On Friday, 29th January, I went to my rendevous point at Kate’s Project, which is situated off Siam Country Club Road.  In one of the accompanying photos you can see me presenting to Khun Apple from Ban Rak Puan (the ladies AIDS home).  Their cooker badly needed to be replaced, and they asked me if we could replace this for them.  The money for this cooker was kindly authorised by Gillian Thom, our president, of which they where really truly thankful.  They also received their monthly shop, which I also do for them, and which includes mostly household cleaning items and some other things like soap, shampoo and mouthwash.

On a sadder note, the other photo shows Khun Somjit, who is a recipient of our monthly food bags, being very tenderly looked after by Roisin from Kate’s Project.  She has very little time left to live, and although she has a son and a sister, they both work long hours and cannot attend to her as needed.

Fortunately, Roisin is over on a visit and has been seeing to Khun Somjit, and between her and Khun Noi, also from Kate’s, they have been making her as comfortable as they can in her final days.  The PILC has helped also by giving her a mattress, and some of the other items where kindly donated by the Regent’s School Pattaya.  I had the pleasure of meeting this lady during the food drops and she was always very welcoming and glad to see us, and was never complaining even though she had only one leg and lived in a small shack off the new road.  So I was very saddened to hear this news.

If ever you have anything you can donate, should it only be your time, or perhaps need to ask about any of the welfare projects, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the welfare team.

Thanks, Alana Clarke

The new welfare committee held it’s first meeting on Wednesday the 3rd February, headed by new chairperson Judy Hoppe.

We’ve opted for a new approach to welfare this year with a more structured and formal system and many people taking responsibility for smaller welfare projects and functions.

The first meeting was very productive with members making recommendations to the PILC Committee of projects to be supported which include the following:

• Fountain of Life Childrens Centre – Monetary funding and volunteers to teach English, make cards, and teach knitting
• Mercy Centre with student scholarships
• Bahn Jing Jai orphanage with funding for medical and dental program and volunteers to take children to appointments
• Kate’s Project with funding for food drops, including food drops for CPDC and AIDS Home, and school uniforms.
• Goh Pai Kinder with funding for 2 teachers
• Dek Dee Kinder with funding for one teacher
• AIDS Home with funding for bedding and groceries
• Wat Noi School with funding for scholarships
• Bahn Pan Sadet Naai School with funding for food for students
• Garrunyawhet disabled ladies home with funding and volunteers to visit and put make up on the ladies
• I See U
• Chonburi Handicapped Project

Some other miscellaneous items were also approved within the annual budget.

There also may be some new projects for which we will seek budgetary approval from the PILC Committee as required.

We will, on a monthly basis, write in more detail about each of these projects in turn, including details of what the project is and how we can help as volunteers.  We will also continue to keep members up to date with welfare projects through our Coffee Mornings and Lunches.

Should you wish to be involved with any of our welfare projects, please contact the Welfare chair, Judy Hoppe.

When the suggestion was made to us that an article be written regarding Ingrid and Kathleen’s tireless dedication to all of the Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) welfare projects during their time in Pattaya 2004-2009, we thought O.M.G.!!!  Where do we start?????

So here we go ladies, this is it:  (drum roll) our humble offering.

Ingrid and Kathleen go together like the traditional ‘aussie barbi and ice bold beer’.  They compliment each other so well, when one forgets the other remembers!  When one can’t do, the other can!  That’s why they have made such a great team as Chair and Co-Chair of PILC’s welfare team respectively.  They’ve always been there with smiling faces, open hearts, and a huge eagerness to give, help and understand the neediness of so many others much less fortunate than ourselves.

Whether it’s teaching English, administering to the needs of children of many ages, feeding families in local schools and slum areas, taking children for eye testing and dental visits, dressing wounds, organising fund raisers such as quiz and trivia nights, monster garage sales, being a member of Jester’s Care for Kids committee and bringing lots of happiness and laughter to many disabled ladies each month.  Phew!!!  Not only can they get dressed up to the nines for our lovely ladies Gala Balls, they have also been known to arrive at the Fountain of Life children’s centre dressed as tooth fairies looking pretty in pink whilst handing out Easter treats.

Here follows only the tip of the iceberg of some of the projects handled by the Welfare Team with Ingrid and Kathleen’s guidance:

Garonyawet Disabled Ladies Home
AIDS Home (Mabprachan Lake area)
Fountain of Life Ladies and Children Centres
Kate’s Project
Street Kids Protection Centre
Baan Jing Jai Orphanage
Our Home (craftwork run by Khun Tiew)
Monthly distribution of food parcels, kindly assisted by Khun Noi from Kate’s Project.

