Pattaya Orphanage Trust

New name: The Thai Children's Trust

2009-04-02T17:35:00.004+01:00

The Pattaya Orphanage Trust has changed its name to the Thai Children's Trust.
Check out the new website here to sponsor a child.
The new website has film, news, photos. If you sponsor a child, you can create an account and access your sponsored child's details online. You can subscribe to our enews and browse in our shop.

You can sponsor a child with Thai Children's Trust today.

Saturday

2008-06-06T20:01:00.001+01:00

This is our day off! We were up early as we were leaving for Ko Samet at 8 a.m. The bus took us to Ban Phe via Rayong, where we were taken by speedboat over to the island. We were taken to see and fish farm and then went on to a very quiet beach. We had a packed lunch of egg fried rice with chicken (which was delicious) and fruit. The sand is almost white and very fine, and the sea is very warm and exceptionally clear. We had deckchairs under umbrellas, so we able to be in the shade. Some of the pupils had henna "tattoos", some girls had their nails manicured, and Mr James and Nora had Thai massages! We got the boat back at 3 p.m. and got back to the Center in time for a shower before walking down to Mass. Then supper and the bus arrived to take us to the airport at around 8.15 p.m.

Friday

2008-06-06T20:00:00.000+01:00

This morning we went to the orphanage for the final visit. The group was very excited walking up there, all looking forward to seeing the babies and toddlers for the last time. It was very hot so all the children were inside when we arrived. The pupils all had a great time with both groups of children and made the most of their time with them. The problems started when we had to leave - everyone was in tears. Father came over so meet the group and thank them for come over and working with the children and we all had photos taken. It was a great pity that these had not been taken at the beginning of our visit as the pupils all had very red eyes and some were still opening weeping.

In the afternoon we went by bus to The Fountain of Life. Mrs Amphlett managed to come with us in her wheelchair, and managed to get up the few steps a the front without losing too much dignity. When we arrived the children we still having a rest - it was lovely seeing them sound asleep on mats in their classrooms. When they woe up they all came into the main area and sat for assembly. They then said prayers and sang songs. Our pupils all went to the front and sang "9 green bottles", bringing some children out the second time to be the bottles falling. Then they did "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" and all the Thai children joined in the actions. The Thai children sang "Peel banana" with the action and taught out children the song and actions. Everyone had a great time. We hope next time to go for a full morning session and do more activities with the children.

We went back to the Center to drop Mrs Amphlett off and then all went for our final visit to Luk Dod for souvenir shopping. Then it was packing for our departure on Saturday evening. When all the rooms had been inspected to check that most of the packing had been done we had our last trip to Carrefour, cups of coffee for the adults and last minute shopping and cola for the pupils.

Thursday

2008-06-06T19:58:00.000+01:00

We had a very early start again, up for breakfast at 7 a.m. so that we could be at the Vocational School at 8 a.m. It was well worth it - the first group we had were in their 4th term of English and we all had some excellent conversations with them. They found out a lot more about each other and gave some great speaches at the end. They also did some role play which they all practised then played out to all the group. We ended the session with 2 of the girls teaching the Thai students to sing the chorus of Valerie, which was great fun. After break we went in with a group who had been learning English for 4 weeks. They all did very well and found out someithing about our pupils and our pupils found out quite a lot about them. We then did the exercise comparing the school day.

After lunch we took the blind children swimming in the sea again. They actually went into the sea this time and a great time was had by all.

We came back to the Center and got showered and changed and then walked up to Carrefour to get birthday cakes for Sam. After supper we went back to the shopping centre in town on taxis. After this it was time for the cake and this was followed by a party in one of the rooms. The pupils had a late extension - bed at 10.45 instead of 10.30!

