world vision magazine

WORLD VISION
MAGAZINE
29th
1
2015
SPRINKLES OF HOPE AND BOUNTY
INSPIRATION LEADS TO A DREAM
RAISING HOPE ABOVE THE FLOODWATERS
CONTENTS
3 Message from the National Director
4 Events
10 Sprinkles of hope and bounty
12 Inspiration leads to a dream
14 Raising hope above the floodwaters
16 Bright future for Somrit
18 The day that I became a farmer
19 Community study life
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD:
Chitra Thumborisuth, Bunjongsek Supsopha, Wiwat Srithanangkun, Prasop Khunsithi, Veeva Charnvitidkul
EDITOR: Janice Evidente | CONTRIBUTORS: Somluck Khamsaen, Duangporn Choktippattana, Paiwan Benjakul, Prakit Lelaviwat,
Titi Laohapinyojantra, Jay Mark Mijares | ARTWORK: Wittawat Suttipongkeat | TRANSLATOR: Monrudi Chantawichianwat
WORLD VISION magazine’s purpose is to inform and create better understanding of the work of World Vision Foundation of Thailand,
and to report back to our many valuable supporters. For donors, child sponsors, churches, government agencies and organisations
in the private sectors who have been supporting WVFT’s work, helping the disadvantaged, The Magazine also encourages all people
who have not yet considered supporting our work, to take the rewarding step of joining WORLD VISION.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2015 by World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
PHOTO CREDIT: Front: Albert Yu Back: Prakit Lelaviwat
READ MAGAZINE ONLINE OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT: www.worldvision.or.th
2
World Vision Magazine
MESSAGE FROM
NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Greetings of peace and goodwill to everyone!
As we look back at 2014, it had been a year of countless blessings for World
Vision Foundation of Thailand. One of these is the long years of partnership
with you which allowed us to celebrate our 40th year together in this
fulfilling ministry of helping those in need.
Last year WVFT’s work in providing assistance to children has grown.
Somrit’s story on Page 16 clearly shows the success of the Bachelor’s Degree
project. He studied until he completed the Bachelor’s Degree he desires.
Today he is happy and successful in his life as a medical technologist. Many
ultimately became teachers of needy children in the mountainous region.
But 2014 also reminded us of the devastation brought by the Asian
tsunami as we mark the 10th Boxing Day Anniversary on December
26. Despite the massive loss that Thailand and other Asian countries
experienced that fateful day in 2004, the succeeding years proved our
resilience, our sense of community, and our capacity to quickly bounce
back from the dreadful calamity. Five ADPs were birthed as an aftermath
of the disaster. WVFT continues to support these programme areas in
Kapur, Takuapa, Tai Muang, Aow Leuk and Kuraburi. It’s been a decade
but our efforts are still as visible as they were in the past. The story of
Mr Kamonporn on page 10 shows how World Vision enabled him and his
community recover from the tragedy.
We pray that we will be spared from this kind of adversity for the
coming time. We wish this new year will bring us good tidings as we reach
new heights together with your unremitting support.
May God bless the work of your hands and bring you success in all
your plans.
Chitra Thumborisuth
National Director
World Vision Magazine
World Vision
Foundation of Thailand
EKKAMAI OFFICE
BUILDING IS
FOR SALE
•with five and a half floors
•1,580 floor area
•complete with amenities
For further information,
please phone +66 2022 9200-2
Mr Anusorn Ext. 112
or Mr Wiwat Ext. 455
3
EVENTS
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1
2
4
5
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7
WVFT STRIDES INTO FOURTH DECADE OF SUCCESS
World Vision Foundation of Thailand (WVFT) hosted
the special event, ‘Celebrating 40th Anniversary
Together - For Children, For Change, For Life’ to
thank donors and sponsors for their continuous
support. Hundreds attended the event, observing the
6 exhibition rooms that showcased WVFT’s works as
well as bought handicrafts from WVFT’s project areas.
Socialites and celebrities alike turned up as well, such
as Kit Kanachai Bencharongkul, Mario Maurer and Ken
Phupoom Phongpanu. The anniversary events were held
on 7 June and 11 October, 2014 at Siam Pavalai Theatre,
Siam Paragon.
In presiding over the events, Mrs Chitra
Thumborisuth, WVFT’s National Director said, “WVFT
started off with small-scale operations, yet today we are
helping over 100,000 children in 44 provinces. Thank
you for entrusting us to fulfil the children’s dreams.”
Both occasions saw several sponsors gracing the
stage to meet their sponsored children for the first time,
where they were moved to tears. An Acapella show
by 20 children from Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi
province gave the event a memorable closure.
4
1.Sponsor Sukitti Kittipassorn with
his sponsored child
2.Honorar y sponsor s, guests,
children and WVFT management
3.Yongyut Taingaowson (left) former
sponsored child of Uraiwan
Somchit (right)
4.Chaler msak Kanchanawar in,
former WVFT sponsored child
with a boy he’s currently supporting
through WVFT
5.Ken Phupoom (second from right)
meets his sponsored child with the
MCs, Mick Baromwut (far left) and
Benz Pornchita (far right)
6.WVFT Ambassor Mario Maurer
with the WVFT sponsors who
bought elephant-doll blankets
7.Thai singer Mai Charoenpura with
her sponsored children
7 June
The highlights were concerts performed by veteran singers
Christina Aguilar, Rose Sirinthip and Sirivimol Charoenpura (Mai).
