A visit to Tidaploy.

Suky went along to see this delightful little girl at school yesterday morning and give her all the things she'd bought for her on behalf of the sponsor.  She was thrilled, especially with the teddy bear, which she really hugged to her. She's probably missing her little brother who grandma was also taking care of but has now been sent to stay with family up north as grandma did not feel she was able to care for both of the children.

The visit to the house with the Social Worker was a pleasant surprise - sturdily built, quite spacious and nicely tiled, making it easy to clean.   It seems that Tidaploy's parents had the house built, but died before it could be fully paid for.  However, another daughter (married to a German) sent money to pay off the mortgage and now sometimes sends a little to help towards living costs

Grandma, already turned 65 yrs old, is unemployed and receives a 600 B per month pension from the government and 600 B from a volunteers group.    

Grandma said that she expects a visit soon from the person taking care of Teerawat, and we can give him his presents then.

Registered Charity No. 1104335

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

An Australian sponsor's visit to meet his student.

Suky and Philip and Kretsada had a great lunch at Maes Y Ruen followed by shopping at our favourite store as you can see from the photographs.  Now that he's getting used to Philip, Kretsada is beginning to be more relaxed around him, and was very happy to be able to choose some new clothes (note the Ben Tan shoes) for himself.

As you'll also notice, Philip was also very generous toward the family and especially concerned that Mum had enough laundry powder and fabric softener to keep her going until he can come over again.

This family is very fortunate to have such a kind sponsor.

Kretsada has been allowed to wear his hair long for some years as because he was a premature baby his mother 'dedicated him' to Buddha, and he has to keep his hair long at the back (which is the only reason the school allows this.)  She believes that if she ever allows his hair to be cut, he will get sick again.,  but his hair will now be cut, by the monks (and Philip, who has also been invited to the ceremony, will also be invited to cut a lock or two) on September 9th at 9.00am.  This kind of ceremony isn't seen very often, so Philip is fortunate to be here at this time and highly honoured to be invited to participate.

This will be a very special memory for him

 

Registered Charity No. 1104335

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

Excellent exam results

We are often asked if we know what students do after they leave out scholarship program when they reach 18 years of age. We are able to keep in contact with many of them and this year have learned of many who have graduated and moved onto a career,
 
This young lady 'Mookda' is the most recent to send us her exam results. 'Mookda'' was from one of the slums in Pattaya and was sponsored for nine years by a UK couple before she left our program and went to nursing college in Bangkok to train as a nurse. The results are marked on the international GPA scale. The Grade Point Average (GPA) is an internationally recognised calculation used to find the average result of all grades achieved during a school / college semester where the maximium mark is 4, as you can see from her results 'Mookda' has been a hugely successful student and demonstrates just how important an education for the children is.

Principles & Philosophies of Education........A
Development of Human Behaviour..............A
Maths for Science Teacher 2......................B
Thai for Communication and Information Retrieval.....A
Language & Cultural Neighbours...........................A
Thailand & the World Society................................A
Science for Life.....................................................A

Grade Point Average this semester 3.85 / 4
Cumulative to this semester 3.84 / 4
 

Registered Charity No. 1104335

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org 

A visit to two sisters.

The UK sponsors of these two sisters’ ‘My’ and ‘Min’ asked that we arrange a visit to the girls as we had not seem then since January, the sponsors sent us some money to buy gifts that we thought the girls would like. The girls were  taken from their mother seven years ago when they were living on the KoPai slum and when it was considered that they were in moral danger and not being cared for by their mother. The sponsorship had begun when the girls were still living in the slum.

Last Friday, Liz went along to the Father Ray Village and was rewarded by seeing ‘Min’ and ‘My’ again, wet-haired and sweet smelling - after their showers.  

Usually they run up and hug us, but they were quite reticent on Friday, although they were thrilled with their gifts, obviously. Having learned that Mum is now in contact with them again was good, although we tended to think that since they had spoken to her on the telephone on Mother's Day (very recent), they were saddened that they couldn't see her in person. we guess we weren't their first choice when it came to visitors.

It was good to learn that Mum now has a regular job in a factory in Nakhon Phatom and when last she visited she brought food and new shirts for the girls. It's too far away for her to come very often though, but we are so glad she hasn't completely lost touch.

The girls are both doing well in school – ‘Min’ is 5th in her class, and ‘My’ is still 1st in hers. They have a young child there now, about 18 months old, and the girls love to help take care of her.  Liz did ask if there was anything they needed for themselves or for school, but was told there was nothing.