Wednesday

2008-06-06T19:57:00.000+01:00

This morning we set off for the Fountain of Life children's project. We were taken upstairs and Sr Joan talked to us about their work with children from the slums. The children come to the project from the age of 3 until they go the school. Each child brings 1 baht for their lunch, 1 baht for children who are less fortunate than them (although this is hard to imagine for us), and 1 baht which is saved for them so that when they leave to go to school they will have money to be able to pay for shoes and other essentials. It also teaches the children and their families the value of saving even when they have very little. The children are also taught how to wash their hands before eating and how to brush their teach using a mug of water as they do not have sinks and running water at home. Older children who have never attended school are also at the project, they are taught to basic literacy and numeracy so that they can sit the exams to get their primary certificate. After sister had talked to us we looked round the chapel and then went downstairs to be with the children.

The children were divided into 4 groups according to their ages. One of the groups were older - they were doing cooking when we arrived. We were pleased to see some of the children from the Drop-in center and Street Kids' home in this group. There was great excitement when we went in with the youngest children because Condu was there and he started telling all his friends that we had taken him to Pattaya Park the previous day! There was also a little girl in the next class who clung to our girls because she was so thrilled to see them. We are going back to work with the children on Friday afternoon.

After lunch we were taken by bus to the School for Blind Children. We waited for them to arrive outside, and then each took a little one by the hand and led them down the road to the beach. The walk is fairly slow as it is quite difficult to negotiate with traffic and parked cars and motor bikes along the way. We also have to get the children down a flight of steps to the sand. When we got to the beach it was decided it was too hot (?) for the children to go in the sea, so we all walked along to some shade and then walked the children along to edge of the sea for a paddle. The had a good time splashing in the water. A kind passing gentleman gave me 1000 baht to buy all the children an ice-cream, so we all sat down and enjoyed eating them, except for Mr James who had an ice-cream filled with kidney beans! We then walked the children back to school, where they all went to the taps and washed their hands. We got back on the bus and returned to the center.

After a quick shower we set off to Luk Dod to do our souvenier shopping. We managed to get Mrs Amphlett onto the bus and she was so thrilled to join us on the trip, then we all back to have our supper. Another very full day.

Tuesday

2008-06-06T19:55:00.001+01:00

The group had a morning at the Orphanage. We were split into 3 groups, one with the babies, one outside with the toddlers and the third group went to the School for Deaf children, then we rotated. This was a very interesting experience. We saw the children learning to follow commands in sign language, they were learning colours, inside, outside, under and over. We then moved to a more advanced group who were having to sign family members from Thai script on the board. They took it in turns standing next to the board, whilst the rest of the class watched. It was all most inspiring.

In the afternoon we were going to Pattaya Park with the children from the Drop-In Center. It was something we had all been looking forward to having met them all yesterday. We went on the bus, and they were all waiting for us when we arrived. We bought the 47 tickets then all piled down the steps and found a great spot with 3 tables and loads of chairs. All the children had quickly taken off their shorts and t-shirts and rushing into the water. The Thai kids came down the slides standing (!) but came to no harm. Ours all came down sitting - much more refined and sensible. Everyone had a great time. Mr James and I went and bought 47 cans of Pepsi for everyone to have a drink. We got back on the bus at 4.0 p.m. and went past all the Thai kids getting back into the pick-up trucks to go back home.

In the evening we walked down to Carrefour pushing Mrs Amphlett in a wheelchair. She was so pleased to be with us all after being left in her room most of the time. We all had a good time - the coffee is especially good at one of the restaurants! We managed to get Mrs A back without incident one the road, no mean feat!

Monday

2008-06-06T19:53:00.001+01:00

Today was our first day at the Vocational School for the Disabled. We were all up early and were at the school by 7.50 a.m. ready for Assembly. Our pupils were facinated by the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem. I introduced the group and explained what we were doing in Pattaya.

After assembly we went into one of the English classes. The pupils talked to a Thai student about themselves and asked the Thai students questions. They then had to introduce their new friend to the rest of the class. This went very well. They then talked further with the students and did a written exercise. After break we went in with another group who had only learnt English for one term, and did the same initial exercise, but the Thai students only told us their new friend's age and name. Some did manage a little more and got a great round of applause from everyone. They then compared their school timetables- what time they got up and what time they started school eetc. This also went very well and they then told us what was the same and what was different.

