CELEBRATING 40 YEARS of SERVICE CAMPAIGN

The past few months, Step Ahead has been fully engaged in numerous activities to help communities understand why family strengthening is so critical for children growing up in safe and nurturing families.

Last week, Step Ahead had a wonderful time with Klong Toey community leaders from churches, schools, NGOs and district leaders mapping community resources to better serve families in Klong Toey.

Community mapping is important because it helps build relationships, identifies community assets and needs, and empowers residents to participate in decision-making. It also facilitates collaboration and can lead to more sustainable solutions.

Twenty-two people attended the community mapping exercise, and we learned so much from each other. Teachers shared how their day is long and they are tired. They need support from families and community leaders. They worry about the kids from Klong Toey Slum as so many are into drugs and have broken, messy families.

One community leader expressed it so passionately, “All the children in Klong Toey are OUR children. They belong to all of us.” He went on to talk about how we need each other and that this session is good for connections and a reminder that we should reach out for help.

Mother Teresa said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together, we can do great things.”  That is what community mapping is all about. We all have strengths and skills to share and learn from each other for the children’s sake.