EMPOWERING THE POOR WITH EDUCATION AND SKILLS

The Thai school academic year begins at the end of May and continues until mid-March the next year, so we have been very busy getting all of our students’ new uniforms, books and stationary packs. Schooling in Thailand is free except for the uniforms, books and stationary. The cost of these items is unattainable for most families in the slums of Pattaya and as a result many simply do not go to school. They become a part of the family’s garbage recycling projects which is both dangerous and results in very limited income. Unfortunately, this lack of education leads to another generation in the family who is uneducated with limited employment opportunities.

The Hand to Hand foundation breaks this cycle by providing all of the things the student needs as well as food and transport. There are many teens and young adults who never had the chance to go to school and we are trying to break the poverty cycle by providing them a specialised education program. Our adult school has students aged 14 years old to 56 years old and many of them are starting at grade 1 level. The students are encouraged and valued leading to them not feeling ashamed of their lack of education. The adult education takes place at the hand to hand housing estate and it is fully registered with the Thai ministry of education. This means they will receive credits and official certification of all the studies they complete. This is life changing for many of them.

Thank you for your support as we begin this academic year. Every amount helps build a bright future for all!

Over the past few months we have had a 3 week break for New Year and our adult school is now open for classes again. The students were very keen to come back and they will be sitting exams in the next few months. We have some new students who have entered the program and they are all women who have been rescued from abusive family situations with one of them also being freed from trafficking. An opportunity to learn is not just about learning knowledge. School is a safe place to make friendships, which can be difficult after abuse. School is a place where my self-confidence grows and I can begin to think more about the future rather than how can I survive for another day.

The students also learn gardening, cooking and raising chickens. If they are involved in these programs, they are able to keep any of the profits. This is another incentive which helps when the going gets tough.

The school is run with volunteer Thai teachers, volunteer English teachers and the location is free. The major costs come in providing opportunities in gardening, cooking and chickens. Providing all the students with uniforms also helps as they know they are going to a real school. For many it is their first ever school uniform and they wear it with such pride.

In the near future we would like to test the eye sight of the students and get glasses where necessary. Always planning. Always dreaming. Always reaching for the stars!!! Thank you for your generosity which brings hope to the youngest student (15 years old) to the oldest (56 years old!)

Links:

• Hand to Hand Foundation