When we got back at lunch time Mrs Amphlett had returned from the hospital and we were all thrilled and relieved to see her back.

After lunch we walked up to the orphange and one group played with the toddlers in the grounds on the big play equipment while the other group went into the baby room. We then swapped- boy was it good to get into the cool! The bus came for us at 3.45 p.m. and we went down to the Drop-In Center to meet the kids there. The pupils were really anxious abut meeting the kids, but once we got there they loved it. Derek and I went over to Carrefour to by ice-cream cakes for the group's birthdays, so after playing football and having a great time we all sang Happy Birthday and ate ice-cream cake in our hands. The Thai children all disappeared and came back with dishes and spoons for themselves. I am sure they have an image of English people eating ice-cream cakes in their hands as being normal!

After supper we went in 2 taxis to a shopping mall to give the pupils a different experience.

Sunday

2008-06-06T19:51:00.000+01:00

We were all on the bus by 9 a.m. and headed off to the Street Kids' Home. As we turned into the drive way the children were running towards the bus and waving. It was a great welcome. We played games with the children and watched them have cooking lessons - and later on we all tried it out. We had a huge group of kids playing duck, duck, goose; doing the hokey kokey and relay races. This was all on an incredibly hot day so our pupils did extremely well. We all went to see the chickens and pigs in the grounds and walked across the football pitch.

In the afternoon we got ready to go for our elephant ride. The bus took us up, and we could see the elephants before we arrived which added to the general excitment. We went through to the village and got taken to the platform to climb up onto the elephants' backs. We were in pairs, and after walking down a short path the elephants decended into the river which caused a great deal of shreaking! The water was a long way up on the elephants, the bottom of their ears got wet. Just as difficult was getting out of the river the other end as the bank was very steep. We then went through the countryside feeding the elephants with bananas as we went. After an hour we reached another platform and got off the backs. After climbing down the steps we had to go over a rickety bridge across the river. Unfortunately Mrs Amphlett had a fall, and had to be taken to hospital. We all went on in jeeps to see how Thai silk is produced, and then went back to the village for fruit and to watch the film of our ride.

We got back in time for a shower before supper, and as Mrs Amplett is in hospital we stayed at the center for the evening.

From Birmingham to Pattaya

2008-06-06T19:50:00.000+01:00

We had a good flight from Birmingham, but none of us got much sleep. The pupils were all too excited and there was a lot of movement to and fro to the toilets, which was quite disturbing! We had quite a short wait in Dubai, enough time for a comfort stop and then on to the departure gates. The plane to Bangkok was much more luxurious and luckily for us did not have many passengers in our section, so we were able to spread out and get some rest. Some of the pupils had 4 seats to spread into! We arrived on time and waited for about 20 minutes for the coach, then travelled on to Pattaya. We arrived at 9.15 p.m., so just had time to get our rooms sorted and then we all settled for the night.

In the morning on Saurday we walked around the site and wandered to the shop, just to get everyone over their jet lag. After lunch we walked to the orphanage. We were met by the staff who explained a little about the children and then split into 2 groups - one in the baby room and one in the toddler room and then we swaped half way through the afternoon. The pupils were fantastic and all quickly bonded with the children. The babies had a great time and the pupils had an even better time. They can't wait to go back again.

We got back to the center to get changed, and then went to church.

School trip to Pattaya

2008-06-05T08:24:00.001+01:00

The Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in Worcester is visiting the Orphanage in Pattaya. You can read all about their trip on this blog...

Saturday 2nd June

2007-06-05T18:06:00.000+01:00

After breakfast the bus picked us up to take us to the beach to catch the speed boat accross to "Coral Island". The first speedboat they brought was too small so they contacted someone else to bring the larger boat (which we had ordered in the first place) and we all clambered aboard, and set off at high speed to the island. We had ordered deckchairs so had a shady place to sit. The pupils all had a great time in the sea but the time was out so it was rather shallow. It gave us a relaxing time ready for a flight home. We returned at 4 p.m. and had time for a shower before church at 6 p.m., then supper at 7 p.m. and the coach to the airport came at 8 p.m.