This year alone, they have been responsible for allocating a total of around 1,450,000 baht for the projects listed above and many more.  We are sure you will agree ladies, so much money could not have been handled and distributed to as many projects on behalf of the PILC over the years without such an enormous effort, which always appeared effortless from Ingrid and Kathleen.

Ingrid and Kathleen, we all wish you a safe and uneventful journey home to Australia.  We hope you realise how much of a hole your departure will be leaving in all of our hearts and of the many people around Pattaya and even further afield that you have touched with your love and kindness.

Article submitted by Fiona Brown and Alana Clarke

This month’s food drop took place on the 6th of November and although I have accompanied the Rayong Ladies team doing the same in the Ban Chang area on several occasions, this was my first time with the PILC welfare team.

I suspected it was going to be yet another eye-opening experience – a gentle way to describe it – and it was.  Ingrid and Alana ferried us and the food parcels around in their cars, for which a note of appreciation should be made, as we covered many miles and invariably ended up driving down well rutted dirt tracks, if that, at each destination – not so bad for Ingrid in her 4 x 4 beast, but much trickier for Alana in her more city-friendly Honda!

The recipients of these food parcels include, amongst others, around 15 destitute families who come under the umbrella of Kate’s Project, a large number of young teenagers from the Child Protection Development Centre, and around eight patients at the AIDS home by Lake Mabprachan.

Of course, each of the above mentioned projects are very deserving of our admiration in their efforts to assist the suffering and afflicted in the Pattaya area and, as we all know, there is absolutely no shortage to choose from.  But I have found on my previous Ban Chang visits, there is usually one particular person who stays in my mind for whatever reason, maybe through unbelievable suffering or perhaps through a show of great fortitude.

Yesterday it was the latter reason – a lady in charge of her four grandchildren, living in what can only be described as a shack, but still trying to earn her living by burning wood to sell as charcoal.  To make the story worse, the family had recently been evicted from their former shack, just 300 yards away, and so were now in the process of starting again in this present construction and needing to make it waterproof in the first instance.  Ingrid will be contacting Jesters to ask for their assistance, and I hope also PILC if they have any available funds.

We met one of the four children who was staying off school in order to help his grandparents – this happens often unfortunately, but I don’t know how it can be avoided in the circumstances.

The food parcels were duly handed over to this family and accepted with obvious gratitude, and then to our surprise, in return we were presented with several armfuls of coconuts just cut down from a palm tree by the grandfather as we stood and watched!  A humbling experience, to say the least!

Before I sign off, I would like to give a mention to Ingrid and all the wonderful work she has done in the welfare field during the last five years.  I think we are all going to miss her more than we know, and I take this opportunity to wish her and her family a prosperous and happy future – and hope her ’signs’ keep showing her the way!

Sue Wright, Dek Dee Early Learning Centre, Ban Chang

         Having made previous arrangements with Pattaya Bowl on 2nd Road for Saturday, November 7th, 25 children from Baan Jing Jai arrived at 2 pm to try their skill for the first time bowling.  I had requested for children over the age of 10 years of age.  Some in that age range were unable to participate due to music lessons, their studies, and/or part time jobs.

With the help of Hilary Dixon, Celia Pickin and Ray Aldridge, the afternoon was a great success.  We all tried to relate to the children how to throw/roll the ball (we ourselves are still learning!).  They actually paid attention to our suggestions!  One 15-year-old boy scored 163 on his first game!

The children wore the outfits given to them from Pattaya Sports Club to wear to the Jester’s Kids Charity Drive in 2008.  All looked very spiffy.  As per usual, two girls had refused to wear socks with their flip-flops, but Celia came to the rescue with a sack of socks she had recently purchased.  The girls were very grateful.  (Celia has presented the rest of the socks to me, to be distributed to the children at BJJ.)

The afternoon was filled with giggles and laughter.  It definitely was a delight for us to see the happiness in their faces.  Treats were given to each as they were leaving – bought by Celia.  I want to say “thanks” to Hilary for explaining about this group to the other bowlers there, who later seemed interested in giving a future donation to BJJ.

Nancy C. Bradburn

On 28th October, seven of us set out to visit several of the organisations which PILC supports.  The first stop was the Fountain of Life where we were greeted by Sister Joan, Khun Wannee and Sister Prichapai.  These three inspirational women spent over an hour explaining the work they do for the children and their families, and the often difficult circumstances in which they do this work.  Thanks to their tireless efforts, many of the unregistered children have become registered and are able to attend the government schools.

