Description:
Visitors to Bangkok are charmed by the energy and vitality of the city and
its cultural treasures. However, behind the hustle and bustle of the city,
lies the slum region of Klong Toey. Here, Bangkok's underprivileged children
have virtually no place to run and play except for those provided by the Foundation
and other associated support organizations. Lifeworks-Thailand works with the
Duang Prateep Foundation (DPF) to provide safe and nurturing environments for
these children.
Some of the world's greatest achievements begin with the steadfast dedication
of a single person. Ms. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata is one such person. Besides
working with community leaders and establishing the Duang Prateep Foundation,
she is a senator for Thailand, an advocate of children's rights, and
the founder of many kindergartens and schools in Bangkok. In 2004, Ms. Prateep
was awarded the World's Children's Prize for the rights of the
Child.
Our projects are all about these kids. The core goal of our activities is
to enhance the children's self-esteem. We will play team-building games,
create art projects, have fun teaching our own native English, as well as learn
some Thai ourselves. These kids are fascinated with the new video and digital
photography, so we have them experiment with these arts. Teaching crafts and
first aid skills are also on the program, Although these projects mean long
hours and sore feet, the benefits are immeasurable.
We will work in two rural communities with children and teens sponsored by
the D.P.F. This affords us the opportunity to experience Thai life outside
of the city. Bilingual Thai teenagers will be living and working as part of
our team, not only to translate but also to help us appreciate the diversity
between our cultures.
There will be time set aside for visits to the famous sites such as Wat Arun
Temple, the Golden Buddha, and the Royal Palaces and boat museum with the Royal
ceremonial barges. And, toward the end, we'll be taking a long narrow
fantail boat to see the canals and markets of Bangkok by river, traveling Thai
style!
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