‘My’ is a lot taller  now and quite the young lady and ‘Min’ comes up to Liz’s shoulder. It's hard to believe how they've grown in the time since we first met them.

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

 

Australian sponsor's visit to Pattaya

Suky and I have just come back from  very enjoyable lunch, shopping trip and catch up with David and the two very nice young boys whom he sponsors.

As he was in town for only a very short time (our first communication was Friday last) it was a bit of a hassle to get something organised, but you know us - like terriers with a bone.  We finally called at the home last evening and were told that Sompot was at Bansaen at a sporting event, but that Sompong would be happy to come to lunch and meet his sponsor again.

Communication wasn't as easy as usual as David wasn't staying at his usual place and therefore had no access to a telephone number we could use.  Then, having communicated that Sompot wouldn't be available, Grandma called Boonying and said that he hadn't gone to school and therefore both boys were looking forward to meeting their sponsor!

David (dicing with death on a motorcycle taxi) arrived at the office just as we were all about to set off to meet him at Starbucks (I did tell you that communication wasn't easy) and we set off for Thai food at Maes Y Ruen, where David happily tried the pork in black bean sauce.  Apart from KFC he's game to try anything, and since he'd come from breakfast, he was quite happy to share with yours truly. The boys (as you can see from the photographs, are Khao Phad and chocolate ice cream fans.

At first when he asked if the boys needed anything they just said socks and underwear, but as we passed the racks of clothing and with a little push from David, they chose T-shirts, shorts, flipflops and lightweight jackets - all of which they clearly needed. Then they were allowed to choose groceries to take back with them.  

We learned that Sompong is now at technique Pattaya (which seems to have been the old Banglamung Vocational School) doing an initial 3 year course in business - specifically geared to the 7/11 franchise system.  After three years, if he does well, he can continue for another two years, coming out with a qualification a little lower than a degree.  It sounds as if this is a course sponsored by 7/11 and is aimed at producing managerial level staff for 711s around the world (part of the course is English and Korean).  It sounds a great idea to me - guaranteed employment, and (in the second year) when he's doing his practicum, he will be paid 40 B per hour and a working day of 6 hours only. He has to open a bank account in his own name and the money will be sent direct into his account.

Sompot wants to do the same thing when he finishes grade 9, and neither of them wants to end up like big brother, also working in 711 humping heavy boxes around, stacking shelves, and working all hours.  They really seem to want to do well for themselves and I think big brother serves as an incentive.

David was asking about the amount of English spoken in school generally, but it seems to be very little and not as good as one might hope.

After the trip was over Boonying took the boys home and dropped David off near his hotel, and I think I can truthfully say that everyone had a good time
 

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www,slum-kids.org

 

A kid released from prison

You may have recently read about the Ban Ton Ruk project that we are helping to support.

One of the aims of the project is to offer help to kids that have recently been released from Youth Prison. ‘A’, not his real nickname, is an example of how important this type of project is.

‘A’ is now fifteen years of age and Suky from MERCY met him recently when she was visiting another boy in the prison. ‘A’ has no family, no Identification Card and no means of supporting himself, he has spent two years in Youth Prison, his first offence at the age of thirteen-years was pick- pocketing and he received a six-month sentence and on his release not having any way to buy food or anywhere to live reoffended and received a further eighteen-months in prison.

As ‘A’ was due for release a few days after Suky met him and as all he had on his release were the clothes he was wearing and 100Baht (£2.10) given to him by someone in prison and would have been living back on the streets Suky arranged for him to stay at Ban Ton Ruk where they would help him try to get his life back together.

Fortunately MERCY were able to find some second-hand clothes for him and they were also able to give Ban Ton Ruk 500Baht (£10) to but him some bedding and extra clothes.

‘A’ is now living at Ban Ton Ruk and hopefully his time there will give him some training to be able to find work when he decides he wants to leave.

 

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

Baan Ton Rak Project

 

MERCY in Pattaya has made us aware of the Baan Ton Rak project and our Trustees agree that this meets our criteria of being something we are able to support.

It is run by a young Buddhist couple who for fifteen years have been dedicated to helping young people, and in so doing, protecting the environment for future generations. They live in a simple dwelling, set on 14 rai of land (which includes a lake) and they have taken in seven homeless children. However, it is not just these children they help. Many more children come after school or at the weekends and learn not just agricultural skills, but fishing, animal husbandry, and life skills. 

They plant rice, grow fruit and vegetables, fish, and try to be self-sustaining. Clearly, this is not easy, and they are currently trying to raise funds to buy the seed to plant rice.

