bricks for the boys
The Intrepid Foundation is a long-time supporter of the Baan Unrak Children’s Village in Sangklaburi, Thailand. Volunteer Coordinator, Anne Cecile, recently sent us this update on how our last donation is being used…
“Here at Baan Unrak, the teenage boys and girls live in different houses. The girls have a concrete home, but the boys have a bamboo hut, which only lasts for a year as the rainy season makes it fall apart. The fact of living in a bamboo hut has been quite depressing for the boys. They feel discriminated against, it lowers their self esteem and they do not feel safe from intruders, increasing their fears and insecurity. The boys are currently living in one end of their house because the roof has caved in the other section, the walls have fallen down and all up, the house must be rebuilt.
So two years ago we launched a campaign to raise money to build a proper house for the 25 boys, aged 12 to 17. At first we considered using a contractor to build the house, but after receiving the huge quotes, we decided to build the house ourselves with the help of volunteers and our own workers. After much shopping around, we estimated the building would cost around 4 million baht. Thanks to the Intrepid Foundation and Intrepid traveller’s donations, we have been able to buy the bricks and cement.
We are now about to start the construction of the house. We have the help of engineers from Singapore, plus a team of builders and a volunteer electrician. The teenage boys are very eager for the construction to start, as they have been seeing the building materials arrive.”
Since receiving this update, we have learnt that Baan Unrak still needs funds to furnish the bedrooms with a cupboard and a bed for each boy. The Intrepid Foundation is eager to help support this project and it’s easy for you to donate online. Your contribution would be much welcomed and Intrepid Travel will match all donations dollar for dollar*
* Up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year.
Nine of us are going to Thailand on a mission trip from 08 / 05 / 2010 to 30 / 05 / 2010.
I would love to call in at the centre of Baan Unrak ; as I am a Retired Builder and I may be able to provide assistance !