EMPOWERING THE POOR WITH EDUCATION AND SKILLS

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