From there we went to the Fountain of Life Womens’ Centre where we watched a powerpoint presentation and listened to Sister Supaporn explaining the work being carried out at the centre.  The retraining of the women with classes such as hairdressing, sewing, computer skills, English language, massage, cooking and sewing give them other employment opportunities as well as helping their self-esteem, confidence and quality of life.  Seminars with guest presenters are held each month and these also help in educating the women.

Our last stop was to Khun Jar’s Child Protection Independent Living Centre which at this time houses forty-five children.  Unfortunately, Khun Jar wasn’t there, but we were given a warm welcome by the children and his assistants who later proudly showed us through two of the three houses which have been completed.  This is a wonderful project in a safe environment which enables these children to be educated and learn skills to become self sufficient.

Trudy Nyssen

      On Friday, October 9, Sue Wright achieved her dream when Dek Dee Nursery was officially opened.  Dek Dee is an early learning centre for 3 to 5 year old children from the Ban Chang area.  The school was set up on a charitable basis, and with the help of donations from PILC and Jesters, was opened in April this year, and the 45 places were quickly filled.  So far Sue has received sponsorship for six of those children.  The facility gives the children the opportunity to learn and play in a safe environment while their parents are at work.

The day started when nine monks performed a traditional blessing which many of the children and their parents attended, along with members from PILC and the Rayong Ladies Circle.  Other guests included Mayor Somporn from Phala District, Woody from Jesters, Scott and senior IB students from St. Andrews School.

After the ceremony, the children entertained the guests with traditional dancing.  There were stars of the show and some more reluctant participants as happens with 3 and 4 year olds.

Gillian Thom gave a welcome speech and introduced the manager of Dek Dee, Khun Porn, the teacher, Khun Buhn and also the assistants and cook, all of whom contribute greatly in the day-to-day running of the school.

The mayor made a short speech and presented all the children with a small gift.  Following this he performed the ribbon cutting ceremony with Sue, and Dek Dee was officially declared open.

A wonderful lunch, which was provided by Khun Porn and the fresh fruit donated by the district nurse, was an appropriate way to end the celebrations.

Early in August Dr. Claus Rink, a visiting German professor, was on one of his many visits to Thailand.  He has developed and produced a learning CD aimed at Thai School students to improve their English language skills.  This has been done in conjunction with his University, the Rotary Club Bergheim, Germany and the local Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard.  The CD is very user friendly for the Thai student, and it is like playing a computer game so it is quite fun.

On Friday, August 7, 2009, Marianne Buesch Biel, a member of PILC who also happens to be a very active member of the Eastern Seaboard Rotary Club, along with Steven Rhyser, also from this Rotary Club, and Dr. Claus Rink visited several local Thai schools.  They were accompanied by Ajaan Supaporn Promwiriyakul and myself.  The aim of the visits was to introduce the English teachers of the schools to the CD and explain to them how it works.  This was done very competently by Mr. Steve Rhyser, with his excellent Thai speaking ability.  The schools visited were all in the District of Sriracha, they were Baan Kao Kansong School and Baan Ra-werng School, both in the area of Kao Kansong, and Baan Hup Bon School which is in Hup Bon.

On a previous trip, prior to Dr. Claus Rink’s visit, we had visited two other schools together to donate the CDs.  These were Pan Sadet Naai and Pan Sadet Nork schools, which are both situated off Highway 331 near the Bo Win Industrial Estate.  The Eastern Seaboard Rotary Club takes any opportunity available to distribute the CDs as widely as possible, and has also provided them to the Banglamung Secondary School here in Banglamung, as well as Wat Ket Noi School off Highway 36 amongst many others.

The CDE is available for sale and is useful for any Thai person wishing to improve their English language skills.  Please contact Marianne Buesch Biel for more information.

The Rotary Club also has another part of its English promotion Scheme where it runs a volunteer project in cooperation with a German High School.  This project is intended as a “long-term education project” in Rayong at a school with 700 pupils.  The German school provides volunteer students to come to Thailand for two months to help the classroom teacher teach the students using the CDs and other methods to teach English.  They also teach basic computer software use to the Thai students. 

So far this project has been used as a model, and many other schools in the Rayong area are interested in being included in such a scheme.  The German volunteer students are recognized with a certificate for their service, which can be used to secure employment later in Germany, as work experience in Asia is seen as valuable.

