A Brighter Future — Rebuilding Children's Lives in Thailand

The story of how JDC, together with its local partner, the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), is helping many in Thailand address the devastation wreaked by the 2004 tsunami can best be described by the voices of children.

As part of a joint project, one of many it has launched in Thailand, JDC rebuilt a Computer Center and a playground in Ban Likee Village of the Koh Klang sub-district in the province of Krabi. The playground has served as a positive vehicle for children traumatized by the tsunami and has engendered more positive feelings towards school.

"I am so happy that PDA and JDC has given a playground to our school. My school never had a playground...,Now that we have a playground, we are all having a lot of fun at school. The playground also makes us stronger, I would like to thank you very much, and we promise that we will take very good care of this playground", said Aran, a sixth grader at Ban Likee School.

JDC has also met the basic health needs of children by providing meals through its School Lunch project. Children are not only getting the nutrition they need, but the free meals are enabling them to reallocate family resources to purchase other items necessary for school.

"I am very happy that I get to eat good food everyday. I get to eat dessert too! Now, I don't have to buy my lunches, so I saved some money with my teacher to buy me books and pencils." Ratana, Grade 1, Ban Likee School

Ultimately, JDC's initiatives are helping to ensure that the next generation of young Thais will have the opportunity to grow up in a healthy and nurturing environment.

Read about the playgrounds JDC has built in Sri Lanka — Helping Children Play Again in Sri Lanka.

May 2006