Give 220 Disadvantaged Children a Brighter Future

Our Phuket Has Been Good To Us teachers care for the children who live at the school as whole people. Many of the children come from challenging backgrounds. Some have grown up in homes where raising your voice or lashing out is normal. For some of these children, our teachers are the only example they have of something different – of what it looks like to be cared for and to care for yourself.

Some children arrive very closed. They sit by themselves and don’t join in. Our teachers gently reach out, again and again, and slowly, trust builds. Once a child feels safe, that sense of safety follows them into the classroom too. They open up. They begin to do better. The academic side and the caring side go hand in hand.

On 12 August, Thailand celebrated Mother’s Day. For children who don’t have mothers, or rarely see them, their PHBGTU teachers become an important source of care and support. For a while, they can stand in that place for them. Our teachers know these children deeply, often better than anyone in their lives. That knowing, and their steady presence, is its own kind of care.

This term, to help the children develop empathy and a sense of responsibility as well as pride in their beachfront home, we introduced an after-school Coconut Club beach clean-up. The clean-ups provide real-world learning, helping children see how litter affects coastal ecosystems and marine life. They build empathy and encourage children to care for their environment.

Taking action gives the children a sense of responsibility and empowerment, showing them that even small efforts can make a difference. Walking, bending and collecting rubbish also provides physical activity, while spending time outdoors supports their wellbeing. Working together encourages teamwork, communication and cooperation. Most importantly, seeing the positive result of their efforts gives the children a sense of pride, achievement and connection to their local community.

This, and so much more, is what your support helps to make possible: English lessons and so much more beyond the classroom. Thank you.