Kathleen Petras, PILC Welfare

Fountain of Life White Elephant Stall…Jesters Fair…2009

Once again the Fountain Of Life White Elephant stall, which sold second hand goods, clothing and general bric-a-brack was in full swing before 8 am on the day of the fair.  Which officially opened at 10 am!!!

During the year we collect goods from many different sources, and many thanks to you who are so generous in what you give to the center to sell.

I saw many familiar faces of buyers who I have seen over the last 5 years, since I have been involved with the Jesters and FOL.  They are always happy to see this stall at the fair and know they can grab a few bargains!

This year I had many great helpers on the stall, and they proved their worth as it was so busy nearly all day!!  Thanks to Kathleen, Elizabeth, Taylor, Fiona, Alana, Amy, Marolian, Rosanne, Bernard, K Anon and K Noi.  Also the kids from ISE who helped as well, and Linden for organizing them.

I am pleased to say that the only remaining goods left were taken by Rosanne for Women With a Mission to distribute the warmer clothing up in Mae Sot, and Khun Noi received with thanks clothing to help the slum families of Kate’s Project.  So the stall was far spread in its good will!

The stall on the day raised 10,150 baht, just going to prove that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.  Please start your collecting for next year and feel free to drop any goods at the Fountain of Life Centre off Third Road.

Ingrid Cunliffe

Official Opening of the Child Protection and Development Centre (CPDC)

On Saturday, October 10, 2009, Khun Jaa (Supagon Noja) of the CPDC was extremely excited to welcome a huge number of guests along to the opening of this centre in Huai Yai.  PILC was represented by our president Gillian Thom, along with Rosanne Diamente, Judy Hoppe, Anja Schoof, Ingrid Cunliffe and myself.

Of course, we were not the most important guests, considering that the Ambassadors of both Germany and Switzerland were along for the occasion.  Also present were Mr. Francesco Caruso, Director of the Children at Risk Program of ADMCF; Mr. Ewald Dietrich, President of Human Help Network (HHN) Germany and Treasurer HHN Thailand; and Khun Toy (Mrs. Radchada Chomjinda), Director HHN Thailand.  The Child Protection Centre is run by the Human Help Network Thailand.  There were many, many other people there from all over Pattaya and Thailand.  Enough in fact, to fill two very large marquees.

The Child Protection and Development Centre is a project that PILC have been supporting since its inception in May 2008, when it was just a few boys in a muddy field trying to knock some timber shacks together on a small plot of land.  It has since moved to a new, permanent location and brought along all the timber structures that were designed to be movable and made the startling addition of three solid concrete houses.  These houses were funded by the Swiss (one house) and German Embassies (two houses) at a cost of 500,000 THB each.  The Swiss Embassy has also promised funding for another.  The project is now able to support 45 children.

The occasion of the opening went well with fine sunny weather and an abundant supply of food.  The German Ambassador , Dr. Hans Schumacher, spoke of the importance of the centre’s aims to help the Street Children.  Ms. Christine Schraner, the Swiss Ambassador, said that she has only been in Thailand for a few months and is very happy and excited to be involved in this project.  Khun Jaa let everyone know how pleased he was with the progress of the centre, and mentioned that he has plans to build a school on site in the future.  The audience was treated to displays of Thai dancing both traditional and groovy by the children of the CPDC and also from the Pattaya Orphanage.  The ribbons were cut and the new houses were inspected by all.

It was wonderful to see such a large gathering of people come together to support the Child Protection and Development Centre, and I’m sure it meant a lot to Khun Jaa, Khun Toy and the children of the centre.

Kathleen Petras, PILC Welfare

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Pattaya International Ladies Club recently purchased 28,000 THB worth of goods for the new homes Khun Jaa has built for the children residing at the new premises in Huay Yai district.  The goods included 35 mattresses, 35 pillows and 40 blankets for use in the new homes that will be available for the kids to move to in the next few weeks.

Jaa has so far built 3 of the projected 10 homes for the children currently living on the premises, and others in the future.  They are very impressive and a far cry from the temporary dwellings the kids have been living in until now!

They are each double story (all identical), with an enclosed kitchen and three toilet/shower rooms downstairs.  Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms which can accommodate 3 people each.  Khun Jaa envisions a live-in house mother or father for each home.

The Welfare committee was also pleased to be able to present the homes with a brand new microwave, which was won by Paul Jackson at the Jesters Care for Kid’s party night.  Paul was happy for it to be donated to a needy charity and it was received with thanks! 

Every month the PILC provides 8 bags of food on the food drop, and we are happy to provide continued support for this valuable centre and look forward to the progress it has made over the years, thanks to Jaa and the great support team he has.