Enlivening the ambience was also a tango show by a sponsor, Ms
Sukhumarn Boonchu and the Tango Bangkok group.
11 October
It was a star-studded event, with two celebrities, Mick
Boromwuti Hiranyatithi and Benz Pornchita Na Songkhla hosting
the event. Heartthrob actor Ken Phupoom also ascended the stage
to greet his sponsored child, followed by soulful mini-concerts
from singers Kob Songsit Rungnopakunsri, Lipta band and Panadda
Reungwut.
Amongst the WVFT sponsors who graced the event was
Mario Maurer, who took the opportunity to meet his 9 year-old
sponsored child, Kunakorn (Sant). The boy had travelled from his
hometown in Baan Pae district, Chiang Mai province especially
to meet Mario. After giving WVFT a warm blessing on its 40th
anniversary, Mario invited his fans to buy elephant-doll blankets,
sold for 400 Baht each. Proceeds raised from the blanket sales will
go to WVFT’s Breakfast for Kids project which provides nutritious
morning meals to 3,000 children ages 2-6 years old across 7
provinces in the north and northeast of Thailand.
World Vision Magazine
EVENTS
KFC HANDS HAPPINESS AND
NUTRITION TO STUDENTS
A team of 40 volunteers from KFC Thailand and Central Restaurants
Group Co Ltd collaborated with World Vision Foundation of Thailand
(WVFT) to conduct CSR activities at Baan Klong Bon School in
Pong Namron district, Chantaburi province from 24 – 25 September,
2014. Ms Anita Sony, Yum Restaurants International (Thailand) Ltd’s
Director of Human Resources and Vice Chairman for KFC Thailand’s
CSR activities received a cosy greeting from Ms Bunjongsek Supsopha,
WVFT’s Marketing and Fundraising Director as well as Mr Amnaj
Chayangkanon, Baan Klong Bon School’s Director.
As part of its CSR project, Yum Restaurants International
(Thailand) and its franchisee, Central Restaurants Group donated
2 million Baht to 4 schools in WVFT’s network. The donation,
raised from a KFC luncheon fund went to Baan Klong Bon School in
Pongnamron district, Chantaburi province, Baan Kok Tan School in
Phusing district, Sri Sa Ket province, Baan Pon Daeng School, Dong
Luang district in Mukdahan province and Mong Kua Border Patrol
Police School in Umphang district, Tak province.
The project assigns students to grow vegetables, cultivate
mushroom, raise fish and collect chicken eggs. The schools will
convert these harvests into nutritious lunch for the students. The
surplus produce can be sold for supplementary income, which will
be used to further expand the schools’ agricultural initiatives.
EASY BUY BRINGS SUSTAINABILITY
TO REMOTE AREA
Mr Takeharu Uematsu, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Easy Buy Public Co., Ltd and a team of 20
staff participated in ‘Easy Buy… for Sustainable Rural
Development through Life-Changing 1-Rai Integrated
Agriculture’ activity under ‘Easy Buy… for Thai Society’
project. Easy Buy pursues the project in collaboration
with World Vision Foundation of Thailand (WVFT)
in several areas including Baan Sum Noi village in Loei
province’s Pha Khao district, Baan Makok School in Sakaew
province’s Tapraya district and Baan Na Dee Hua Phu in
Nakhon Phanom province’s Baan Pang district. Mr Ruengrit
Danbrasit, WVFT’s Regional Manager, Northeast Region
Zone 1, represented WVFT at handover ceremonies that
took place throughout 2014.
Easy Buy and WVFT provided vegetable seeds,
mushroom nursery, fingerlings, piglets and chickens in
combination with agricultural tools to the schools and
communities. The project aims to equip students to grow
the agricultural produce and use them to cook lunch for
other students. The produce can also be sold to outsiders
to generate supplementary income, thus paving way for
sustainable development in the future.
World Vision Magazine
5
EVENTS
ONE WORLD FUTBOL REACH REMOTE
SCHOOL IN THE MOUNTAINS
1
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1.The children received the power of play from One World Futbol
2.Mr Purty (middle right) Mr Thammanoon (second from
left) and Mrs Chitra (far left)
3.Renuka (left) and her classmates are thrilled about the
school’s beautiful library
Mr Marcos Purty, Managing Director of General Motors
Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand led a team of local
media to deliver 280 One World Futbol and 2,000 Easy
English books to Baan Huay Ku School in Wieng Kan district,
Chiang Rai province recently, which is located in World Vision
Foundation of Thailand (WVFT)’s Pyapipak project area. They
were greeted by Mrs Chitra Thumborisuth, WVFT’s National
Director and Mr Thammanoon Kitnukorn, Baan Huay Ku
School’s Director.
Baan Huay Ku School provides kindergarten through to
secondary-level education, to 483 students. Mr Thammanoon
said, “The students are benefiting tremendously from this
activity. Thank you for your support.”
Renuka Saesong, a grade 9 student said, “I’m happy to see that
the school now has so many new books as they are very useful.”
“I appreciate how important it is to encourage kids to get
lots of exercise and a good education. It will make a positive
difference in their lives,” Mr Purty added.
