By Ms. Oratai (Dang) Thaweesin | Project Leader
Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation – Thailand
Quarterly Newsletter (April–June)
1. Concordia Day Care and Community Center (CDCC)
Since 1991, the Concordia Day Care Center (CDCC) has been supporting at-risk children aged 2–5 from urban slum communities in Bangkok and Samut Prakan. The center provides early education focused on school readiness, life skills, and holistic development—physical, emotional, social, and cognitive.
By offering full-day care, CDCC reduces the economic burden on low-income families, allowing parents to work while minimizing the risk of neglect or exploitation. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting equal opportunities and fostering long-term community development.
Activities and Operations
CDCC runs weekday programs designed to support the all-around development of young children, including age-appropriate nutrition, basic education, moral values, and spiritual growth. Parents are also engaged through counseling and parenting workshops to strengthen early childhood care at home.
Results and Impact
In the past year, the center supported 40 children, all showing steady developmental progress. Fifteen were successfully prepared to enter formal schooling, receiving school supplies and clothing. The center’s approach has strengthened family engagement and fostered a growing appreciation for education among caregivers.
School Break Program
During school holidays, many children are left unsupervised as their parents’ work. To address safety concerns and provide constructive engagement, CDCC runs a daytime childcare program during school breaks.
Program Activities
A special session was organized for 19 at-risk children, featuring:
Saturday Classes – Aged Children and Youth Development Project (Ages 6–18)
This project offers supplementary Saturday classes for students in Grades 1–6 who struggle academically. Focusing on core subjects such as Math and English, the classes incorporate life skills training and Christian education. Small group instruction promotes better understanding through review and hands-on activities.
Monthly enrichment programs—such as art therapy—are led by invited specialists. Thai and international volunteers also join regularly to engage children in sports, music, and recreational activities. During this quarter, 43 children participated in the program.
Results and Impact
By extending care into adolescence, this project allows staff to build long-term relationships with families and identify challenges early. Students receive academic and emotional support, increasing their likelihood of staying in school. More youth are now continuing beyond Grade 6 to pursue vocational training or higher education, leading to better career prospects and personal development.
Scholarship Program
Amid rising living costs, CDCC provided scholarships to support 58 students, each receiving 1,000 – 2,000 THB. These funds helped cover essential school expenses such as uniforms, shoes, and supplies, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their education.
Welcoming a New Teacher — A Concordia Alumna Returns
Over the past 34 years, Concordia Day Care has served generations of children. Today, some alumni now entrust their own children to the same center that once supported them.
This year, we celebrate a milestone—an alumna has returned to serve as a teacher after earning a degree in Art Education.
“I was once a student here. I received care, guidance, and opportunities that shaped who I am. Now, I want to give back by creating opportunities for children in the same community I was raised in.” — Teacher Karn
Her return is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of our work and a source of inspiration for the next generation.
Parent Education Workshop
CDCC hosted a workshop for parents focusing on essential childcare skills—especially for managing seizures, high fevers, and common illnesses in children. Stress management and positive parenting were also emphasized. The session, led by a former nurse, was well-received and reflected a strong interest in building parenting knowledge and confidence.
Support for the Elderly in Urban Poor Communities
Beyond child development, Baan Dek Concordia extends care to vulnerable elderly residents. One case is Mae Nong Joke, a widow who supports herself by selling vegetables. During the rainy season, her home became dangerously damaged.
After receiving her request, our team assessed the situation and, with help from the community, repaired her home using donated materials. Today, she has a safe place to live and renewed hope for the future.
Easter Celebration with Children and Families
To celebrate Easter, Baan Dek Concordia organized activities that conveyed the message of Easter through Bible stories, games, and an Easter egg hunt. Highlights included:
The celebration brought joy and spiritual encouragement to children and their families.
Blessings Through a Student’s Journey
Phat’s First Step Toward Her Dream
Phat, raised by a single mother, joined CDCC at age two. With support from early education and youth programs, she completed high school and earned a vocational diploma. Today, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in foreign Languages (international communication) while working part-time to support her mother.
A Heartfelt Thank You
On behalf of our entire team and community partners, the CWEFT extends our deepest gratitude to each of you who have chosen to walk alongside us. Your generosity brings hope, practical help, and life-changing opportunities to children, families, churches, and communities in some of the most vulnerable areas of northern Thailand.
Thanks to your continued support, we can provide quality education, safe spaces, and a pathway to brighter futures. Your compassion is not only meeting immediate needs but also planting seeds of transformation that will grow for years to come.
Together, we are building hope—one child, one family, and one community at a time
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