The flights home were good, we started to get used to being fed 2 breakfasts and other meals at strange times of the day and night, also we had plenty of waiting around in Bangkok and Dubai, but arrived in Birmingham only 30 minutes late at 12.30. We were probably a stange sight, some in coolie hats and a stange assortment of exotic clothes! The families were all waiting for us and were thrilled to see everyone looking bronzed and well, if a little tired.

Friday 1st June

2007-06-01T07:24:00.000+01:00

The pupils were given a free choice of activities this morning, 12 went to the School for the Disabled to teach English and 3 went to the Orphanage to help with computers for the kindergarten. This afternoon we will all be going to the Orphanage with the babies and toddlers and then going on to the Drop-in Center to play volleyball with the Street Kids. After supper we will be packing as tomorrow we have a day off and are going to what is known in English as Coral Island. I'm sure everyone will be green with envy when they read this!

The afternoon turned out to be the saddest occasion of the whole time in Pattaya - we had to say goodbye to the babies and toddlers. All the pupils and staff became very attached to the babies and hated the thought of leaving them behind, so there were some tears shed. There was a very subdued atmosphere on the bus as we went to the Drop-in Centre.

When we arrived there the volley ball net was up ready for a game, and soon everyone was divided into teams and the games started. The Kids were so pleased to see us again - they have very few visitors and we were the first to ever go there and play with them, it was great to be greeted as old friends. After several close games we gathered our things to walk back to the Center. The children there have only recently come from the streets and have had the most appalling experiences - what we gave those kids cannot be measured but it made them feel that some people really care about them enough to visit them, play with them, and get to know them properly.

After supper we all started to pack ready for our departure on Saturday evening.

Thursday 31st May

2007-05-31T07:09:00.000+01:00

Today is a big Buddhist feast, so everyone is on holiday. We spent the morning with the babies, toddlers and kindergarten kids, just playing with them and giving them lots of love and attention.

The bus picked us up from the Center at 1.40 p.m. and when we arrived at the Orphanage the children were lined up waiting for us. The clambered onto the bus and a very excited group of children set off for Pattaya Park. When we got to the ticket office they all waited very patiently for their tickets and bowed and thanked as they were handed their ticket. Once inside we found seats under an umbrella and all our pupils plus their assigned child went into the water or straight up the steps to go down the slides. They did not stop for an instant, but came out immediately when told to come and get a drink. I think they were expecting water, so were thrilled when they had the choice of Pepsi or 7up. It was worth the strange looks in the shop and dragging 38 cans back to them just to see their happy faces (our pupils were pleased too!) As soon as the drink was finished it was straight back into the water for most of them and up and down the slides again, although a few of them went into the swimming pool proper for a short time to teach some of the little ones how to swim. Some of the children were only 5 or 6 so had not had much opportunity to learn to swim.

After a shower and supper (sauted potatoes instead of rice - we were all beside ourselves with excitement!), we got taxis to Royal Garden shopping mall for the pupils to do their last minute shopping spree. They were much more comfortable this time as they knew the lay out and the shops and also they went round in a large group and took confidence from that.

Wednesday 30th May

2007-05-31T07:08:00.001+01:00

After a busy morning at the Orphanage with the babies and toddlers, we went back to the Centre for lunch. We had our afternoon activities cancelled by the Head of the School for the Blind - she wanted to do something special with the whole school, so decided to have some free time as we had to activities planned for the late afternoon and evening.

