For underprivileged students, especially those from the poorest backgrounds, internet access has long been a roadblock to education. In remote areas, where home broadband is either unavailable or prohibitively expensive, students have struggled to keep up. “I use my phone to connect to the internet because Wi-Fi doesn’t reach my home,” shared one student, highlighting a reality faced by many. Even when devices are available, they often fall short. “My phone overheats quickly, and the screen is too small for studying,” another explained. For families living on the margins, topping up mobile data is a heavy burden, with some spending nearly four times the proportion of their monthly income on connectivity compared to the average household. Although government initiatives have attempted to provide free Wi-Fi in rural areas, inconsistent service has left many students disconnected, limiting their ability to learn and grow.
But change is happening. With targeted solutions like the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand’s “Computers for Thai Children, Financial Literacy Matters” and “SIM 2 Learn,” the digital divide is narrowing. Students now have access to functional devices and reliable internet, empowering them to take control of their education: whether researching from school computers or studying at home with mobile connectivity, no longer are they bound by financial constraints. These initiatives are not just about technology; they are about unlocking potential. By ensuring that every student has the tools they need, these efforts are turning barriers into bridges, proving that with the right support, every child can thrive in the digital age.
In an era where digital skills and financial literacy are essential for success, the “Computers for Thai Children, Financial Literacy Matters” initiative, the EEF’s collaboration with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), is transforming the lives of Thai students. This initiative goes beyond distributing computers; it unlocks opportunities, empowers young minds, and reshapes the future of the country. The nation’s future depends on a generation equipped with knowledge, creativity, and a deep understanding of the modern world. Thus, developing strong digital and financial skills is crucial not only for career success but for shaping a better future for both individuals and the nation. By providing students with access to vital digital tools and financial knowledge, the program is bridging educational inequality.
Before the initiative’s launch, many students struggled with outdated devices or limited access to shared school computers. As one student recalled, “I used to rush to the computer lab after class, but there were never enough for everyone, so I rarely got a chance to practice.” Without proper access, many faced difficulties completing assignments requiring online research, limiting their ability to develop essential skills. “Without a computer at home, I felt left behind, especially when teachers assigned online tasks,” another student shared.
Now, thousands of donated computers in schools are enabling students to engage with technology more consistently and gain crucial financial knowledge. As one student explained, “Having these computers means we can finally learn digital skills properly, and we’re also learning about saving and investing.” So crucial an investment is education for strengthening the country’s future, empowering students with both technological and financial literacy to shape their paths ahead.
Over the next five years, the initiative aims to distribute 5,000 computers, each preloaded with essential financial education materials. This commitment extends to teachers and parents, fostering smart saving and investment habits within communities. By shaping a digitally skilled and financially literate generation, this initiative is helping build a more resilient and sustainable economy in Thailand. For those who wish to contribute, there are three ways to get involved: 1) Donate used computers in good working condition; 2) Donate brand-new computers; or 3) Offer expertise or business potential in the form of in-kind support.
Simultaneously, building on the transformative impact of the “Computers for Thai Children” initiative, the EEF’s “SIM 2 Learn” is further revolutionizing the educational landscape. In collaboration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and Infinite Sim, this initiative offers SIM-cards with free internet access to students in Grades 6 to 9, breaking down digital barriers and unlocking new opportunities for learning. By providing consistent internet access, it extends the possibilities initiated by the distribution of computers, empowering students to learn anytime, anywhere, and develop vital digital literacy skills. More than just internet access, the program enables students to explore their passions, enhance their abilities, and confidently plan for their futures in an increasingly digital world.
Before “SIM 2 Learn,” many students faced significant challenges in accessing the internet, relying on school Wi-Fi, topping up their own mobile data, or borrowing hotspots from friends. As one student shared, “I used to borrow my friend’s hotspot just to check my homework or attend online classes.” Others, without internet at home, missed out on critical information shared in online groups. “Without the internet at home, I would miss out on everything posted in the group,” explained another student.
Now, with the free-data SIM-cards, these barriers have been removed. Students can access the internet anywhere, anytime, reducing costs and broadening their learning opportunities. “With the SIM-card, I can access the internet anywhere, and now I can study and find new information whenever I want,” said one student. So transformative a lifeline is this access for students in remote areas, where consistent connectivity was once a major obstacle.
More than just a tool for academic work, “SIM 2 Learn” is helping students discover their passions, explore educational opportunities, and confidently plan their futures. Through the platform’s LINE OA ID “@sim2learn,” students have access to vital resources such as career guidance, mental health support, and scholarship opportunities, in addition to academic knowledge, vocational skills, and self-discovery. Many students have expressed a strong desire for the initiative to continue and expand, with hopes for faster data speeds and longer usage periods, possibly extending to one or two years. As one student put it, “I hope they extend the SIM so future students can have the same opportunities we’ve had,” especially those without smartphones or the financial means to buy data. For these students, the SIM-cards have truly been a game-changer.
Dr. Kraiyos Patrawat, Managing Director of the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, highlighted the urgent need to address resource scarcity in small, remote schools. “A lack of essential materials and equipment directly impacts student learning outcomes,” he noted, referencing an OECD survey that links such shortages to lower PISA scores. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the EEF’s survey revealed a stark digital gap. “Many poor rural youth had no choice but to rely on their parents’ mobile phones for learning,” he explained, emphasizing that these students were up to ten times more disadvantaged than their peers. To bridge this divide, initiatives like “Computers for Thai Children, Financial Literacy Matters” and “SIM 2 Learn” are ensuring that connectivity reaches those who need it most. The EEF addresses educational inequality by uniting teachers, administrators, and local networks to allocate resources effectively, creating sustainable solutions for equitable access to quality education and ensuring all students have the tools to succeed.
All For Education is all about people; only when all is in for education is Education For All. Join the movement to reduce educational inequality. Support the EEF by donating to fund research, partnerships, and assistance for children, youth, and adults in need of educational support. Click the link to contribute today and help create a society where education is open and equal for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
