of this large family has put a huge financial strain onto Chanthun's mother.  She rises early and sells foodstuffs from dawn until past dusk.  Chanthums older sister helps to raise her siblings, who range from two months old to eight years old.  

Chanthun has never attended school before but he is currently attending A.E.E's Academic Bridge Program to bring his academic abilities up to the point where he will be able to attend school comfortably and with confidence with peers of his own age. 

At school, Chanthuns’ favorite subjects are English and literacy.  His favorite activities are looking after his younger siblings and helping his mother to sell foodstuffs.  He is fascinated by automobiles and hopes he can grow up to design new cars, but says that really he only wishes that he will be able to find a good job to help support his family.