In late 2025, catastrophic flooding inundated Chana District in Songkhla Province, Thailand. The waters reached historic highs, severely impacting homes, infrastructure, and local schools. Among the affected institutions was the Chariyatham Suksa Foundation School, a remote Muslim school where floodwaters destroyed classrooms, dormitories, and the personal belongings of its students. Recognizing the urgent need for students to resume their education with dignity, volunteers organized a relief distribution on July 15, 2026, providing custom-tailored school uniforms to 2,104 students.

Tailored with respect for local needs

Because of its remote location, the Chariyatham Suksa Foundation School received little outside attention following the disaster. After conducting initial assessments, volunteers communicated extensively with school administrators to understand their specific needs. Respecting the school’s Muslim dress code, local tailors were commissioned to hand-stitch and individually measure uniforms for every student.

Principal Sarina noted that despite the school’s regular flood preparations, the 2025 disaster brought unprecedented water levels, surpassing the severity of the 2024 floods. Many students live in single-story homes, which meant their textbooks, daily supplies, and clothing were submerged and ruined. In the immediate aftermath, the school had no choice but to allow students to attend classes in casual clothing.

No matter where you are or what religion you believe in, volunteers are always based on humanitarian care, reaching out when they see a need, making us deeply feel this warmth. — Sarina, Principal of Chariyatham Suksa Foundation School

Easing daily hardships for families

The flood’s impact was particularly devastating for families in low-lying areas. Student Muhammad Fairus Chusong shared that even though his family lives in a three-story house, the floodwaters still managed to reach the third floor. In the weeks following the disaster, a lack of clean water made it impossible to properly wash clothing that had been soaked in muddy floodwaters.

The flood damaged our household appliances, daily necessities, and clothes, and our parents must bear all the costs. Clothes soaked in sewage easily breed bacteria and are uncomfortable to wear. — Muhammad Fairus Chusong, Student

Receiving new uniforms eliminated the health risks of wearing contaminated clothing and eased the financial strain on families already struggling to repair their homes.

They gave us great support, not just by sending uniforms, but especially by coming to the school to care for us. This companionship also healed the hearts of many students. — Muhammad Fairus Chusong, Student

For boarding students like Aimi Abu, the flooding brought a sudden upheaval to her daily life. When the waters receded, the dormitories and campus grounds were left in disarray, and her personal belongings were mostly destroyed.

Disasters may be unavoidable, but when someone sees the difficulties experienced and reaches out in the most needed moments, it is like elders silently guarding and reminding us, bringing great comfort to everyone and adding courage to face difficulties again. — Aimi Abu, Student

Restoring confidence in the classroom

The distribution of new uniforms brought relief not only to the students but also to their parents and teachers. Rungtiwa, a teacher and the mother of two children at the school, witnessed the mounting pressure on local families. The repeated flooding had damaged so many school supplies that some parents considered pulling their children out of the school dormitories to commute daily. This would have added physical exhaustion for the students and increased the financial burden on their families.

When Rungtiwa informed the parents that custom uniforms were being prepared, she saw their immediate relief. The timely assistance stabilized the community, allowing families to focus on recovery rather than worry about lost school attire.

We were originally strangers, yet they took the initiative to reach out because they saw our needs. I express my most sincere gratitude on behalf of my children and all the teachers and students. — Rungtiwa, Teacher and Parent

Equipped with clean, well-fitting attire, the students at Chariyatham Suksa Foundation School can now step back into their classrooms with renewed confidence. The uniforms represent more than just fresh clothing; they provide a sense of normalcy, allowing the children to leave the shadows of the flood behind and focus fully on their education.

Written by Budsara Sombut