Another project which focuses on children of poor families, especially those whose families work in construction and other poorly paid trades, is the Day Care Centre which welcomes more than a hundred toddlers and pre-school children every day. Each family is carefully vetted to ensure that it is genuinely eligible for the free provision given by the Drop In. Each child is given two uniforms, a smart backpack, three meals a day, lots of fun, sleep and some training in reading, writing - even in computing (see above!).
One year ago a child from the Day Care returned to his home on the canal, and for whatever reason fell in. He could not swim, and was drowned. The Day Care immediately began swimming lessons for all the children to help protect them from similar accidents. Watching one of the first swimming classes a year ago, we saw children terrified of the water, screaming and shaking with fright. They had to be coaxed in. Getting wet all over in funny coloured water was evidently not part of their life experience. What a change this year, as a whole class threw itself enthusiastically into the water at the blow of a whistle - some before the whistle blew - and splashed busily across. The only shivering this year was children chilled to the bone by spending too long in water at an arctic 20 Centigrade. Its all about what you are used to....
On to the school for children with special needs, a heavily over-subscribed service for children facing a variety of challenges including autism and Downs. In two small rooms a dedicated and expert staff give training, teaching, physiotherapy and other support to children who attend in shifts so that the limited resources can be shared between them, and so that each one can enjoy a period of individual attention from the staff. For all that it is crowded and under-equipped, there is an air of happiness about this school. It is obviously massively appreciated by its pupils and most of all by their parents, for whom it is a ray of real hope. There are plans for the school to move across the road into a more suitable building on the site presently occupied by the Carpentry Workshop, but these appear to be on hold pending a revival in fundraising fortunes. Expect an appeal in due course this school is doing good work and deserves our support.
Some of the happiest people in Pattaya are the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, whose mission is to disdvantaged women. Their approach is simple and sincere, and the smiles are genuine. But their confidence is based on sound and sophisticated training, years of experience and profound, practical faith. Pattaya is not short of disadvantaged women, not only those who are sex workers or in low paid and high risk jobs like hotel kitchens, but those working on building sites, and those in dysfunctional relationships with foreigners. It is hard for women in such heavily subordinate roles to feel self-respect or confidence. The Sisters have a lot of work to do. They offer vocational training in a number of skills - sewing, cooking, Thai massage - and in a number of more academic subjects like computer studies and, especially, languages. Every day some 600 training sessions are delivered in their 'Fountain of Life' building: their project is the most fantastic value for money. The purpose of their work is to equip women with the confidence and the ability to make their own choices.
'I was talking to a class', said Sr Veronica (in grey above), 'when this lady suddenly shouted out 'I want to leave him'. There was complete silence. Eventually I asked 'Why do you stay'. A discussion started. It turned out that the girl's mother needed an operation, and she needed the money the foreigner gave her to pay for her mother's care.'
There are real dilemmas faced by women, especially youngest daughters, under heavy traditional pressure to provide for their parents in poverty or old age. In a safe space the ladies have the opportunity to share and discuss without pressure from an abusive partner or employer, and gain the confidence to take their own decisions. Every day there is a queue of ladies on the doorstep anxious to sign up and join the ladies inside, the word-of-mouth advertising is amazingly positive.
Many of the ladies are mothers. By helping them, we help their children to a better and more stable life.
Next blog may not appear until Friday or Saturday since we will be busy tomorrow and travelling to Mae Sot Friday.
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