February 15, 2000
Children's writes A free youth magazine offering interactive and educational activities, puzzles, stories and advice for students, even in far-flung places, is threatened by a lack of cash Nilubol Pornpitagpan Good children's books are not hard to find, but very often they come with a price tag out of the reach of many children, especially poor rural youngsters. Twelve years ago, Care Thailand-now known as Raks Thai Foundation-a non-governmental organisation, tried to fill the gap by producing Loong Huk Chao Panya (Uncle Witty Owl), a tri-annual picture magazine, to help promote reading among primary students. "Primary school students didn't really have access to magazines to encourage and educate them," said Promboon Panitchpakdi, country representative of Care Thailand. "There was nothing on health and environmental issues with content and in language suitable to their age. So we thought of producing something that was free to them and could be used as additional reading." Mr Promboon added: "In addition, schools in very remote areas can't afford to buy outside reading books for students. The students are also too poor to buy them." Care International was established during World War Two to help war refugees and continues the task today in some 74 countries. Care Thailand was set up in 1979 during the Indo-China conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border. Initially it worked with refugees and later expanded its work into education and skills development as well as health and environmental issues. The editorial team consulted with the Ministry of Education on the content suitable for the magazine and was advised to produce supplementary kits along the lines of prathom 5 and 6 curriculum with the aim of generating students' awareness of health and the environment. The concept behind the magazine was to give youngsters something interesting to read, and to inspire them to act on such issues. The magazine was also designed as a forum for its young audience. Four characters were introduced to the children so they could write to talk or express comments. The Four Pals Club is led by Uncle Witty Owl and three younger writers, Chang Noi (Little Elephant), Nu Bua (Lotus), and Sompong. In addition to the regular staff, experts from related fields helped provide articles. Care Thailand took care of seeking financial support for the publication. "Some sponsors support us on a yearly basis. Some on a random or one-off basis," said Saengchan Methatrakul, programme assistant and editor of Uncle Witty Owl magazine. With the very limit budget, the first Uncle Witty Owl was distributed only to schools in the northeast. However, a few years later, the volume had a circulation of 150,000 to cover the whole country. The Office of the National Primary Education Commission helped with the distribution of the magazine. "We thought getting enough copies out was crucial if students were to get involved and have access to our magazine. But currently we can only provide one issue per 20 students. There are more than 30,000 primary schools throughout the country," said Mr Promboon. To make sure Uncle Witty Owl will be read, the editorial team tries to visit schools to introduce the magazine to teachers and students. "We discuss with the teachers how to make use of the magazine or how to encourage students to read it. Teachers are our great allies," said Ms Saengchan. "Sometimes the teachers and students start projects of their own. Students will paint with a special theme and the teacher collects their work and sends it to us." In another column, featuring question and answers, Uncle Huk talks about various health topics. If any youngsters have health questions they can ask his advice. Sometimes the Four Pals Club writes about recycling or how to maintain a green environment. They also urge the students to suggest ideas about how to recycle used materials. The young readers always answer the call with enthusiasm. On another occasion the Four Pals asked readers to show them how to stay away from drugs. The young readers replied with a series of anti-drug paintings and slogans. With his picture, young Somporn Wongkhumwong from the Border Patrol Police School at Ban Wang Tha Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan wrote: "I love my life. I think of my future so I won't try drugs if my friends try to persuade me. When I am in trouble or if I have a problem, I'll consult my teacher. Children my age should exercise regularly so we have a perfect shape and strong muscles. I exercise until I am soaked with sweat. And I have good health. I don't fall sick easily and I won't try drugs. I want to grow up as a citizen with quality for the country." The magazine also promotes story-telling, and writers often send in their stories, along with colourful paintings, for publication. Various topics are raised in each issue and there is a series of educational games and puzzles. Initially the cover was painted by professionals. But after a few years, children started sending their works in. The editor then decided to choose from among them for covers. "The paintings don't have to win a contest. We just want youngsters to use their creative mind. This is an outlet for the students to showcase their work," said Mr Promboon. "We're talking a lot about education reform. How to make students express themselves more. Uncle Witty Owl is one of the outlets," he said. "We can publish or buy books from the library, but that's not the same. The magazine serves as a medium for youngsters to express themselves." With only two or three publications per year and only 16 pages, lots of good stories have to be held. And many letters have to be answered personally. Some 2,000 young readers write regularly to the magazine. Ms Saengchan has to enlist volunteers to help answer the letters. One takes care of several students so she or he can keep up with their development. "I find my job brings me much happiness. Getting to know my young readers, I'm happy to witness their development and learn about what they do." A hilltribe boy in Tak once wrote and talked about his drug problem. He was a stranger to other students and was treated as an outsider. Uncle Owl encouraged him to join an activity which allowed him to focus his attention beyond himself and his problem. Over time the youngster changed. He wrote to talk about the environment and his other surroundings and sent his paintings to Uncle Huk. One question young readers often ask is: Who is Uncle Owl? "They want to know who he is. They often portray him in pictures as a professor-type-an owl in an academic gown complete with cap and glasses, which is quite cute," said Ms Saengchan. But funding is running dry and Care Thailand has to cut short supplies of this much-loved magazine. "Financial support is tight these days and we're worried we can't maintain the volume of our publication. We want to keep giving it to those who write regularly for free subscriptions. But we may have to cut it in schools or send it to schools in only one or two regions. We have to try to keep the volume up, otherwise it could affect our readership," said the Care Thailand boss. "The Ministry of Education had planned to give us a regular budget of 900,000 baht over five years to support the publication, but that plan fell apart with the economic blues," he said. "We've sent brochures explaining the project and the shortage of funding to various companies and organisations. We hope we can get some support so we don't have to terminate the project," said Mr Promboon. Info for donations: Name of organisation: Raks Thai Foundation Contact person: Saengchan Methatrakul Address:185-187 Phahon Yothin Soi 11,Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 275-1505-6 Fax: 271-4467 Internet: carethai@ksc.th.com Savings Account: Siam Commercial Bank, Soi Ari Samphan Branch 056-2-21065-4, or Asia Bank, Victory Monument Branch 036-2-09293-4 Or send a cheque to the Post Publishing Public Company Limited to Kusuma Mintakhin, Editorial Manager, 136 Na Ranong Road, off Sunthorn Kosa, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Or phone her on 240-3700, ext 3224-5. Be sure to include your name and address with your cheque so we can send you a receipt.		Daily Main Entrance Page Local News Business Outlook Weekly IT news Horizons Travel NiteOwl (Trink) Real.Time Motoring Student Weekly Entertainment & Lifestyle What's on Dining out Recipe of the week Movies Music Book Review Beauty Fitness Nutrition NEW! 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