Mrs Chitra shared, “WVFT has fostered a strong network
with communities and schools to reach children who need the
most help. I would like to thank Chevrolet for fulfilling their needs.”
TESCO LOTUS VISITS BREAKFAST
FOR KIDS PROJECT IN LOEI
Mr Supachai Kulachokvanich, Tesco Lotus Corporate
Affairs Regional Manager and his team visited 3 child care
development centres to observe World Vision Foundation
of Thailand (WVFT)’s ‘Breakfast for Kids’ (BFK) project. Mr
Anusorn Somsiri, WVFT’s Assistant National Director and
Mr Uthai Homorn, Non Po Daeng sub-district governor
received the team at Wat Chai Sriyaram centre in Pha Khao
on August 2014.
Tesco Lotus supports the BFK project for 2 years now
which is implemented in 8 districts across 7 provinces in
Thailand. Coming from poor families, children from these
areas often do not eat enough resulting in weakened immune
system and stunted growth that eventually reduces their
ability to learn.
The Tesco Lotus team observed the progress of the
BFK project and donated children’s learning tools to Wat
Chai Sriyaram, Wat Baan Perm and Wat Uthai Banpob
development centres.
For more information on the ‘Breakfast for Kids’ project,
please visit http://www.worldvision.or.th/breakfast4kids_eng.html
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1
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1.Mr Supachai (back row, middle right), Mr Anusorn (fifth from
right) and Mr Uthai (fourth from right)
2.The youngsters at Wat Chai Sriyaram child care centre
enjoyed a healthy breakfast from Tesco Lotus
3.Employees from Tesco Lotus bring breakfast for the children
World Vision Magazine
EVENTS
ISUZU UNG NGUAN TAI HANDS OVER
WATER RESOURCE FOR DEVELOPMENT
Isuzu Ung Nguan Tai Group (Isuzu UNT) handed over
“Water Resource Development for Consumption and Lunch
Programme” project overseen by WVFT to Ban Hinsoong
School in Sirindhorn district on August 2014.
Isuzu UNT’s Vice President, Mrs Souwanit Pitaksith is
joined by her team Mr Theerayut Pitaksith, Mrs Usa Pitaksith,
and Mrs Thantip Leevutinun. Mr Yongyuth Meechai, the
school Director, Acting Sub Lt Dr Thaweesak Namsri, Ubon
Ratchathani Primary Educational District Area 3 Director with
Dr Bunjongsek Supsopha, WVFT’s Marketing and Fundraising
Director gave the generous donors a warm welcome.
The project aims to develop clean water source for
schools and communities, in addition to equipping schools with
agricultural resources and knowledge which potentially could
expand to youth agricultural group and lunch programme of
the school.
The Isuzu UNT executives enjoyed interacting with Ban
Hinsoong students. They released catfish, planted vegetable
seeds, constructed a borehole, installed the water filter system,
and gave away learning tools and sports equipment to students.
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1.Acting Sub Lt Dr Thaweesak (7th from right) with WVFT
and Isuzu UNT staff
2.Isuzu UNT donors treated the school children to lunch
3.The executives jointly released catfish, entrusting them to
the students’ care
GIANT BOOKS AT THE 3RD PFIZER CAMP
The WVFT’s 3rd life skills development camp under Pfizer Thailand
Foundation’s support was attend by 98 students aged 6-12 from Ban
Tu Tae Ram and Ban Peeyai schools in Satun on November 2014.
The primary graders spent 3 days of fun and learning at Bara
Resort with the theme ‘Satu…Padu’ or ‘join forces…unity.’ The
children from the two schools were combined in 5 groups and were
expected to respect others and their abilities, avoid offending others,
build relations and work as a team.
As a highlight, the groups were tasked to produce giant
storybooks aimed at improving children’s reading and teamwork.
They did the project observing the overarching values of promoting
respect, synergy and harmony.
When the five jumbo books were completed, the compliments
simply flowed. “I really like the books. The children did beyond our
expectation,” says Sanong Usa, camp speaker and Ban Wang Prachan
School teacher.
“It was really fun. I gained new experiences and learnt many
things. We received feedback on what we did well and things we could
improve,” said Wiyuda, Grade 5 student of Ban Tu Tae Ram School.
“The children have become more courageous after the camp,” says
Wiwan Songkuea, Ban Peeyai School teacher happily. It was another
fruitful and meaningful Pfizer and WVFT partnership to develop
children’s skills.
World Vision Magazine
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EVENTS
1
2
1.Mr Sarawut Rachasrimuang gives an opening speech
2.Atmosphere inside the meeting room during the
training
GLOBAL FUND GIVES MONEY TO
WVFT TO COMBAT MALARIA
World Vision received artemisinin-resistant malaria
fund from Global Fund aiming to raise awareness
on malaria epidemic, reduce new cases and fight
artemisinin-resistance.
Roughly 200 million people worldwide are infected
with malaria annually and around 600,000 people die
of the highly communicable disease each year. A report
from Thailand’s Bureau of Vector-Borne Diseases in
2013 revealed that more than 25,000 were infected
and artemisinin-resistant cases were recorded in the
Thailand-Cambodia border.
Mr Sarawut Rachasrimuang, WVFT Operations
Director, cited the importance of working closely with
other regional countries for prevention and control.
