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More awards for Pattaya
Sopin Thappajug,
owner of Diana Inn and Diana Garden Resort, with her chef at the awards
ceremony.
Derek Franklin
Pattaya has for many years had its fair share of street
kids. Young children and teenagers run away from a life of abuse and
poverty, arriving in Pattaya and all hoping to make a better life for
themselves.
Unfortunately for the majority of these young people the
reality means that they are too young or have no experience to find work.
With no work and no wage they can not find a place to live or pay for food.
Many find that prostitution is the only way to earn money, while others sit
on the street begging or join the local gangs and lead a life of
criminality.
The inspiring chef with
Jarintorn, Director of the Father Ray Drop-In Center.
Since 2004 the Father Ray Outreach Work & Drop-In Center
has become a safe haven for street kids and runaways, offering them
counseling, legal advice, a much needed meal, a hot shower, medical
assistance and, if they want it, the help they will need to change their
life.
Before arriving at the Drop-In Center in 2008, one
teenager had spent several years living at the Juvenile Observation and
Protection Center in Rayong. He lived for several years with young
criminals, but his only crime was that his parents were both dead and his
relatives did not want him.
On arriving at the Drop-In Center he would often join the
cook in preparing the meals. He mentioned that he would like to train to be
a chef, but who would employ a former street kid, or someone who has spent
years living in a juvenile institution?
Sopin Thappajug, owner of Diana Inn and Diana Garden
Resort, has for several years given former street kids and underprivileged
youngsters the opportunity to learn a trade and earn a salary. She offered
this young man a chance to work in her kitchens, and learn from her chefs,
and his success has inspired others.
At a recent ceremony in Bangkok the Director General of
the Ministry of Human Welfare presented Sopin with an award for her work in
helping to rehabilitate young people and her budding chef also received an
award for being an inspiration to others.
Many people may think that the young people who they see
hanging around the streets are a nuisance, trouble makers and criminals. But
most are just down on their luck and need a helping hand.
Thanks to people like Sopin and the workers at the Father
Ray Drop-In Center, these youngsters have someone who can help them change
their lives.
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Regents students visit Peru
Deuan discovering local wildlife.
Deuan Van Zantvoort
Over the summer 4 brave girls from The Regent’s School,
Pattaya took on an adventure to go abroad to participate in Round Square
International Service (RSIS) projects, which take place in various locations
around the world twice a year. Two of the girls went to South Africa, one to
Ladakh and one to Peru, where they had the opportunity to meet with other
delegates from around the world, experience the local culture and
participate in completing various projects to help local communities. Here
is Deuan’s reflection on her trip to Peru:
When I first arrived, I didn’t know anyone on the trip, 3
weeks later I was crying not wanting us to separate. We did activities like
the ‘via ferrata’, we all talked in a group about how we felt doing this
scary climb, everyone listened to each other and the support from everyone
made it such an awesome climb.
Peru Round Square
International Service Project participants 2011.
We also visited the world wonder Machu Pichu. It was
beautiful and breathtaking. Everyone was so excited and we decided as a
group we wanted to climb ‘Huayna Pichu’ which looked impossible to climb but
again everyone supported each other and the view was breathtaking.
Our project leaders, Kate and Charlotte were incredible
monitors. The support, patience, care and effort they put into this trip and
us was more than I could ask for. We visited some hot springs and many
Peruvian markets. We held two bonfires and everyone was singing any song
they could think of. We spent and amazing three weeks together and I would
go back in a second if I had the chance.
Working hard to build
foundations for the new greenhouse.
ampa Corral
On the 25th of July we arrived in a little village called
Pampa Corral. It was still quite early and really chilly outside but there
were already children and villagers up waiting for us. We were welcomed with
a nice breakfast and were encouraged to go outside for a welcoming ceremony
afterwards. The moment I saw the little kids dressed up, waiting in
excitement to perform, my heart filled with hope. The dances were beautiful.
For a crowd they had never met before they danced for us with love.
Local children coming to
greet the delegates.
Our primary aim was to construct 2 greenhouses to be used
for the students of Pampa Corral. We worked hard every day and everyone was
enjoying each other’s company. During the whole process some of the local
villagers helped us with the tasks. We were very clueless about some parts
of the labor but they taught us how and we really worked as a team.
At the start the children were very shy of us but then it
turned into curiosity and were eager to interact and talk with us. Many of
us unfortunately didn’t speak any Spanish, other than “Hola” or “Gracias”
but we tried and everyone appreciated it very much. We played football
matches and taught them English.
On one of the last days we walked to the Puya forests.
The little children joined us and were holding hands with us. As we were
getting tired and were huffing and puffing, the kids were giggling and
pulled us through the walk since they are used to walking these distances in
even worse conditions.
Portrait drawing in art class.
