Vocational Training

How many schools for people with disabilities actually have their own radio station? Not too many, I guess, but the Vocational Training School in Pattaya has just that, see photo, broadcasting over an area 5 km radius around the school.

The station is one of the activities happening in the Wattanathon Building, to whose construction Pattaya Orphanage Trust made a substantial contribution. This was my first chance to see the building operating fully: last time I was here was for the opening by HRH Princess Maha Chakrabati Sirindhorn. The Princess gave the name 'Wattanathon' meaning 'progress with compassion' - a very charming and appropriate description not only of the building but of the school.

I think our supporters would be very happy with the results of their generosity. The building houses an excellent language lab which is in constant use. The additional classroom space has enabled two new courses to start. One is 'mold and die' a computer-assisted design course, and a basic education course for people whose disability prevented their ever attending school.

Plans for next year include satellite courses in different parts of Thailand - challenging, but well within the capacity of the energetic and capable team who make this fabulous project hum with purpose.