By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder, Program Manager
Thanks to early rains, we're enjoying an early—and abundant—mango season, even as the hot weather reached new highs. The fruit trees are maturing ahead of schedule, and our students have been eagerly climbing every tree on the farm to gather green mangoes, picked just before they ripen to golden yellow. Our farmer neighbors have joined in, donating baskets of fruit for the children to enjoy. As much as our kids love chips and snacks, nothing makes them happier than an abundance of fresh fruit.
The new school year is underway for all our K–12 students. Each afternoon, our high schoolers return around 5 p.m. on a separate school bus, just after we pick up the younger students from the local elementary and middle schools. Backpacks are quickly dropped, and the kids rush to check which mangoes have ripened or head to the kitchen to see what new treats have arrived. After a snack and a change of clothes, they settle in for homework with help from our after-school teachers.
A few of our recent high school graduates are staying with us while they wait for their university terms to begin in June or August. Of the three who were still finalizing admission, only one is waiting now. Tangmo will attend nursing school in Bangkok, and Cafe has been accepted into Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Agriculture, majoring in Plant Pathology.
We also welcomed a new student this term: nine-year-old “Vit,” who has joined second grade. She is the daughter of our very first student, Suda. Years ago, Suda came to us from a remote mountain village to receive regular medical care for a kidney condition. She graduated from high school, explored new opportunities across Thailand, and is now married with two children—Vit and her five-year-old brother, Wit.
Suda and her husband became village leaders after her parents passed away. However, her kidney issues have returned, and she now requires dialysis. We invited Vit to stay with us so Suda can focus on her health and caring for Wit. Vit is quickly finding her place here; our after-school teachers say she’s a strong reader and is catching up on her written Thai. With a large group of elementary school children this year, she already has several new friends.
In our last report, we shared our hope to find a psychologist or counselor to support our children’s emotional and social development. We are happy to say that we’ve arranged weekly Saturday morning visits from a counselor who has deep roots in our community. She’s well-known for her work with the elderly and disabled, and currently manages the Sub-District nursery school in Wae Wan, where we had our first office. She has started with the elementary students, taking time to get to know each child and leading group activities to build trust and connection.
Thank you for helping keep these children safe, in school, and full of hope.
With gratitude and good wishes for a joyful summer,
Dana, Michael, Evelind, and the Warm Heart Family
By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder, Program Manager
By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder and Program Manager
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