After lunch we went to Luk Dod to do some more souvenir shopping, then went back for a quiet hour and a half to catch up with some rest and relaxation. We all got ready to go to the Drop-in Centre to play football with the kids there. Crossing the main road we the most hair raising experience, although there is a pedestrian crossing, the motor bikes still come piling through! We boys from the drop in were waiting for us, and were very excited to be having visitors. They got organised into 2 teams and a frantic game took place. Our boys took of their flip flops to play, and ended up visiting the nurse to get their sore feet dealt with. When they pulled out the girls took their places - watching the boys have such fun meant they were thrilled to take part. The boys didn't want us to leave and when we had gone they were asking when we could come back, so we hope to see them again before we leave - this time playing something which means we can keep our footwear on.

After supper most of the pupils went up to the Vocational school for the Disabled to join in English Club and hang out with the students up there. They had a wonderful time and the students really appreciated them staying and talking to them, and also playing basketball with them!

Tuesday 29th May

2007-05-31T07:06:00.000+01:00

We again went in our two separate groups, one to the Vocational School and one to the kindergarten at the Orphanage. At the orphanage one group played English games with two different groups, while the others went in with two groups for computer work.

In the afternoon, the pupils were all quite apprehensive about the visit to the School for the Blind - for most it was there first encounter with a blind child and they were not sure how they were going to communicate with them. We all piled out of the bus and the children were sitting in two lines waiting patiently for us to arrive. As soon as they were told to get up they walked over with their hands out and grabbed at any hand they could find and held tight. When all the pupils had a child holding their hand, we set off down the road to the beach. This can be the most difficult part of the trip as the children have to be guided past potential hazards and some are scared of the traffic on the road and stop or start clinging to their guide. That part negotiated, we then have the path with drains across and the steps down to the beach. When we were all safely onto the sands the children removed their flip flops and were walked down to the sea. Our group were the youngest children from the school and some of them were quite daring, whilst others seemed a bit scared, but in the end all of them were paddling in the water. Our pupils loved it - they were amazed at how well the children related to them and were so thrilled to have had that experience.

After supper we went by taxi on to the beach road to a shopping precinct. Not only are there many interesting stores but there are also stalls selling a huge variery of items. Everyone found something desirable. We got 2 taxis home at around 9 p.m. and went back to the Center.

Monday 28th May

2007-05-29T07:52:00.000+01:00

We were up bright and early for the start of the working week. We were at the Vocational School for the Disabled at 7.45, and most of the students and staff were already lining up for Assembly to begin. We were asked to line up with the staff, and then the raising of the flag ceremony took place. There were some speeches, which of course we did not understand at all, and then we all went to the front and I explained when we were going to be working with them, and there was great applause for the pupils.

The first groups of pupils, with Mrs Amphlett and Mr James went into one of the classes to teach English. To begin with the students were quite reluctant to speak, but after one-to-one tuition, some roll play situations and a great deal of encouragement, all the students gave a short speech in English with beautiful clear accents. Our pupils were very thrilled at what had been achieved.
The other half of the pupils with Miss Walsh and myself, went to the Orphanage to teaching English and computers. We split into two groups, the girls with Miss Walsh teaching English to 5/6 year olds, and then going into the toddler room for the rest of the morning. The boys started with the youngest children from the kindergarten, some of whom were only just 3 years old. It was really hard to get them to sit still let alone work on the computers! After about 40 minutes they watched a video of themselves that had been to music, and they all joined in the singing. We then had the older group who had previously been with the girls, and had great fun helping them with an alphabet game which was all in Thai!

In the afternoon all the pupils were in the baby and toddler room. This is a real favourite and I think the kids will feel really deprived when they have a day without going into the baby room. The toddlers are getting to know everyone, and look for their favourites every time. They love having the boys to play with them, some of them need a bit of "rough and tumble". One of the boys could not walk down to the Orphanage because he had a bad blister on his heel, so I managed to borrow a wheelchair for him and wheel him down for the end of the afternoon.

After work we walked down to Luk Dod which is a craft warehouse. We can get items at a discount price, so everyone had a great time buying gifts for everyone at home. We walked back to the Center fully laden and managed to shower before a late supper. After supper we had a huge electric storm which left the lobby flooded. Luckily we had planned an evening in so we did not get caught up in the storm.