“The goal is to help people to gain knowledge and
learn methods in working with communities and ways
to engage with malaria-affected communities. WVFT
is actively working with migrant workers on AIDS, TB
and malaria,” stressed Mr Rachasrimuang.
Migrant workers living for less than 6 months in
WVFT’s project areas in Sob Muey and Umphang, and
Mueng and Mae Sarieng sub-districts in Tak and Mae
Hong Son provinces, respectively, are the main targets.
Staff were trained and distribution of insecticidetreated nets, dissemination of information through
health discussions, booths, leaflets, and campaigns
were already instigated. Tests were also conducted in
suspected cases, malaria patients identified and treated
at a mobile clinic.
“Artemisinin-resistant malaria has been detected
among people living in Thailand-Myanmar border for
4-5 years. This project is crucial in preventing the spread
of malaria, reduce cases, ensure people understands
and know how to protect themselves from the vectorbased disease,” said Dr Thet Myo Tun, WVFT’s Regional
Artemisinin Containment Initiative-Malaria Project
Manager.
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Tour of Hope gives bicycles to children at Ban Mae Taman School
THE TOUR OF HOPE CYCLING
ADVENTURE TO SUPPORT
EDUCATION OF THAI CHILDREN
Dr Hans Bock, Tour of Hope Chairman, led a team of international
cyclists pedal 800 kilometres from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai
to hand over a new library, 20 bicycles, helmets and tool kits to
Ban Mae Taman School and 75 bicycles to Ban Pang Mai Dang
School in Mae Tang district. Both schools are within World Vision
Foundation of Thailand (WVFT) ’s project site. Dr Bunjongsek
Supsopha, WVFT’s Marketing and Fundraising Director, Mr
Mongkol Putthang, Chiang Mai Primary Educational Service
Area Office 2 Vice President, Mr Nuttawat Dondee and Mrs
Mali Phongphanphaibun, directors of Ban Mae Taman Ban and
Pang Mai Dang schools, respectively, school faculty, community
leaders and parents welcomed the cyclists.
The WVFT’s Library for Kids wor th 995,000 Baht is
supported by the cyclists. It is complete with shelves, computers
and furniture benefiting 289 students, ages 4-15, aiming to instill
on children a love for reading and eagerness to learn.
“Your joint efforts bring change in children’s lives, improve
the students’ knowledge and reading ability and allow students
who live far to arrive early,” says Mr Nuttawat.
Dr Hans said, “I’m glad to do a cycling tour in Thailand. We
organize tours to donate money given to us by our friends to
contribute to educating Thai children. I’m glad to see the library
and lovely children. I want children not only cycle to school but
also have fun cycling.” The cyclists also taught the students to bike
safely then visited the library they donated at Ban Pang Mai Dang
School in 2011.
“There were no book shelves and books were old then.
Now we have new books. Thank you,” Siwapon, Grade 8, said.
“I never had a bicycle. With this I can bring my younger sister
to school daily,” said Grade 2 student, Labi.
The Bicycles for Kids project aims to ease the difficulty of
students who live far by providing bicycles on loan until they
complete grade 6. They return the bikes for the next group of
students to benefit. The project also teaches them to care for
the loaned bikes.
World Vision Magazine
EVENTS
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3
1
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5
1.WVFT Board Directors and guests of honour
during the dedication of WVFT Training Center.
2.(From left): Dr Saisuree, Mr Jenkins and Mrs
Chitra lead the ribbon cutting ceremony
3.The choir singing a song at the dedication of
WVFT Training Center.
4.Guests of honour joined together in
worshipping God
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5.Rev Sayam leads the opening and dedication of
WVFT Chiang Rai Development Center
6.Mr Jenkins unlocks the Center’s doors
7.WVFT Board Directors and guests of honour
in front of the Chiang Rai Development Center
OPENING AND DEDICATION CEREMONIES OF WVFT
BUILDINGS IN CHIANG RAI AND BANGKOK
Mr Kevin Jenkins, World Vision International (WVI) President,
together with Dr Saisuree Chutikul, World Vision Foundation
of Thailand’s (WVFT) Board Chairperson and Mrs Chitra
Thumborisuth, WVFT’s National Director, presided over
the opening ceremonies of WVFT Chiang Rai Development
Center and WVFT Training Center in Pracha Uthit road,
Bangkok. WVFT’s Board Members and senior leadership
team along with representatives from the Foundation of the
Church of Christ in Thailand, The Evangelical Fellowship of
Thailand, Chiang Rai Second Church District and the Baptist
Church Foundation cordially graced the buildings’ opening and
dedication ceremonies on 17-18 November, 2014.
The dedication of WVFT Chiang Rai Development Center
was held on 17 November while WVFT Training Center in
Bangkok took place on 18 November. All honoured guest at
the Chiang Development Center signified their support by
World Vision Magazine
individually planting a tree at Center’s vicinity.
“I feel honoured to join the dedication ceremonies
for both buildings in Chiang Rai and Bangkok. I pray for this
building to be a beacon of hope to the poorest children,
families and communities in Thailand,” said Mr Jenkins as he
congratulated the management, board and staff.
“In the end, a building is just a building. It must be infused
with the goodwill and enthusiasm of the people who serve in
it to have a real meaning. I dedicate this building, our staff and
our future to God,” he added.
