Here’s where I’ll do my best to explain the many positive things happening at TCDF.
The most visible program at work is the special school. The children who attend the school have a wide range of special needs. There are children who have Autism or Down Syndrome, and others who have physical challenges like one boy whose arms and legs are growing backwards. At school the students are learning ways to be independent and interact with others.
The recycling program is a great example of how the foundation is benefiting the children and the community. The students collect recyclable materials from around the site and their homes. The materials are then sold and the students are able to earn money to buy prizes, such as a soccer ball or a bike. The children are learning an important habit that they will then teach to their families. Because of this program, the students at the school are the only kids in the area who have bank accounts. I think that’s so neat!
In addition to the recycling program the students also work in the garden near the school. Here students can learn how to grow vegetables and look after plants.
I was really impressed by the staff at the school. When the school was first opening it was difficult to find teachers, nurses, and therapists. Not too many professionals wanted to live in a tiny village and receive a typical wage.* To solve that problem the foundation interviewed people in the area who were passionate about helping children and the community and provided the necessary training. I especially liked that the foundation employs local Thai people. This not only provides jobs and job training, it also encourages self-efficacy for the community.
It was very obvious that the children were well cared for and well loved. For example, some children receive theraputic massage. During school breaks the massage therapist willingly travels to each student’s home so their their therapy will not be interrupted. That’s dedication.
Currently, the school has enough funding to operate three days a week for special students. On the weekends the local children are invited to come for games, help with homework, and English class.
Other ways TCDF benefits the community include:
– providing jobs for local people (cooks, cleaners, handymen, etc)
– providing scholarships for local children to attend government schools
– providing transportation costs for local children to attend government schools
– providing nutrition assistance to local children
TCDF is working hard to become sustainable and self-sufficient. In order to finance the programs and overhead costs, TCDF established Eco-Logic. Eco-Logic is an eco-lodge that welcomes paying guests as well as volunteers…like me! Yesterday when I mentioned the restaurant, bungalows, and guest rooms… that’s Eco-Logic. (It’s all on the same property.)
All the profits from Eco-Logic are put back into TCDF. That means that whenever you rent a bungalow, eat a meal, or drink a Coke… the money goes straight to a worthy cause. It also means that charitable donations are only spent on the amazing social programs, not on repairing the chicken shed or buying gardening tools. So that Thai Dinner fundraiser I had? All that money went directly to the school.
Read more about TCDF’s aims here and the projects here.
Next I’ll explain how the volunteer program works and what I actually did while there.
xo, jill
*It is important to note that TCDF and Eco-Logic pay their employees and local partners fair local wages. For example, because the village is fairly remote, neighbors act as taxi drivers in the area. TCDF has pre-negoiated fares to ensure that the price will be fair for both parties. This is another example of how TCDF shows the local people respect.
Speak Your Mind