Sunday 27th May

2007-05-28T10:42:00.000+01:00

We started the day in the Orphanage with the babies and toddlers. It was great to see all the toddlers rushing to be with the same pupils. Everyone was wonderful with them, playing games and keeping them stimulated and entertained.

After lunch there was slight change to our progamme, one group went to the Street Kids, as planned and had a fantastic time. They taught the kids to do the Hokey Kokey, which went down a storm, ring-a-ring a roses, which was far too tame for them, Duck, duck, goose, which they loved, and British Bulldog. Salas are the main living area in the Thai building, which is open at two sides, and it was not long before the Thai children saw running outside and back in again as a good way of winning the game! The girls came back absolutely exhausted but had had the time of their lives.

The second group went on a real adventure – an outing with children from the Drop-in Center! We went to Pattaya Park which had a fantastic swimming pool in a huge figure of 8, with 5 or 6 water slides. It was quite difficult for the 2 groups to mix, but the boys showed willing and everyone had a really good time.

After Mass on Saturday night, a gentleman approached Fr Larry and said that he would like us all to use his beach house one evening. Father introduced him to me, and we found that Sunday was the only possible day, so father arranged for the bus to take us there. We all met back at the Center, and then went by to the far south of the city to Tom’s beach house. It was fabulous and had a private beach with palm trees for shade and benches and tables. The sea is very warm, but unfortunately the tide was out so it was very shallow. Tom and his wife had put out an ice bucket with cold drinks for everyone, and a big bad full of large packs of crisps. We were overwhelmed by their kindness to complete strangers. We had to leave slightly earlier than planned as a tropical storm seemed to be coming our way, the wind was whipping up the sand and we felt a few drops of rain.

After supper we went to the local shopping centre, the adults managing to sit in the coffee shop for a few precious minutes having a hot drink. We all felt pretty tired when we got back and ready for our beds.

Our First Full Day

2007-05-27T20:33:00.000+01:00

Having been shown round the Orphanage Site by the volunteers the group divided into 2 and half went into the baby room and half into the toddlers, and then swapped over half way through the morning. Everyone did a marvelous job of giving the little one some one to one attention and loads of love. It is so exciting for the toddlers to have new people to play with, they have such a great sense of fun. We were all rather reluctant to leave, but all the babies and toddlers were going for their lunch time sleep, so we crept away.

In the afternoon the we went by bus to the Street Kids' Home and started with Carrie showing us round. She told us of some of the backgrounds of the children and how they got there, which is quite heartbreaking. As soon as the children caught sight of us, they came running over wanting us to play.

After our visit we walked to the Elephant Village and went for an elephant trek in the jungle, two people to each elephant. We bought some bananas to feed the elephants and keep them happy, some were quite ssneaky and took bananas from people on other elephant's backs! One younger elephant thought it was a race and took Mr James on a fairly hair raising trip, starting last and ending up third or forth! The trip was a great success. Afterwards we went straight back to Mass at St Nicklaus Church, and then back for supper.

We had a night in after all the excitement of the day, and caught up with much needed sleep. We have a very full day tomorrow.

We Have Arrived!

2007-05-26T09:09:00.000+01:00

After setting off from Worcester at around 10.20 a.m. on Thursday, loaded into 2 minibuses, we arrived safely in Pattaya at around 4 p.m. on Friday.

The journey was good although we were slightly delayed at Birmingham, and then spent around half an hour circling Dubai before being able to land. We had enough time to all go to the loo at the airport before getting on the next plane. Although we had a full meal on the plane some of the boys also tried out the McDonald's to check if it was the same as in England! The second leg of the flight was not quite as comfortable, and there was no in flight entertainment.

When we got through arrivals Mary Amphlett's son and his friend were waiting for us. They are travelling at the moment and managed to be in Thailand for our arrival. They are spending 2 days with us, working at the Orphanage and the Street Kids' Home. The coach was waiting for us at Bangkok Airport, and it was very luxurious, and we had not gone very far before the pupils were all asleep.

