Provide Education and Hope for Children at Risk

The rains have been heavy all summer, but they are finally cooling the air. High winds blew the cover off our greenhouse, but the children have continued to help on the farm while it was repaired. We’ve enjoyed cucumbers, long beans, spring onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and kale, along with fresh papaya and eggs from our chickens and ducks.

Our fourth graders were able to join the safe swimming program we support with the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. Swimming and water safety are an important part of helping the children stay safe beyond the classroom.

The four new girls have settled into their classes at local public schools and the routines at Warm Heart. The three in high school now have their study tracks: one is studying art and graphic design, while the other two are studying Chinese and English.

Alongside our after-school teachers, we have weekend classes for the elementary school children. On Saturday mornings, Teacher Fah tutors them in math and science. On Sundays, they learn English with Sandee, a high school student based in Bangkok who calls in from wherever she is studying. Her school takes her to Africa and other countries in Asia, but she continues to make time for the children.

A group of students from Singapore also ran a Read in English program, with separate sessions for younger and older children. They worked through a couple of books together before scheduling difficulties put the classes on pause.

We have been receiving support from Provincial Social Services to help children with additional learning and emotional needs. The children come to Warm Heart after disruptions in their home lives, and some need more support as they approach their teens. A psychologist has been visiting on weekends and meeting with small groups of boys or girls. The children have responded well to him, and his guidance helps our staff support them.

The students are now on their mid-term break. Some have returned to the mountains to spend time with their extended families. About 10–12 children are staying at Warm Heart throughout the break, with time to play on the computers between helping in the garden and doing their daily chores. Our high school seniors, Mathew and A, have returned to the local police barracks for another two-week internship.

Thank you for helping provide a safe home, steady support, and an education for the children at Warm Heart.

With gratitude and good wishes,

Dana, Michael, Evelind and the Warm Heart Family