Provide Education and Hope for Children at Risk

Since we last wrote, the children returned to school for the second term, which ends in March. In between the schoolwork, they enjoyed the holidays - Halloween is now included, along with Loy Krathong, the Northern Thai Floating Lantern Festival, New Year's', Children's Day in January, and Chinese New Year.  The rains slowed enough in November and December to plan the gardens with vegetables.  

The high school seniors have taken multiple exams in order to apply to their preferred university programs.  Nuiy was accepted into the International Chinese program at Rajabhat University and plans to build her knowledge of Chinese so that she can join the business world. The others are waiting to hear: Law or Business for Ice, Engineering or Law for Cafe, Business or Digital Design for Nui.  Tangmo and Ying took a gap year and are aiming for Medical Technology, Pharmacy, and Psychology.

Mali, our Children's Home Manager keeps in close contact with all the children's teachers to make sure they are not missing any credits to graduate the school year.  So far there are three with missing grades in Computer, Social Studies, and Art.  They have time to make up the work now, before the term ends, and graduate with their peers.   Mali will track down the exam schedule (always a last-minute bulletin) and keep the children focused on finishing the term. Then she will guide our 9th graders through high school placement exams to put them on an academic or vocational track through 12th grade. Then a break until school starts in mid-May.

Each child has a story - abandoned, disrupted marriage and the children left with relatives, subsistence farming barely feeding the family when medical bills tip the balance.  We create an extended family to provide a safe environment.  Our after-school teachers fill in the learning gaps.  We still need professional help when we see a potential developmental delay or emotional issues surface.  We've built a network that includes the Northern Thai Hospital for Children with Special Needs.  Our graduate, Akanit is making valuable contributions as a registered Social Worker. We are also actively seeking a dedicated psychologist to help us address common teenage issues and to identify when additional intervention is needed.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our children’s growth and well-being. We look forward to keeping you updated.

Warm regards,

Dana, Michael, Evelind, and the Warm Heart Family

The school year is halfway through, with midterms completed and time for a small break.  Many of the children stayed at Warm Heart as their villages were not accessible due to the late rains.  Most villages survived the heavy flooding and we're getting updates on what's needed for those hit hardest.  Luckily, everyone is safe and clearing the fields for the next crops.

We were delighted to have Dr. Peter Bell return with the Children's Sight Program.  With funds from the Chiang Mai Expats Club and Chiang Mai International Rotary, plus cost pricing from a local Optometrist, our children, neighbors, and staff had their eyes checked and received free glasses, as needed.  The children's eyes will keep changing as they grow, but they were very happy to be able to see well for studying, attending school, and keeping up with their peers.

We recently welcomed a 14-year-old girl, "M," who arrived due to a disrupted family situation. Her mother, a refugee from Myanmar, came to Thailand with her husband and son. Her husband soon disappeared. Once she found work, she managed to bring her daughter over. However, finding steady work while settling her residency paperwork has been challenging.

Her son joined us last year during a period of unemployment, and he has since settled in, catching up in school and making friends. When the mother faced another setback, we offered to take in M, who is significantly behind in school and needs a safe, stable living environment.

M is happy to be near her brother and enjoys caring for the younger children. Our after-school teachers are helping with her schooling, and her mother is now in a safe place, receiving assistance to get back on her feet and reunite with her family.

Our efforts to engage the students in the Children's Home decision-making and leadership have been making good progress, thanks to Mali, our Children's Home manager.  Our teenagers have been asking for more time to visit with friends from school and have set up the rules for when they are allowed to join their friends and ensure we know where they are at all times.  There are always one or two who test the limits, but overall they are pleased to participate, stay safe, and mentor the younger children.

And one more great bit of news - we graduated another 350 Phrao 4th graders from the Children's Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program (CWSDPP), with a grant from an anonymous donor through the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. We’ve now trained 1300 school children in Phrao in water safety and how to swim.

Thanks to your enduring support, these children are safe, doing well in school, and starting to dream of their future.

Best wishes for the upcoming holiday season.

Dana, Michael, Evelind, and the Warm Heart Family