Rose: From Home Hug to Hope Giver

“I still remember how touched I was when I first learnt that Hands would be supporting us,” she recalls. “It felt like someone was reaching out to me. It gave me warmth, hope, and a new sense of strength.”

With the support of Hands, Rose’s life took a new direction. While Baan Home Hug had given her the solid foundation, Hands gave her the wings to fly further. Suddenly, dreams that once seemed out of reach started to come into focus. Education, opportunity, and hope were no longer abstract concepts—they were hers to hold.

“Hands changed my life for the better,” she says. “I had the opportunity to further my education and receive support in many areas. I now feel like I have a purpose, the courage to dream and take action, and most importantly, the feeling that someone believes in me.”

Growing up in difficult circumstances, Rose never imagined she would be able to pursue higher education or live independently. Yet through perseverance—and the incredible support of Mae Thiew, the Home Hug staff, and Hands—she’s done exactly that. Today, she stands tall, proud of what she’s achieved, and even more determined to give back.

“My dream was to finish my studies, and I have now achieved that. I’m able to look after myself,” she shares. “If possible, I want to pass it on—to give others the same opportunity I’ve been given. I want to make a child feel that life is worth living, that there is hope, and that they can move forward with confidence.”

For Rose, the concept of “family” has taken on a profound meaning.

“To me, family means that there are people who stand by you in every moment, good and bad,” she says. “People who understand you, who see you, who grow with you and who never let you down. Mae Thiew, the parents at Home Hug, and Hands—they are all family to me.”

There are countless memories etched in Rose’s heart from her time with Hands: joyful visits, shared celebrations, and the powerful feeling of being valued without needing to earn it. These are the moments that built her confidence and shaped her character.