Dr Saisuree thanked Mr Jenkins for flying across the
world to join the inaugural ceremonies. “In the last 40
years, WVFT staff has worked hard to achieve our mission.
I hope for the buildings to continue to serve the work of
God and for all WVFT staff to receive His blessings,” urged
Dr Saisuree.
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บอกเล่าผ่านเรื่อง
SPRINKLES OF HOPE AND BOUNTY
Story: Janice Evidente
Photos: Albert Yu
10
M
r Kamonporn Pinnasak, 51, is hard working. Prior to the tsunami, he had three income
streams. He grew vegetables, cultured sea shells and crabs, and worked as a sign artist
in Khao Lak.
He was in Kha Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park when he saw a black wave
approached and hit inland. It left the park muddy when the water withdrew back to the sea.
‘I saw the second surge higher than the first, I ran away to a much higher place,’ he recalled.
He found his family safe in the mangrove-strewn village of Thai Din Daeng. But the
seashells and crabs nets were washed away. But the mangroves which served as natural barriers
protected his farm. It was his only hope left when the sign shop also closed down. But he has
to work harder because farming demands a lot of time.
‘I went with other village farmers in an educational trip that World Vision arranged. We
World Vision Magazine
SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
observed a new irrigation solution to efficiently water farm crops in
Kuraburi. World Vision introduced us to rebuild our livelihood after the
tsunami stripped most of us with our source of living,’ he said.
On our return, World Vision provided us water tubes and sprinkler
heads. The community embraced the new technique and we still benefit
from the system until now, we found it really helpful,’ he said.
Before they used the sprinkling method, Kamonporn hired people
to daily water the plants. With the irrigation system, he is able to save
around 10,000 Baht per month from wages.
This also allowed him to attend to his other crops and family needs.
He adapted the same technology to supply water to his plots of string
beans, ridge gourd, and eggplants.
‘Our gourd daily harvest alone averages 50 kilos a day,’ he happily
reported.
‘I come on weekends to help. I especially love the long beans,’ says
Kamonporn’s 11-year-old daughter, Korakod. ‘My father teaches me how
to grow vegetables,’ says Korakod who wants to pursue Islamic Studies
when she grows up.
Despite years of exposure to different environmental factors, the
irrigation tubes are still functional. ‘These are still the original tubes
provided by World Vision. They have withstood the years.’
T h e i r i n co m e w a s
gradually replaced by the
family’s diversified crops. ‘I
raise chicken layers, too,’ says
Ponsini, Kanorporn’s wife.
‘This was provided by World
Vision,’ she added. She sells
chicken eggs but keeps some
for her family.
Now, Kanorporn grows
looseleaf lettuce in his
backyard. ‘Since I don’t have
to be at my vegetable farm
most of the time, I grow
lettuce on the side. Income
is good since harvest is yearround,’ he said.
•
World Vision Magazine
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SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
Fahsai is teaching her friends how to read in Thai
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World Vision Magazine
SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
Fahsai and her friends
Fahsai and her mother
INSPIRATION LEADS TO A DREAM
By Paiwan Benjakul
W
ith her wide, bright smile, Fahsai successfully
finished teaching her classmates read basic Thai.
“Great job,” said Sisuda Suwankao, Hope for
Children in Crisis project staff making Fahsai grin wider.
Fahsai is doing what she has dreamed to do. “I want to
be a Thai teacher, says Fahsai, 12.
Born in Thailand, Fahsai is Burmese. Her parents migrated
to Thailand to work as construction workers in Phuket. She
grew up and spent her life at the construction camp. Every
day while her parents went out to work, she would clean the
house, wash the dishes and do other chores.
Her daily activity changed when her mother learned
about the learning opportunity for Burmese children at the
Hope for Children in Crisis (HCC). The HCC in Patong,
Phuket not only helps and organises life skills activities for
Thai children but also partners with other non-governmental
organisations to help educate Burmese children.
“When my mother told me that I am going to school, I
was very happy. I want to study,” says Fahsai.
Fahsai went to school for the first time.
“Fahsai is among our first batch of students. She is very
diligent,” says Sisuda.
When Fahsai started school, she could only speak
Mon language. Her classmates who can speak Thai act as
her interpreter in school. But it did not take long for her to
speak Thai. She is now used to the accent and is no longer
dependent on others. In fact, she now even acts as interpreter
to new students and her mother.
“I’m happy to go to school,” says Fahsai.
When her mother wakes her up at 7 in the morning, she
gets up from her bed quickly, washes up and fetches her white
World Vision Magazine
school uniform dress and navy blue pleated skirt to wear. She
then prepares her meal for lunch. She walks out of the house
with her favorite fried chicken for lunch to wait for a public
transport.
When Fahsai reaches school, she sweeps the hall floor
where they sit on. “I did not tell her to do this; she volunteered.
She likes to help,” affirms Sisuda.
Fahsai sits in the front row so she could see the blackboard
and clearly hear what the teacher says. She likes Thai subject
best and gives her wholehearted attention to it. She is often
chosen to lead the reading of Thai words on the board. She
was nervous at first, but she was able to overcome to nurture
her dream.
“I like to read Thai. I borrow books from my teacher to
take home to read,” says Fahsai.
