Some of the key projects are planned or are being continued from previous years:
Children of the Forest
We will continue our participation and visits to The Children of the Forest Foundation (COF) for the third year. COF operates in the Thailand-Myanmar border region, addressing the needs of stateless children predominantly born to Karen, Mon, and Burmese parents. These children, despite being born in Thailand, lack legal protections and often don’t speak Thai. COF has established a free elementary school to offer preparatory Thai language courses and elementary education up to grade 2.
Bankungnonsaad School
With the funds raised from the previous Rotary year, our Club is set to embark on a transformative project at Bankungnonsaad School in Udonthani to rebuild the school’s canteen. This significant initiative addresses a longstanding need within the school, which serves over 300 students from kindergarten through high school / vocational levels from four, soon to be five, villages. The current canteen’s state, plagued by unhygienic conditions, structural damage, and flooding issues leading to foul odors and water intrusion in dining areas, has been a concern for over 25 years. Despite repeated requests for government assistance, the school’s pleas have remained unmet, with only minor repairs possible through community efforts. This project not only aims to provide a safe and hygienic dining environment for the students, who have resorted to eating in classrooms or under leaky roofs but also signifies a profound community investment, restoring dignity and comfort to the daily lives of students and staff at Bankungnonsaad School.
Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of HM the Queen
The Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Under the Royal Patronage of HM the Queen was established to provide support and opportunities for visually impaired individuals in Thailand. The Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for visually impaired individuals through education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and social integration. It strives to empower the blind community by providing the necessary tools and resources to lead independent and productive lives. The Foundation runs schools for blind children, offering a curriculum that includes Braille, orientation and mobility training, and other essential skills. We plan to organize a fundraising concert in October to raise funds for the Foundation to purchase necessary braille equipment as well as to fund education for blind children under the care of the Foundation. Our club also plans to take the children out for a day trip to experience nature and visit a beach.
Rotaract/Interact
We plan to collaborate with Chulalongkorn University Rotaract Club to do a joint project relating to sustainability this year.