This is a project that channels the sometimes destructive energy of youth into areas which build character and provide alternatives to the often antisocial behaviour born of boredom or envy. It allows children from the slums to benefit from fresh air and honest labour. They learn the benefits of being part of a team - and how to be independent. They learn how to share, be tolerant of those they don’t understand and become useful and accepted members of society – regardless of their background or history. No-one willing to help is turned away.

This could be the prototype for programmes which could be tailored to benefit schools, detention centres, orphanages etc. 

To enable the project to expand there is a need for extra accommodation and this item consists of three secondhand market stalls (wire 'cages' supported by steel stanchions) 30 M X 9 M, with tarpaulin cover. You will see these at all the more established market areas in the city. We understand that they can cost millions of Baht when new. We have agreed to meet the  cost of 70,000 B to buy, and 11,000 B to disassemble and transport. A total of 81.000Baht (£1800)

Baan Ton Rak will use this as temporary accommodation to allow them to take in other Children-at-Risk, or those who are willing to be channelled into a new life when coming out of Youth Prison. They would be given food, accommodation, skill-based training (agriculture or apprenticeships with businesses in the community), and basic education.

More photos can be seen on our webpage:  http://www.slum-kids.org/homes-and-supported-areas/baan-ton-rak-project/

Registered Charity No. 1104335

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

Bunk Beds for the kids.

 

We recently took the three younger children from this family onto our sponsorship scheme and a home visit to determine the living conditions showed that bedding for the two youngest boys “Ice” and “Jew” was desperately needed to replace the old and soiled bedding that they were using. It was decided that as the room was high enough to put in a set of bunk beds which would take less floor space than two single beds. We ordered the bunk beds along with sheets and pillows and they have now been delivered.

Suky did her usual grand job of organizing the delivery of the bed so that when the children came in from school it was all set up  for them. They were just thrilled. It's going to make a real difference in their lives, I would say.

You can see in some of the photos that the rice cooker is broken and they are cooking for everyone on a small charcoal burner. Not easy - and judging by the base of the fan at the back of the burner, this is also broken beyond repair.

You can see the photo that the sponsor sent, set up on the T.V. - in the place of honour. We thank him for his generosity and genuine compassion for the plight of these children. We're most grateful.

Registered Charity No. 1104335

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

Sponsor's birthday gift for two brothers

As the sponsor of these boys was not in the country for the birthday of the  two older boys he asked us to arrange a birthday gift for them. When asked what they would like they replied "an MP3 player."

Suky delivered the two "Magic Music" boxes for Thanathat  and Yudsaporn # 211 Puangsawan, so they can listen to their personal choices, although judging by the grimace on Thanuthat's face, perhaps Yudsaporn's choice wasn't his taste! ( Bit like me when I'm subjected to Rap.)

That said, they were both delighted - and dinner from KFC  certainly brought a smile to all their faces.

 

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org

Update on a student in prison.

This is by way of an update on 'Dah' one of our students who was sentenced to two & a half years in prison, we have been asked by a few people to update his pro...gress. The following update was received from Liz at MERCY in Pattaya this morning:

Suky, Lhen and Sudjai will visit the prison on August 9th, which is a day when families can visit (for some long time 'trusties', take out), eat, have activities with the inmates for much longer a period than would normally be allowed.

"Dah' needs 2 White T-shirts, 2 pairs shorts, 2 track suit bottoms and toiletries, plus they would like to take food and fruit, also. We estimate that including food, the cost will be in the region of 2,500 - 3,000 B.

Do you think that any of your 'pledges' can help with this, please? I would think they may allow photo's on the day, but certainly photographs of the items, can be arranged."

We have asked Liz to go ahead and buy whatever 'Dah' needs and will update the story again after the visit in  August

 

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

 www.slum-kids.org

7th birthday treat for a student from his sponsor

Today I was also privileged to join the shopping trip with Suky and Jaidee, and it was great.  

Jaidee is such a little chatterbox, and has very definite ideas of what he might want - "Let me see" or "Let me have a look" were always the first words out of his mouth as we approached the various racks of clothing. 

 Of course, Ben 10 was at the top of his list - which we managed to find O.K., but he was very picky about the colours and designs.  It was easy enough to find sandals to fit him, but we had to find the 'right' picture. Interestingly, rather than buy the usual backpack, he chose the smaller 'more grown up' version, with a single strap - but a great action picture!

Having some money left he had lots of fun choosing just the right assortment of Dunkin' Donuts to take home.  

It's a hard life - all these decisions for a boy!

 

Registered Charity No. 1104335

100 Years From Today

It will not matter how big your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.

www.slum-kids.org