Although Thai is her number one delight, she also likes
Arts, Burmese and English subjects, too.
At the end of her classes, Fahsai and her friends
unhurriedly board the transport to bring them back home.
They often hear the constant reminder of their teacher to lock
their house doors if their parents are not yet home. Fahsai
obeys the instruction because she knows that it is for her
safety. While she waits for her parents to come home, she
cooks rice beforehand so that the family can eat their evening
meal together at six in the evening.
“Sometimes while we eat, my mother advises me to
be a good child and help others. She tells me that she wants
me to work in a hotel. But then I tell her that I want to teach
children.” Fahsai’s voice becomes emphatic at the end and
then turns to smile at her mother. Her mother smiles back
and nods her head.
•
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SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
RAISING HOPE ABOVE
THE FLOODWATERS
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by Jay Mark Mijares
World Vision Magazine
SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
R
ight in the heart of the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, sits Bang Po
Nueanga School on a rice farm. Sena district is a low land area with elevated
roads leading to the school. The 2011 massive flooding affected 8 million
people in 60 out of 77 provinces across Thailand. Ayutthaya was one of the
hardest hit.
“This ground was like a vast ocean,” said World Vision Foundation of Thailand
(WVFT) staff member, Kobchai.
Education was put on hold ­— children lost their books, facilities were
damaged and schools were shut down for weeks. While school was out, many
children found themselves playing in floodwaters, unaware of the risks to their
safety and health.
Realizing the hazards, communities began to take ownership of minimizing the
risks during the wet season. Some families bought paddle boats in case evacuation
is advised. Some replaced the foundation of their stilt houses with concrete to
withstand floods. And some rearranged the layout in their homes to minimize
damages.
World Vision, in partnership with the local authorities of Ayutthaya and the
multinational Seagate, through its “Give To Asia” project, implemented resilience
projects across 12 schools in the province — among them is Bang Po Nueanga
School.
Through the resilience projects, schools were relocated to safer ground for
children to ensure education is not halted even during the rainy season. Facilities
were improved like the elevation of laygrounds and water towers, strengthening
of the school’s stilt foundations, and improving toilet facilities and sewage systems.
These were some of the initiatives that helped shape the safe school transformation.
“I can now be in school even when it rains, I come to school in a paddle boat!
I don’t have to miss my classes and friends again,” said 8-year old B.M. with a grin.
WVFT National Director, Chitra Thumborisuth, Ayutthaya Vice Governor,
Panya Srathongoon and representatives from Seagate recently graced a hand-over
ceremony at the Bang Po Nueanga School.
Khun Chitra said, “Flooding has become a yearly affair for this school, hence
we need to find alternatives to adapt to such change. Raising the school building
will provide a conducive environment that enables children to continue their
education undisturbed even when floodwaters inundate the ground below.”
•
World Vision Magazine
15
SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
BRIGHT FUTURE
FOR SOMRIT
By Somluck Khamsaen
W
hen Somrit or Nueng was only 9 years old, he
lived with his mother in a rural village that grows
rice and tobacco. Nueng’s parents separated
when he was still too young to remember.
In order to feed the family, Nueng’s mother worked in a
rice farm in exchange for unmilled rice. His mother gathered
vegetables on the roadside or in the dike for their family meal.
On some days when she did not get anything, they would only
have sticky rice with chili and salt.
Nueng walked to school near his home every day. On
days when school is off, Nueng helped his mother transplant
rice seedlings and till the soil.
This hardship continued until Nueng was selected into
the child sponsorship programme of World Vision. World
Vision provided him with uniforms and school supplies which
greatly relieved his mother’s burdens.
When Nueng was in grade 5, his mother got sick and
died. At the age of 11, he felt hopeless and had no one to
depend on for guidance. Nueng then lived with his aunt.
Due to lack of maternal care, Nueng remembered how
he was filled with love and encouragement from WVFT
sponsorship staff. The care that he received from his American
sponsor has also touched his heart. He eventually overcame
sadness when he participated in youth summer camp, had
fun in field trip and got excited learning new things. This also
inspired him to press on in his schooling. His hope and dream
of becoming a medical doctor was ignited.
“If I did not receive sponsorship support, love and care
from my sponsor, my life would be very hard and I might not
be able to study,” Nueng recalls.
When he was a teen, Neung took part in leadership
training as part of WVFT’s youth activity. “I like sports and
playing local musical instruments such as flute and salo. I enjoy
16
them and I had more friends.” Neung is also good in numbers.
He often helped his friends with their Mathematics problems
after school.
When Nueng finished his secondary school, all he wanted
was to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a doctor but
he did not pass the university entrance examination. He was
unwilling to abandon his dream so he decided to take the
medical technology exams instead. Determined to succeed,
Neung sought for scholarship assistance from WVFT through
its Bachelor Degree Project. Through the Project he was able
to complete his medical technology course at Chiang Mai
University.
“If not for the scholarship, I would not be able to study
at a university,” says Nueng.
Now 23, Neung works as a medical technologist at a
private hospital in Phuket. He works in the laboratory doing
diagnostic tests in analyzing and detecting diseases and medical
conditions. Today Nueng is happy and proud with his job and
is able to help patients at the hospital.
