In order to reach our goals, we listened to what the problems are within the community and asked what is needed. We can then focus on these four main categories.
A: Construction: toilets, dorms, classrooms, kitchen etc. What comes first depends on what is needed most.
B: Collecting learning tools for schools: study materials, sporting equipment, book corner for kids, etc.
C: Essential items for kids: books, stationeries, underwear, bras, towels, pillows, toothbrush, detergent, soaps, etc.
D: Group activities: group construction of the site followed by a big cleaning day, a sports day and ongoing, career advice and training. How this process works depends on what is needed in each area.
A, B and C are clearly practical issues in which we need direct help and sponsors to provide materials. However, we think D and the activities are vital for winning hearts and minds.
But first we need volunteers who are willing to go into the community and work with the locals. We have to educate and demonstrate a better way of life for them. Without dedicated volunteers on site, this project will not be effective in the longer term.
Over the last two years (2014-2015) of this special project, we researched a total of 20 schools and six women's groups to better understand what, where, and how should we help.
2014: we helped four schools, which benefited directly more than 1,000 young learners and their families. The fantastic results of the project amazed everyone, including us.
2015: we are trying to help eight groups in total: four schools, one women's group and three groups of children from other schools. We are confident we will even surpass the great results we had last year. We have challenged ourselves and now we just need your help to meet this challenge.
2016
In cooperation with the Santisuk Special Task force, we will be building on the work of 2015 by helping build facilities for the Tadika school including partitions and windows in current buildings. We also plan to provide new facilities for classrooms and help in other nearby schools with educational games and activities.