Pattaya’s Orphanage Welcomes Support

IF YOU LIKE CHILDREN AND WANT TO GIVE BACK WHEN YOU ARE ENJOYING A VACATION AND BE A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST, THE PATTAYA ORPHANAGE WILL WELCOME YOU.

When travelling, vacationers often want to help the people in whose country they are having such a good time. They are touched by the circumstances of people who have far less than they do and want to help in an effective manner.

HELP RESPONSIBLY

G Adventures, the first global travel company to be officially Childsafe Certified, states that taking selfies with children, geo-tagging their location on social media, visiting school classrooms, and giving money and gifts directly to children are all potentially harmful activities well-meaning travellers need to stop doing. So, what can you do?

In Pattaya, the Children’s Home Foundation Pattaya, or better known as the Pattaya Orphanage, welcomes you, your participation and your donations. Since 1974, when the orphanage was founded by Father Ray Brennan, they have been taking in children, raising and educating them until they move out on their own. It is home to 160 – 170 children, many of whom have been living at the orphanage since they were babies. At any one time, there are some 50 babies; but in late 2018 the number went up to over 60. Most of them are normal but there are some that are deaf or have disabilities.

ACCEPTING CHILDREN

The Orphanage accepts children under six years old from families unable to take care of them. “There are many reasons why parents leave their children with us,” says Ms Siriphen Limsirikul (Ah) Assistant Director, International Relations. “Thailand doesn’t have the same level of social service that is available in some other countries, so if parents of a newborn have no money to care for the baby, or the mother has no family support, or a job that doesn’t allow her time for a child, then we will take care of the children.”

The children are raised in a loving and caring environment by well-trained nurses and nannies, providing their help and care 24 hours a day. The youngest ones are in the babies’ and toddlers’ rooms while children between four and six attend the orphanage’s preschool. Older children go to private or public schools and eventually graduate and go to university. Some take vocational training. Until the children are able to care for themselves, they are supported by the Orphanage. Support given by the government includes public schooling and free medication at state hospitals that all children in Thailand can receive.

Ah says volunteers can apply to help preschoolers in classes where early childhood education in computers, Thai, English and crafts is provided. During school holidays the older children receive extra classes at the Orphanage in these subjects. “You can help keep the smiles on their faces,” says Ah, “by making a contribution at the Orphanage and by visiting us and showing the children and staff that there are people who care. You can also help by letting others know what can be done by concerned people.”

Donating useful items in good condition that will better the children’s lives and sponsoring a meal or a donation of food (rice in particular) are also welcome. B2500 will buy lunch on a school day.

ADOPTION

For over 30 years Pattaya Orphanage has been arranging adoptions. Ah says the majority of the children have moved to Germany and Denmark, while others have gone to France, Italy, Switzerland, and USA. “The adoption process is a long one,” Ah notes. “These are our children and we want to make sure they go to the right home. It can take several years before applicants are accepted and the couple is eventually allowed to come and pick up their children.”

DONATIONS

Issuing a cheque for the ‘Pattaya Orphanage Foundation,’ or make the bank transfer to the Savings Account of ‘Pattaya Orphanage Foundation’ at the Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, Banglamung Branch, A/C No. 342-0-96666-9. Swift Code BKKBTHBK.

Paypal Account: “donation@thepattayaorphanage.org”