We complained quite a lot about the cold temperatures at
night and the water that was freezing cold but then we look at these
families living in Pampa Corral who barely have anything and don’t see
complaining. It makes us appreciate the little things and the people who
have lived here all their lives. For everything what we gave them, they gave
us so much more in return. The way the community embraced us as we were one
family, begging us to not forget about them and hoping for us to return one
day. All the sweet words and effort they put in us was more than we gave to
them.
Pampa Corral will always be with us because we are one
family now.
We left Pampa Corral with pride and pain in our hearts.
Pampa Corral is not a little village somewhere in the mountains anymore, but
our second family stored in our hearts and minds for the rest of our lives.
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Sleepless Nights
Tony has made a new
friend.
If you were to visit the Camillian Social Centre in
Bang Chang, you will meet Father Peter, Paul, Nico and many other
helpers who spend their day taking care of children from the age of 2 to
18, and, in addition, some older residents who are too weak to leave
their beds.
The first thing that is evident to visitors is that
everyone is happy and smiling. The children are very trusting and,
freely, show their affection towards visitors to the centre.
Most of the children attend local schools and are,
naturally, studying hard to attain high marks. But the residents at
Camillian are no different to every one of us, looking forward to waking
up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day, following a
peaceful, restful sleep. A good mattress is so important to aid a good
sleep and posture but, finances have not allowed these to be replaced
for many years and they have become hard and uncomfortable. A recipe for
sleepless nights.
Pattaya Sports Club helped to solve the problem and
new mattresses were purchased. It is no longer, ‘Sleepless in Bang
Chang’. Perhaps a good title for a movie.
The one problem voiced by Father Peter is that the
children are so comfortable, they do not want to rise and leave their
beds in the mornings. A good problem to have perhaps.
The children say thank you
PSC.
William and Tony are shown
a new mattress.
The boards showing the
children’s birthdays.
All the children signed a
‘thank you’ card.
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A Show to Cherish Forever
Masahiro Wakata (Bacon)
as Mufasa in his breathtaking make-up and costume.
Janette Oracion
Bagsic
I couldn’t hold back tears as I watched the whole
cast parade towards the stage in their colourful costumes in the Lion
King show, which was brought to life by the talented young students of
REPS. For three nights, from 14-16 September, the main hall at
neighbouring Garden International School, Rayong, overflowed with an
audience who were thrilled to watch such a spectacular performance.
There was complete silence as every single scene
mesmerized the crowd with such beautiful and breathtaking costumes. The
audience was totally blown away by the music and dances. The lights and
movement of the curtains synchronizing with the song “He lives in me”
captivated everyone. Indeed it was a moment that led to its crowning
glory.
It was the impressive magical hands of the make-up
artists transforming every character that made it hard to recognize the
students behind the masks. I was surprised to learn that Rafiki was
Maria Hannah Quiwa, who acted the lovely Dorothy in last year’s Wizard
of Oz. Among the others were Senny Soanes as Zazu, Glen Phatcharaphon
Oxford as young Simba, Maria Heidel C. Quiwa as young Nala, Shoshannah
Levy as Sarabi, James Stevenson as Banzai, Andrew Thomsons as Shenzi,
Joe Narongrit Crump as Ed, David Jess Mortela as the 4th Hyena, Pia
Keifer as Pumbaa, Jack Soanes as Simba, Melanie Wenger as Nala, and Tom
Dacre as Scar who acted extremely well.
Another bravo went to Sara Thomson who amused the
audience with her cute, funny, but natural portrayal of Timon. Meanwhile
Masahiro Wakata (Bacon) as Mufasa projected his roar with his thundering
voice.
Staff deserves much
credit for the creation of more than 80 costumes, puppet masks and
animals.
Many people gave comments on the props. But while it
looked as though the props and costumes must have been imported at great
expense, they were actually the result of some extraordinary efforts by
staff. They deserve much credit for creating more than 80 costumes,
puppet masks and animals.
The sponsors were overwhelmed and promised to help
out more next year as their support was an integral part of the show’s
success. REPS wishes to thank the following Gold Sponsors: I.H.E.C.
Thailand, Learning Tree Co., Ltd., Warissara Village, Banchang, Welvaart
Engineering, Florida Entertainment, Mahaburapha Loan, Brain and Art
Learning Center, U-Smile Kids, Ayudhya Allianz C.P. and USANA & Extreme
Vision Engineering.
Overall, it was truly an amazing night with an array
of not just the talents on show but the people working behind the scenes
as well. A huge thanks for a job well done and for putting the vision
into action; to the director Ms. Amy De Nobrega, producer Mr. Dominic
Halliday and the entire REPS teachers. The crowd stayed on for a photo
shoot with the cast and was left in eager anticipation of bringing the
whole production to a larger audience. Will that ever be?
Director Amy De Nobrega
and Producer Dominic Halliday coaching the cast during rehearsal.
Director Amy De Nobrega
(right) poses with these talented young actresses in the play from left:
Heidel Quiwa as young Nala, Senny Soanes as Zazu, Maria Hannal Quiwa as
Rafiki, Sara Thomson as the Tim.
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