Baan Jing Jai (a home with a true heart)

This home was established in 1992.  The purpose of the home is to provide basic needs of the children, ensure that all these children receive good education, both in and outside of the school, development and support of the children’s self-confidence and self esteem, and development and support of the children’s talents and special skills.

It consists of two houses: one for the girls and the other, naturally, for the boys.  Attached to the boy’s home is a duplex type home – 1st floor used for music, computer, and any other activity that keeps the children busy – 2nd floor is the residence and office of Khun Piangta Chumoni, the administrator.  It is located at 82/1 Moo 6, Nongprue – Banglamung, Chonburi.

At the present time, there are 64 children (ages 11 months to 19 years) consisting of 34 girls and 30 boys whose parents are either physically, mentally, financially, marginalised or deceased – which makes them unable to care for their child.  The children receive counseling, encouragement, love and care from the house parents.  At the present time, there are seven staff members and three full time volunteers.  The children are instructed to learn to help with the cooking and household duties.  Their special activities include crafts, music, and swimming.

There are six sets of siblings: sisters – 1, sister and brother – 2, mother and son – 1, and brothers – 2.  None are adoptable due to relatives still living.  There are three children who have no relatives at all.

Regular support is given to the home by the Pattaya Sports Club which pays the monthly rent.  The Jesters contribute 30,000 baht monthly for vegetables and fruit.  Three years ago the PILC and Jesters did a great deal of restoration to the two homes, besides fully cleaning them.  We also had both homes painted inside and outside, bathrooms repaired, a new bathroom built outside, a kitchen built outside, roof repairs, and the driveway leveled.  When we first started with them, the playground consisted of just dirt.  One of our PILC members raised money in Italy, which has helped to fill the lot with playground equipment.

Schooling: There are ten children who are sponsored fully.  The rest the government helps with one uniform, and the home pays for the books, activities, and lunch money.  Fortunately, there is a van that picks up some of the children, and the home takes the rest of them to school.

For the past three years the PILC has paid for the dental checkups and the work needed for the children over five years of age.  At the present time, due to the older children who have left, new ones have taken their place – there are 13 children that still need to be checked.  There is an eye clinic offered to the children, but unfortunately, this program has slowed down for them due to volunteers needed for transportation.

The children have performed many times at our Christmas luncheon.  Music is very important to all of them.  During March and April, some of them are able to go to music camp in Surin.  Baan Jing Jai’s combo has taken first place for four years straight and, in 2009 their two combos competed, taking first and third places.  This year there were no contests.  There is one young boy who has a dream of going to music school.  When he hears music he can play it, without ever seeing the sheet music.

The children have done many money making projects: making jewelry and candles, collecting paper, plastic, and bottles and their latest venture is making muesli, which is a fabulous breakfast cereal and ice cream topper.

The home and children welcome visitors.  So far, this year, people from Canada, Korea, and Chiang Mai have come bringing food and doing outside activities with the children.  But that does not mean you need to bring anything with you to visit the home.  There is a continual need for financial support to maintain their day to day living in the home: health, food, clothing and education.

If you need any more additional information, I will try to give you an answer, or find out about it for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Respectfully, Nancy Bradburn