Support child help foundation in Khon Kaen

Hi all.

My name is Patrick Walsh and I have been working at a child help foundation in the North East of Thailand known locally as Baan Louk Rak (beloved childrens home) for the last two months. The main founder of the organisation was Teacher Noi who passed away last year and it has been since then been run almost in its entirety by her husband Teacher Yaa who with his deceased wife's sister run the foundation (teacher mam) twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days a year. I cannot say enough about these two individuals who have dedicated their lives to those of others.

The two are responsible for the education, feeding, cleaning and general welfare of 45 children who live on site ranging from 0-18 years old. The foundation is a Thai NGO with no governmental assistance of any kind. The NGO is dependent on donations from individuals which can range from food right up to financial contributions. Their is several semi permanent staff who may work on site up to 50 hours a week, as well as drop in teachers from the local universities, schools and local community. This can however be very sporadic resulting in serious under-staffing at times.

The background of the children is very varied. Some are orphans, others are either unwanted children, single parent children, those which cannot be financially supported by their families or from abusive family backgrounds. My role with the children is varied, ranging from teaching English, site upkeep, child welfare, nappy changing etc. Despite being one of the faster advancing South-East Asian countries, their is little legal or financial provisions for children in such situations and without the astronomical work of Teacher Yaa and the other staff their is little doubt in my mind that many of the children would be in very fragile situations otherwise.

This funding page is designed to help provide money for the payment of water, electricity and food bills which is a monthly struggle. Where possible, excess funds will go towards the payment of Thai wages as most of those working onsite go without wages for up to 3 months at a time despite having their own families to feed. Food is often offered in return when wages cannot be paid. To put it simply the children are given the best possible care and attention which circumstances humanly allow. Any financial contribution you can provide would be greatly appreciated, the price of a pint or a coffee goes a long way here. Thank you all very much, much love from the Kiddos at Baan Louk Raak.