Report from Foundation for Life
April – June 2008

The following is a report of what has been done from April to June 2008

1. Liveable Home Project
It is a much known fact that the living conditions of the Klong Toey Slum Community, is not only crowded, but also unhygienic and strewn with rubbish. Families of an average of 4-7 members cram into a small living quarter, and some even sleep on the bare floor boards at night. As most residents there rent the premises, they can hardly afford to pay for their electricity, water and daily bills, much less think of repairing run down toilets, or elevating sinking floors or mending leaky roofs. During the rainy season as it is from May to October, the community, which is mostly built on swampy grounds, will flood quickly, and floor space become non-existent, making resting hours at night impossible.
The Foundation, together with the Lions Clubs of Singapore led by Mr Wilson Chia, whose team came to join the International Conference of the Lions Clubs, organised and collected funds from their members, to aid these underprivileged residents to live in a healthier, cleaner and better condition. Together with the staff of Baan Chivit Mai (who are our volunteers), health education, advise on cleanliness and physical helps were given to this first home that was supported by Mr Wilson and family. The beneficiary, a young man with cerebral palsy (also a member and leader of the Young Men’s Brigade), was very grateful for the gift of a new home, which included the lifting of the floor level especially of bathroom and toilet, re-painting the whole place, improving the cooking corner and adding fittings, cupboards, bed-board and drawers.
In all, the Lions Clubs raised enough for 7 homes to be assisted in this project. It is our hope that this first completed home will set a good example for others in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.

2. Activities for wholesome development at 18 centres that are “Moulding the NeXt Generation” in the new academic year
The activity centres for “Moulding the NeXt Generation” operating in 18 venues around Bangkok and Upcountry, had re-started for the new academic year. These activities provide children and youths an avenue to use their time wisely under the close supervision and guidance of volunteers who are committed to mentor them. Weekly activities include the development of the whole person in physical, educational, emotional and social arenas.

3. Training the Volunteers of the Karen Hill tribes
The Foundation organised a training to 33 Karen Hill Tribe volunteers who are leaders in their various communities around Chiangmai and Tak, at the Siloam Centre, Ampur Muang Chiangmai from 24 – 25 April 2008. The emphasis of the training was in importance of approach to the various developmental stages of the child, the difference between the wholesome growth of the 2 sexes, discipline, teamwork, yearly program planning and the understanding of different personality types among leaders who work together, etc… From the interaction in this training, there was a common concern of the problems of drug addiction, consumerism and materialism among youths in their communities. Poverty among the hill tribes also led to youths leaving their education and homeland at a vulnerable age, to pursue employment in the lowlands and cities. The trainees were eager to consider new and varied methods to build up their youths so that they will love their homeland, be proud of their culture, and be immuned to the wiles of an immoral society.

4. Retreat and Training of the Core Young Leaders in the disciplines of life
40 young leaders (Matayom levels) from various communities located in Bangkok and Upcountry like Roiet, Rayong etc., gathered for a retreat from 1-2 May 2008. The camp concentrated on the subjects of the discipline, leadership skills, planning for the Drill Competition in November, as well as Basic use of the Powerpoint computer program – for the purposes of making presentations, publicity, create games, and to pass on the skills to other members in the centres that they come from. Apart from all these, the leaders had the satisfaction of testing their courage and abilities in Rock Climbing as well.

The Foundation for Life would also like to take this opportunity to
thank all supporters who partner us in this vision of people development that is sustainable. May God’s manifold blessings cover both you and your family.

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