The Ban Pong Saked School in the rural district of Khao
Mai Kaew recently stepped into the digital age with a brand-new, fully
fledged computer room provided by the Pattaya Sports Club (PSC).
The school educates 297 children from kindergarten up to
Mor 3 (third year of High School or Grade 9) and was the beneficiary of one
of the PSC’s many educational projects. Charity chairman Bernie Tuppin,
and club secretary George Bennison both paid a visit to the school for the
official handover of the new facility.
Bernie
Tuppin, PSC charity chairman is presented with the official documentation
for the new computer room project at the Pong Saked School, Khao Mai Kaew by
Suthep Chittayaong, director of the educational office Chonburi region 3.
Teachers and students lined up to thank their benefactors
for providing such a valuable resource. Suthep Chittayawong, director of the
Educational Office Region 3 Chonburi thanked the Pattaya Sports Club for the
generous contribution, saying it will definitely be put to good use and will
afford the children better educational opportunities.
Students
at work while benefactors and education officials watch their progress.
Computer teacher, Suchada said that currently students in
year M1 and M2 are involved in the curriculum. An Internet connection has
just been established but is currently used for official communication with
a view to introduce the students to the information superhighway in the
future.
Students involved in the program were happy that they can
now learn more about computers and their use in day-to-day learning
activities.
Bernie Tuppin explained, “For this particular project
we (the PSC) funded the purchase of five computers and their peripherals,
eleven computer desks and built the partition in what was once was an open
area.”
“We try and seek community involvement wherever
possible, and as in this case, the computer project will contribute greatly
to the students’ education. The Pattaya Sports Club is doing a great job
in the community and I feel privileged to help the children,” Bernie said.
Bernie added that when the regional education office
approaches him, he investigates the case to see if the need is real and then
works out the finer details with the principal and the executive committee.
“We really try to make the baht go further and make
sure that money is not wasted,” said Bernie.
In the regional educational system Bernie liaises with
Mayuree Yanpayaom, secretary to the director of the Educational Office
Region 3 Chonburi.
“The Educational Office has 148 schools in Sriracha,
Banglamung, and Sattahip. The Pattaya Sports Club has helped this school
previously by providing sporting equipment, and now this computer
project,” said Mayuree.
Bernie added, “We intend to inject around 600,000 baht
into regional education this year. We provide scholarships and daily lunch
programs, both in association with the YWCA and special projects like this.
I think it’s important to focus on education, particularly at the
elementary level, so the future of society can benefit in the long term.
More projects by the Pattaya Sports Club are planned through the year, with
the next being a major renovation of a local school, but more on that
later.”
Each school receives an annual budget of approximately
1,100 baht per child in elementary levels and 1,800 baht per head annually
for secondary students. The funds are used to purchase educational equipment
and other necessities, leaving little left to improve the quality of
education. It is only through the activities of charity organizations such
as the Pattaya Sports Club that these children are able to look forward to a
brighter future, academically and in the sporting world through donations of
sports equipment.
