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Fountain
of Life Children's Center
Many poor families from the Northeast of Thailand come to Pattaya
to seek a better life. The reality for many is to earn a meagre
living as street vendors or garbage collectors. In these types
of communities, drug & alcohol abuse is common.
Slum dwellings are without the benefits of house
registration which is needed to access healthcare and education.
Births are often not registered so the children are undocumented
and without civil rights.
The children suffer from lack of care, poor hygiene
and malnutrition resulting in poor general health, stunted growth
and tooth decay. |
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children are left to be cared for by elderly relatives. They lose
their sense of identity and self worth. |
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Many of them
know only their nickname and not their family name nor date of
birth. Uneducated parents often do not realise the value of education
and keep their children home. |
Children
with opportunities are children with a future |
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Priority
is given to obtaining the children's birth certificates to enable
them to enter government schools when they are seven years old. |
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We give
financial support when needed to buy uniforms and to cover lunch
and transportation costs. Some of the families would not be able
to send their children to school without this help. The children
are supported throughout their education if neccessary, so each
year we help more and more children. |
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At the center,
the children receive not only a basic education but also learn
about their culture so that they can be accpted into Thai society. |
Poverty
is the enemy of these children and education
the best weapon to fight it |
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Our caring
staff monitor the children's health and physical and emotional
well being. Minor illnesses are treated at the center and sick
children are taken for hospital appointments, and surgery, if
needed. Many children require extensive dental treatment so visits
to the dentist are of paramount importance.
There are a growing number of older children
who come to the center. Some have never been to school or have
been unable to maintain their studies. They are encouraged to
study for their Primary certificate and vocational training.
These are our most challenging children and need
great patience, love and understanding. Regular group and individual
counselling is a vital part of their development. Along with health
education they are taught about their rights, especially regarding
child abuse and child labour laws. |
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| To motivate these teenagers to
attend regularly we organise outings and sport activities. Local
and International schools are involved in the spirit of 'kids helping
kids'. |
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Once a week,
a group of volunteers work with the children to make greetings
cards. The profits from selling them are paid into the children's
credit union and they can withdraw cash once a week. This teaches
them how to manage money and gives them a sense of independence.
Great effort is made to obtain ID cards for them
when they are 15. Life would be particularly difficult without
one.
Scholarships are available for those who wish
to further their education and, one day, realise their dreams. |
Fountain
of Life Children's Center
Where disadvantaged children can experience the joys of childhood
in a safe,
caring and calm environment.
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If
you would like to give a child the opportunity for a better future,
please go to our Donations page to see
how you can help. |
