April 20, 1999
We care Things money can't buy There's more to charity than dipping your hand in your pocket and a group of Thai and expat volunteers from YWCA Pakkred show a little love goes a long way Karnjariya Sukrung There are some things money cannot buy-like smiles and happiness for youngsters at Baan Rachavadee Home for the Mentally Handicapped in Pakkred, Nonthaburi. For much of the time the drooling, blank-eyed children lie motionless in a stuffy room lined with iron-bar beds. That is, until volunteers from the YWCA Pakkred step into the room, then these seemingly lost souls come to life. Marasri sported a broad smile and reached out for Mae (mother) Toy, a Thai volunteer, when the group arrived. Other youngsters joined her enthusiasm and then the party began. The room was filled with merry music played by head of the team, Boonchuan Kongskrai, 84, and three volunteers carried the children from their beds so they could dance. Mrs Boonchuan, president of the YWCA Pakkred, said. "These children need more than donations of food and things. They yearn for love and attention from people who will give them time and personal contact. "We touch, hug and cuddle them to show they are loved and that is something money simply cannot do."Ian Schofield, a middle-aged businessman, danced with a crippled girl. "These youngsters need friends-someone to talk to and to spend time with and to give them care. Most importantly they need someone to show them they are not forgotten," he said. Baan Rachavadee is home and school to more than 1,000 children-so many youngsters with special needs that providing them with intensive personal attention is difficult. Despite occasional visitors and some physical therapy, the children largely remain passive due to a shortage of activities to stimulate them. The YWCA volunteers' regular visits help fill the gap. As well as a weekly musical treat, the group organises regular music and art programmes to help the children's mental development. "Music has a healing power. It makes them happy and it stimulates their minds,"said Mrs Boonchuan, who plays an electronic piano while other volunteers help the children dance or play percussion instruments. Tammy Gent, an English volunteer, helps organise activities to encourage the children to express themselves through art. "We must get them to do things to keep their minds active," said Ms Gent, 24, a graduate in education. Thanks to active therapy, mentally handicapped children in England are more alive than their Thai counterparts, said Ms Gent. "They can do so much more. I'd like to make the same things possible here."Although it is slow, there is progress. After a few visits, the children became increasingly active and happier. For the volunteers, such changes are very rewarding. "Working with these children, I realise there are useful things I can do beyond working, doing business, making money and sitting around at home," said Mr Schofield. He quit his job at a chemical company to set up his own firm so he has more time to work as a volunteer. "I have made a commitment to make a difference in their lives, and at the same time they have helped me develop a sense of caring and sharing which benefits me and my family," he said. Pakkred is a good place to undertake social work, said Mrs Boonchuan. "There are many government-run homes and many needy children here, but few come to help since it is a bit far from the city." Although it is part of the World-wide Christian Association, the YWCA Pakkred is self-sponsored. Financial constraints mean there are no full-time personnel. "We need volunteers," said Mrs Boonchuan. "And we need volunteers with lots of love and warmth for the children. People who can work as a team. As individuals we cannot achieve much."Currently, there are 15 regular volunteers including housewives, teachers, students and businesspeople. Most are expatriates who come and go, so long-term volunteers are always needed. Each volunteer contributes a few hours every week to work on programmes of their choice. Apart from activities at the Home for Mentally Handicapped, the YWCA runs a day-care centre for poor children. The centre, in a humble townhouse, can accommodate 20 children. Parents must help by contributing 1,300 baht a month to help with the expenses. A teacher and two carers work with the children and volunteers provide extra support. The children learn art and music, and English with native speaking volunteers. Most YWCA volunteers who are native English speakers help out as English teachers at three small public schools in Pakkred which cannot otherwise afford to hire foreign teachers to teach poor children. The volunteer teachers use art, games and music to make their classes fun. "It's best to start off the class with something fun like music," Aurel Blackmore, a volunteer teacher, said. "It is a way to relax students and keep them alert so they will be ready to learn and absorb the lessons. "So far, the students have shown a lot of progress. They are not shy to talk to me any more," she said. Students at those three schools are lucky. Saisom Sinhaseni, YWCA executive director, said that some other public schools asked her to send English teachers who work for free, but she had to refuse as there are not enough volunteers. The volunteers also give English lessons to boys at the Home for Street Boys-Baan Phumives-in the non-formal education programme there, and to vocational students at the Welfare and Vocational Training Centre. The volunteers cover all their own expenses and often support the programmes financially. For example, the expat volunteers whose children study at International School of Bangkok in Pakkred often ask the Parents and Teachers Association for support in cash or kind. And a Canadian volunteer has asked the Canadian Society for children's lunches. Others raise funds from their social groups. The money goes to buy teaching material, musical instruments and shelves in schools' libraries. And once a year, the YWCA takes the mentally-handicapped children on a trip. Last year, 18 children went to Bang Saen beach in Chon Buri. "We wanted them to see the world, to feel the heat of the sun and touch the salty water and soft sand," said Mr Schofield. "Many had never left their homes before."Taking 18 mentally-handicapped children on the trip needed 40 volunteers; each child had two volunteers. Some ISB students are also involved in the social work. Apart from raising cash they also dedicate their time and energy. One project involved them turning a dull concrete wall of the day-care centre into a huge colourful painting. And recently, three students "adopted" a four-year-old orphan, Juk, who lives with his poor and crippled grandmother. They are raising funds to send him to school next semester. "Schools should have social work programmes to allow children to develop compassion. These children will grow up beautifully," said Mrs Boonchuan. And she is a prime example. As a youngster at Wattana Wittayalai, Mrs Boonchuan often did social work with her teachers. This experience inspired her to join the YWCA 50 years ago, and has since been doing voluntary work. At 84, she is active, lively, and healthy. "Perhaps, it is the work that has kept me alive this long and so healthy. "Knowing my music and my contribution makes them happy fills me with joy. Perhaps that is the secret of longevity," Mrs Boonchuan said. *"We Care" is a weekly series honouring people who believe in giving. You can show you care by supporting the projects featured here each week. You can also let us know about people who selflessly help others so we can honour them in these pages. Fax "We Care" on 240-3666, or call 240-3700 ext 3208 or 3212. Alternatively email sanitsuda@bangkokpost.net Info for donations: *Name of the foundation: YWCA Pakkred *Contact person: Boonchuan Hongskrai or Saisom Sinhaseni *Address: 99/19 Chaeng Wattana Road, Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120 *Telephone: 583-0998 *Bank account name: YWCA Pakkred (donations), Siam Commercial Bank's Pakkred branch, savings bank account number: 305-2-30134-5. Note: Volunteers are much needed.		Current Issues in Thailand Bangkok Post Year-end Economic Review AutoWeb Classifieds Jobs Property Entertainment Investment Education Travel Sales Learn English Weekly Database Horizons Motoring NiteOwl Real Time Student Weekly Special We Care Street Art Back Issues Company Services Subscriptions Advertising Annual Report
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