For 14 years, Neung was supported by World Vision
and was able to complete his Bachelor Degree. Although
he did not become a medical doctor, Nueng got so close
to his childhood dream in assisting doctors by providing
them important laboratory information about their patients’
condition.
“Thank you. Your help has given me the opportunity to
build a simple yet secure life.”
WVFT child sponsorship also provides economic
development projects to help villagers earn more aside
from their main source of income. Support comes in forms
of supplementary livelihood like sewing, livestock raising and
longgan growing. The additional income helps them to send
their children to school.
•
World Vision Magazine
Yes! I want to show
kindness to a child in need.
Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss) ........................................................................
(Block Letters)
Address .................................................................................................
............................................ Postal Code..............................................
Telephone Number.........................................Fax...............................
Mobile Phone.........................................Date of Birth ....../....../.......
E-mail......................................................................................................
I want to sponsor a child (please indicate):
¡ One ¡ Two ¡ Three ¡..... Children
Residents of Thailand Sponsorship Payment
¡ 650 Baht/child/month
¡ 1,950 Baht/child/3 months
¡ 3,900 Baht/child/6 months ¡ 7,800 Baht/child/year
BUILD UP HER DREAM…
TO A NEW LIFE
¡ 750 Baht/child/month
¡ 2,250 Baht/child/3 months
¡ 4,500 Baht/child/6 months ¡ 9,000 Baht/child/year
I cannot sponsor a child right now, but here is a special gift of
........................................... Baht to help children in need.
4619
I would like to send my gift by:
Charge to my credit card account:
(Please fill in the information below)
¡ VISA (every bank) ¡ MASTER (every bank) ¡ AMEX ¡ DINERS
Card Number
As a sponsor of a child/children, I authorise WVFT to arrange regular
deductions from my credit card as I have stated in the beginning of the form
until WVFT receives any further notification of cancellation or changes.
Expiry Date........................................................................................................
Card Owner.......................................................................................................
Signature of Card Holder................................................................................
Charge to my bank account: (WVFT will send you a form soon)
¡ Bangkok Bank ¡ Krung Thai Bank ¡ Kasikorn Bank
¡ Thai Panich Bank ¡ Krung Sri Ayuthya Bank
Crossed cheque payable to World Vision Foundation of Thailand
Please tear along the perforated lines.
Twin sisters Cherry and Grape, age 5, live with their
grandmother, Sawik, 70 in Phu Sing district, Sisaket because
their parents separated. Their mother left to live in Bangkok
while their father is stricken with a debilitating illness. He
decided to enter monkhood according to the local belief to
recover from his illness.
Grandma Sawik relies mainly on her monthly 600 Baht
government pension to sustain and support her young
granddaughters. She works as harvester in exchange for
rice. They often do not have enough food to eat. Many
times the grandchildren would clamor for sweets but all the
grandmother can do is to respond to them with unpromising
words, “We have no money, where can I get it?”
Their small shack is a dismal representation of their
poverty. Only three sides of the hut are covered with
elephant grass while the front of the shack is left open. The
roof is thatched with grass where many portions leak. They
typically gather in a drier corner when it rains. Last year’s
floods caused much damage to the shack. Some neighbors
helped repair their cottage but they lost some of their
belongings to the flood. They lived by what was left.
Every elderly person wants to see their grandchildren
happy, get a high level education and a good future. For Sawik,
however, her dreams for Cherry and Grape will remain
remote and distant apart from your help. The children need
your support.
Today, we would like to invite you to tell people
around you to give support to children like Cherry and
Grape so that they can have a bright future, education
and school supplies. These needy children will have an
opportunity to live with greater purpose and meaning.
Please decide to sponsor a child continuously for
only 20 Baht a day or 600 Baht a month. Then you will
be able to make a child smile again.
International Sponsorship Payment
Money order payable to World Vision Foundation of Thailand
Phrakanong Post Office
Money transfer sent to World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s
savings bank account
Bank
¡ Bangkok
¡ Krung Thai
¡ Kasikorn Thai
¡ Siam Commercial
¡ Krung Sri Ayudhya
¡ UOB
¡ Thai Military
Branch
Account Number
Thonglor
Ekamai
Ekamai
Ekamai
Sukhumvit 63
Thonglor
Ekamai
206-0-43600-9
053-1-10632-2
059-2-40974-7
078-2-00965-5
361-1-02033-3
801-1-07026-4
152-2-00300-1
Money transfer from ......................................................................... Branch
Date of money transfer...................................................................................
After the Money transfer, please send a copy of your money transfer together with this
reply form to WVFT via postal mail to the address below or via fax at 0 2022 9203-5.We
will send you a receipt to confirm your payment afterwards.
Thank you. WVFT cannot send you a receipt if we do not have
a copy of your money transfer and reply form.
WVFT is the 59th humanitarian organisation under the declaration of the Ministry
of Finance.Your donation is tax deductible yearly according to the law.
SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
THE DAY THAT I BECAME A FARMER
By Somluck Khamsaen
I
never dreamed of being a farmer. I know that
farming is not an easy job. It is even more difficult
if farming does not run in the family or if no land
has been passed on to you as an inheritance.
But I’m fortunate to know Ngaw, a farmer in Bo
Thong sub-district, Thong Saen Khan district who
was willing to teach me how to grow organic rice.
