Help Educate Children Living in Poverty inThailand

Dear Supporters,

This quarter we had to stop work on both our healthcare and teaching programs. The momentum was building for a great year ahead. However this came to an abrupt end when the whole world went into lockdown.  

The second quarter of the year is normally always a fun time. The schools are closed for their summer vacation, so we transfer our learning to out and about in the community. Due to COVID-19 all activities were cancelled.  

The schools usually take a break in April and May, this is the hottest time of the year and it's also a time when Thailand usually celebrates Thai New Year (Songkran). This year's break was extended with some students allowed to return to school from the 1st July. This was not all grades and class numbers were reduced to consider social distancing. 

When schools did return, all students were wearing face masks and face shields, temperature checks were taken before students entered the schools. This has continued throughout and now all students are back to school. This is great news that they can continue their education. 

Although education is free for Thai nationals, there are still a lot of costs that are associated with students returning to school. There are many costs involved including uniform, bag, stationery, lunch etc. but a large cost that is often overlooked is transport. 

CDC our learning centre for Burmese migrants has had to stop picking up students from outside of the village. This means that they have no access to education. Your funds could help them to be able to start the transport again, meaning that more students will be able to attend school. 

The local healthcare teams have been out in full force during the pandemic, they have been amazing. However, they could always be helped with financial support for healthcare supplies and transport. Whilst we have had to stop supporting them directly, they are happy that GVI have remained in the village.  

This quarter has seen the continuation of a global pandemic, with borders closing along with international travel. South East Asia was one of the first areas affected by the virus, I am pleased to confirm that to date our community has stayed COVID-19 free. The community is working hard to maintain this record with the introduction of the checkpoint, handwashing facilities installed around the village and information in Thai and Burmese. 

All of the current work we are doing has stopped until the restrictions have eased, and international travel is safe. Until then we are remaining in the village to help with different projects as and when needed. 

Your donations are needed now as much as ever, we want to help the community survive the pandemic and resume projects as soon as we can. Please stay safe.   

With Gratitude,

Phang Nga Community