KID’S CORNER
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Pattaya Lodge brings New Year joy to children of the School for the Blind

St. Andrews International School celebrates the “Year of the Monkey”

Pattaya Lodge brings New Year joy to children of the School for the Blind

by Peter Cummins

It is a tradition with Lodge Pattaya West Winds (LPWW) to visit the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, at the institution these disadvantaged youngsters call home, on Soi 16, Naklua and to bring New Year cheer and a little joy to the lives of the children.

This blind child received all the cuddling and warmth from John Hollingsworth who seemed to know how to care for babies.

The Lodge Brethren came out in full support, led by incumbent Right Worshipful Master Jonathan Morgan and it certainly was a moving experience to be among the children, ranging in age from around eight years up to 16.

As Brother Stan Parsons has said it so many times - and all LPWW Brethren agree - the children need to feel human communication, not only from the selfless staff of the Institute, but the extended hands of friendship of the Lodge Brethren and their families.

The little ones were so excited to receive their gifts, enjoy a good meal and, of course, the always-popular ice creams provided by LPWW. In a world that seems to have gone mad, it was, indeed, a delightful scene as the Lodge Brethren, from the youngest to the oldest, moved around the tables of the children, distributing ice cream cones, rewarded by the delighted squeals of the young ones.

As the time came to take leave, it was a group with heavy hearts who listened to the children sing, with splendid harmonization, Thai and English versions of “You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine”. One only needs to reflect on the lyrics of this ageless song rendered by sightless children, with every Lodge Member and the School staff joining in.

“...You make me happy when skies are gray; you’ll never know ... how much we love you; Please don’t take ‘our’ Sunshine away.” The visit was, indeed, a chastening experience which, doubtless, each and every able-bodied person who walked out of the Institute will carry until the next visit, while these brave little souls, who have never seen gray skies or the sunshine they were singing about, return to their world of permanent darkness.

But, as we returned to our own worlds full of the light and colour, which we sometimes take for granted, we were re-assured that the children are in the best possible care.

The school was founded in 1986 by the late Father Ray Brennan and Aurora Lee Sribuapan. This remarkable lady has guided the school for many years. Being blind herself, Aurora brought great wisdom to the Institute, instilling the philosophy that only through education can the sightless progress.

Aurora herself overcame huge obstacles to earn a Master’s Degree of Special Education for the Visually Handicapped in the USA and has spent her life helping others similarly afflicted.

In May, 1992, the school moved to its present location, with HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn dedicating the new building, comprising four stories of classrooms, auditorium, dining hall and other vital facilities, establishing concurrently, the “Barom-Rajgumari Fund for the Blind”, contributing from her own personal finances for the building, equipment and other necessities such children require.

Contributions can be made to this Fund or directly to: The Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, 285/105 Soi 16, Pattaya-Naklua Road Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Tel: 038-225479, 225963.

Peter Cummins, Paul Dinessen and Andre Machielsen join the children in singing ‘You are my sunshine’

Michael Mealyer lovingly puts an ice-cream cone in this boy’s hands.

Michael Johnston makes sure this girl won’t drop the cone.

Stan Parsons spends a lot of time caring for the children.

Now don’t be shy, here’s an ice cream for you.

There you go, this one’s for you.

Children try out their newly received toys.

Members of the lodge and their families with Bro. John Morgan (right front) the Right Worshipful Master.


St. Andrews International School celebrates the “Year of the Monkey”

It’s the year of the Monkey, and the students and teachers of St. Andrews International School had a wonderful time welcoming in the Chinese New Year. The children were able to experience a wide range of activities to celebrate this special festival, and had lots of fun learning about another culture.

Children and adults alike were enthralled by the “Lion Dance” troupe that visited St. Andrews as part of the Chinese New Year festivities.

Spring sonnets and banners written in Chinese symbols to offer good wishes throughout the coming year are on display, along with some beautiful dragons, Chinese lanterns, willow pattern plates, Chinese zodiac animals and lucky red envelopes. During the weeklong festivities, the children were also able to try some of the traditional sweets and food that are eaten during Chinese New Year, and Years Four and Five tried their hands at cooking as well.

Twanya in year 2 wrote a beautiful “Spring Sonnet” in Chinese Symbols.

One of the highlights of the week was a very special “Lion Dance” performed by the “King Thaksin Followers” Troupe on Thursday morning. Children and adults alike were amazed as the lion bobbed and weaved around the hard court. Some of the braver children even presented lucky and red envelopes to the dancers as drums and cymbals crashed in the background. It certainly was a sight worth seeing.

Everyone at St. Andrews International School agrees that Chinese New Year is lots of fun to celebrate!

Alex is ready to do the “Lion Dance” with reception style!