Help Keep HDS Bus and Truck Running

We are happy to report that DEPDC/GMS is now open and the school bus and truck program is continuing to provide safe transportation for the at-risk children that attend our school. Although it seems like a simple program this transportation is pivotal in supporting the work we do at DEPDC/GMS. For many of our students this is their only means of transportation. Without it we could not ensure the children’s attendance to school and thus the education, life skills, awareness, and training they receive.  Every morning the kids can depend on catching the bus or truck from home to take them to school and in the afternoon they can depend on the bus or truck taking them back home. 

In order to keep the kids safe we have to do routine checks on the truck and bus and make any repairs necessary for their continued use. This semester we had the brakes of the bus checked and cleaned. The air-conditioning in the truck wasn’t working so we fixed the air conditioning fan and changed the oil. All these repairs were directly possible because of generous donations.  

This last semester we used the bus to take all the students to join in on the activities at Chomtawan Garden. The students were able to share their experiences of being part of HDS and DEPDC as well as show Tai dancing. The truck was mainly used to transport students to do activities outside and to bring them back home in the evenings. 

From all the staff and students here at DEPDC we would like to offer a sincere thank you to all our past, present and future donors.  Thank you for supporting our mission to provide free education, free and safe transportation to at-risk children and youth in the border town of Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, Thailand. DEPDC/GMS could not do this without the kindness of people like you.

DEPDC’s half day school went on break starting March 14th, 2020. With the continued closure of the Half Day School due to Covid-19 Thai government regulations we haven’t had any immediate need for the School bus.  

The schools truck has been used intermittently as the vehicle to purchase and distribute food goods from the local superstore to students, their families, and community members. With DEPDC as well as many other organizations, businesses and schools being closed, the students and families of our Half Day School have been in need of assistance. DEPDC has procured different food items to donate to students, their families, and other community members. Our school truck has been instrumental in allowing us to continue to be of service even though DEPDC is closed. 

We have taken the school bus for its regular registration renewal and check up. We needed to ensure it was registered, insured, and in good shape in anticipation of the Half Day School reopening.

The truck was also taken in for a check up. We checked the chassis and had the oil changed. 

Both the school bus and truck have not been used much as of late but we are excited for that to change when we are allowed to reopen. 

All of us here at DEPDC would like to offer all of our current, past, and future donors a heartfelt and sincere thank you. This project of supporting safe transportation for our students allows us to continue our mission and without our generous donors would not be possible.