Everyone was very impressed with the accommodation and we all got unpacked and showered ready for supper. We did have one problem - two of the girls thought they could see a dead body in the garden below their balcony! I went to investigate and found that it was a broken statue which had been put with some other garden waste! After supper we went to Carrefour walking down the back street. The boys tested the KFC and said that the coating was much spicier than in England, which got a definate thumbs up.

We were all up for breakfast by 8 a.m., quite something for a Saturday morning. We walked up to the Orphanage and were given a tour of the site. The pupils then broke into 2 groups, one with the babies and one with the mini-toddlers, and then were going to swap over.

More news tomorrow!

Preparing for our visit to Pattaya

2007-05-18T15:26:00.000+01:00

The year 10 pupils at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, Worcester have been preparing for their trip to Thailand at the end of this month. During the year they have been fundraising for the Trust. There has been a non-uniform day for the whole school, a fashion show for the Year 11's showing formal wear for boys and girls for the summer prom, the dresses and suits being lent by local firms. Profits from the sale of refreshments as well as the tickets went into the fund. One boy held an auction which raised a lot of money.

We are all looking forward to Thursday when we leave for Birmingham Airport straight after Assembly. We have a very busy timetable in Thailand and are very much looking forward to our work over there.

Easter Newsletter

2007-04-06T08:42:00.000+01:00

The Easter Newsletter is now online!
www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk/easter07_issuepage1.cfm

Volunteer speakers needed!

2007-03-30T11:34:00.000+01:00

Volunteer speakers help us to let more people know about our work. You will be provided with information and promotional materials, and have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that the funds you raise, directly or indirectly, through your presentations, help us support even more children in Thailand.

Click on the link to find out more, or to request a speaker:
www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk/howtohelp/speakers.cfm

Welcome

2007-03-30T10:52:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the Pattaya Orphanage Trust blog.
You'll be able to find out more about our work and our news, link to new films and photos of our projects, and learn about different ways you can help.

For more information on our work and the children we help, please go to www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk

My first trip to a school lunch farm, Jae Lee School, Koh Lanta

2007-03-30T10:08:00.000+01:00

My first trip to a school lunch farm, Jae Lee School, Koh Lanta
Fundraiser, Pattaya Orphanage Trust

Koh Lanta is two beautiful islands off the west coast of Southern Thailand, which are surrounded by limestone cliffs and crystal blue sea. It is hard to believe that just over two years ago a tsunami devastated these shores. This was my first visit to the affected areas, although I have written a lot about them. I am not sure what I expected, but I was struck by how peaceful and calm everywhere seemed.

One of the reasons for my trip to Koh Lanta was to visit Jae Lee School. Most of the children here are from poor families, and the tsunami made their situation much worse. Schoolchildren for Children, with the Pattaya Orphanage Trust, is helping the school to develop a lunch farm, so that the children can have at least one nutritious meal a day, as well as help to keep them at school.

When we arrived at the school the first thing I saw were little green leaves under white tents. These were the hydroponic tanks which are used to grow vegetables in water instead of soil so that they can grow them without using too much land. They are growing Bok Choi, Morning Glory, which is a vegetable that is used a lot in Thai cooking, and Chinese cabbage.

They also have a mushroom house, which is a small, dark hut. Inside there are 500 bags on racks. These bags now produce about 30 kilograms of mushrooms a week. The cooks at the school, who are some of the children’s mothers, use about 20 kilograms a week for lunches. They make vegetable stir-fries and soups, such as Tom Yam Soup. The rest of the mushrooms are sold to the parents and villagers, other schools in the area, and at market.

The farm needs a lot of looking after and the children like to get involved. We spoke to a girl called Ay who was 12 years old. She helps to take care of the mushrooms, and she said that she had to water them twice a week so that the bags stay wet. If they dry out the mushrooms don’t grow. She has brother and sisters at the school but they are too young to look after the mushrooms. Her parents are very glad that the school have a lunch farm because it means that their children can have a good lunch at school.

Find out more about school lunch farms on www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk/tsunami