I looked at the flooded water confined in the
rice paddy.
I put my foot down into the paddy field that
has been prepared for me as a farmer that day. My
brown boots sunk down deep into the mud as I
stepped in.
I threw a bunch of 3-inch tall rice seedlings
straight down into the mucky soil. My mud-splattered
boots moved warily backward in a straight line as I
did it. I remarked softly that this is no easy task to
get a plate of rice.
Ngaw turned to me and smiled then handed me
a new tray of rice seedlings. “Be careful not to take
too big bunch of rice seedlings. Throw them with a
spacing of 25 centimetres between them in order for
the rice plant to sprout and grow well,” she quickly
instructed me as soon as she saw what I was doing.
Ngaw, 45, adopted the traditional method of
farming long ago. She also faced similar problems like
other farmers — she didn’t have enough money upfront
at the start of each planting season, meaning she and
other farmers resorted to borrowing money on interest.
The cost of growing rice goes up invariably.
Aside from rice seeds, farmers need to buy fertilizers
and pesticides to ensure a bountiful produce. But
when it’s time for harvest, price for the grains drops,
leaving farmers with not enough money to feed their
families. Debts are gradually incurred from one
planting season to the next.
Ngaw knew that depending on rice farming
alone would not sustain all the needs of her family.
There must be a better alternative.
The answer to Ngaw’s problem came upon a
World Vision intervention programme. As parents
of sponsored children, farmers in her village were
taught how to make bioorganic fertilizer themselves.
This has reduced their fertilizer costs by half! The
homemade fer tilizer does not contain harmful
chemicals and which in turn reduces the risk of health
hazards.
“I don’t hope to be rich. I just want my family
to have enough food to eat and to be safe from the
ill effects of chemicals. That would be enough for
me,” says a happy Ngaw.
I became a farmer for just a day but I took with
me lessons for life: to be successful in your work, you
must love what you do. You must persevere through
difficulties and find ways to overcome problems,
and finally, adapt new techniques to achieve better
results.
Time to serve-up some organic rice.
•
Organic rice from Sinuan’s field
18
World Vision Magazine
SPONSORSHIP FEATURE
1
1.Dr Sattanan Boonyakied, dean of McGilvary
College of Divinity in Payap and Internship
Project Advisor
2.Vallaya and the college students who participate
in the project
2
COMMUNITY STUDY LIFE
I
By Somluck Khamsaen
nterns at McGilvary College of Divinity at Payap,
Chiang Mai presented their internship experience to
their trainers recently.
“The internship is a 3-year partnership between
WVFT and McGilvary College to give interns the
opportunity to observe and engage with a community
in Omkoi as part of their study on how to better serve
and promote community well-being when they take on
church leadership roles in the future,” explained Vallaya
Panichpatana, WVFT Christian Commitment Manager.
Learning is no longer confined in the university
and the church. Their community exposure made them
understand the realities of life to become effective leaders.
Dr Sattanan Boonyakied, McGilvary Dean, saw the
value of WVFT’s community engagement in gearing up
the students. WVFT on the other side, viewed this as a
chance to eventually benefit World Vision’s ministry in
communities.
The six interns learned to plan their work, conduct
surveys, map a community, and analyse situations.
“It was a great experience. I learned to be a good
servant,” says Mr Poompat Sae Chang or Pad, 24.
The project is also church related in building
relationships with community.
Professor Chaiyapon Panya, says, “Students now
think methodically and feel more confident in working
with the community. I believe that the project is a
success.”
WVFT DEVELOPMENT CENTER OPENS IN CHIANG RAI
The WVFT Development Center in Chiang Rai was officially inaugurated
on November 17, 2014.
Its purpose is to sustain community engagement and extend World
Vision’s ministry intending to host groups that need less-expensive but
offers essential facilities to hold stay-in activities like training and seminars.
It also aims to partner with community people to facilitate training
and provide products and services in order to keep the income amongst
WVFT programmes and the communities.
The Center, built in 2014 by World Vision Foundation of Thailand,
is located 9 kilometres away from the heart of Chiang Rai and is easily
accessible by private and public vehicles.
World Vision Magazine
•
Accommodation and Facilities
•Accommodation and Facilities
•2 dormitories with 300-bed capacity
•2 double occupancy and 2 3-bedroom
bungalows
•dining hall for 350 guests
•conference hall with 300 seating capacity
•6 meetings rooms that can hold 40 people
each
•vocational building equipped with
tools for workshops, presentations and
demonstrations
The Centre welcomes communities,
government and non-governmental agencies,
churches, and tourists and is also open for
bookings from neighbouring border countries
and World Vision offices.
Visit WVFT Development Center at:
1/1 Moo 7 Wiengnoue Sub-District,
Wiengchai District, Chiang Rai Province
For bookings and inquiries, please contact us at:
Tel: 053 768 040-3 or Fax: 053 768 040
19
our vision for every child, life in all its fullness:
our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.
We are Christian.
We are committed to the poor.
We value people.
We are stewards.
We are partners.
We are responsive.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand
World Vision Foundation of Thailand, Training Center
809 Soi Suphanimit, Pracha Uthit Road, Samsen Nok,
Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
Tel. +66 2022 9200-5
Fax. +66 2022 9203-5
info@worldvision.or.th
www.worldvision.or.th