Character and Leadership Training for Thai Youths

Reconnect & Rejuvenate Young Lives After COVID

It has been two and a half years since our organisation had physically touched ground with our clients, due to the restrictions of the COVID 19 pandemic.
During this time, there has been an increased awareness amongst volunteers, of the impact of isolation on young lives. Mental stresses has been on the rise and young people have trouble relating to their peers. and people of other ages, both young and old.others due the long periods of isolation.  
On top of that, they basically have no one to talk to except those living with them. Where family bonding is strong, kids get to relate and know their close relatives better... HOWEVER, where family bonding is weak or non-existent, it becomes very hard on young lives.

Before COVID19, it was the norm for the Foundation to organise leadership training camps for the children and youths under our care. Therefore after 2.5 year hiatus, we decided to re-start these camps for them. The response was not as forthcoming as before, and many young people were apprehensive of meeting new friends in the camps and being "separated" from their buddies in different groups and rooms.

Our Foundation was keenly aware of the challenges  of our young people, so, as organisers we had to plan activities that were inclusive, welcoming, fun, challenging  and fulfilling... all of which has leadership factors incorporated into the learning process.

The campers lived together and shared their lives for 4 days, yet, amazingly they were able to work through their differences and teamed up in their groups for various activities ranging from obstacle games, hiking, camping in tents, outdoor cooking, sharing thots and even did "parachute jumps" from high towers. In addition, they also learnt the principles of game leading, one of the Habits of an Effective Teen, leading themselves and others, and many more activities.

By the end of the camp, responses from campers were, "It was good", "So much fun", "Food was delicious", "Tough, Challenging, Persevere", "Thinking of you", "Ever so tired", "Best ever", and many more comments reflecting Great Fun and that they had enjoyed themselves.

After hearing the feedback from the young people, our hearts were warmed that they had benefitted and were uplifted by coming to camp. We thank all sponsors and donors for who have enabled us to organise camps that was inclusive, welcoming, fun, challenging  and fulfilling for our young, potential leaders!

Thank you and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Links:

• 3 words to describe the Leadership Camps

Training of Trainers for The NeXt Generation


When the tight observance of isolation and resistrictions by the Government started to relax in Thailand, physical interactions cautiously increased especially by organisations that deal with children and youths, as parents, guardians and volunteer leaders were anxious not to spread COVID 19 amongst the families.

At the same time, there was an excitement and expectation that physical activities and gatherings will soon be opening up more and more.

In order to ensure that leaders are all in sync with the philosophy and methods in dealing with children and youths, the Foundation conducted a training for leaders who will be running the activities for the chlildren and youths, in the North-eastern province of Khon Kaen. This is to prepare for the impending activities that were about to commence by the middle of the year.

A total of 14 adult volunteers attended the 2 day training, with practical age-appropriate activities included for them to plan and practice on each other via role-playing.

By the end of the training sessions, the adult volunteers understood the reasons for the structure and the methods used. Somsak said, " I find the training so very practical, and even as I plan for it, I can imagine how fun it will be for the kids that I will be looking after, ie those from ages 10 to 12 years!"

Meanwhile, Ratri added, " I am so glad that the trainers had help me with planning for the coming half year's program... now I dont have to worry what I should do with the youths each week (referring to the 13 to 15 year-old-teens that she looks after)"

Recently we hear that the children and youths have had a ball of a time during the sessions conducted by the volunteers...Kudos to them!

Our Foundation is grateful to all donors who see our vision and partner with us to help guide children and youths via activities that build good character and strong leadership for the future of the Thai society!

We continue to covet your partnership of nurturing children and youths for a strong and better future for Thailand and the world.

Sincerely yours,

Vena