Human Development Foundation
Country : Thailand
Description:
Pictured above is new G4G-funded outdoor sala of the learning centre for for the Boys’ Farm.
LATEST UPDATE – May 2012
As the extension to the boys’ accommodation and the learning centre were successfully completed, within the budget and total raised, we are waiting for project plans to be proposed by HDF for the remaining $4k.
UPDATE – April 2012
The Face of Mercy
You can view the article here. Please be a little patient – it may take a minute to download. Also, there’s some strong language, but that’s just the great character that is Father Joe!
Great news! All work has been completed to the boys’ farm within budget and the final payments have been made. We are awaiting the HDF’s proposal for the remaining funds and will keep you updated as son as a further project is approved.
Check out the latest update and incredible statistics from HDF – click here for HDF newsletter
UPDATE – October 2011
The whole of Bangkok is currently struggling under flood waters and the HDF’s Mercy Centre is not exempt. Father Joe has vowed that the schools will not close, as the slum children’s education is so important, but he has sent an urgent appeal to all supporters to help in whatever way they can. Please go to their website to read the latest http://www.mercycentre.org/
UPDATE – September 2011
Building progress continues in Thailand with the extension of all the residential accommodation for the boys’ farm outside Bangkok. The above image shows just one of the many houses being extended by the HDF to allow double the number of boys to spend time at the farm, learning the skills involved in farming, so that they are less likely to return to the streets of Bangkok. The wonderful work continues.
UPDATE – July 2011
We have received an update from HDF with a few pictures showing the progress of Stage 1. These were taken by a Rotary representative who was asked (as an independant observer) to come by to see the first phase of construction on the farm. They are working on the expansion for now; the learning center will be constructed later. The Rotary representative will return when the project is 50% complete and report back to Gulf for Good.
They are moving along fast!
UPDATE – June 2011
The Golden Triangle Multi-Challenge 2010 raised just under $30,000 for additional housing at the Human Development Foundation Boys’ Farm.
Rather than building several new cabins for the boys, HDF have decided to use our donation to extend two of the current cabins to 2.5 times their current size. Additionally, they will build an outdoor learning centre in the form of a traditional Thai Sala (a gazebo-like structure with a roof but no internal walls).
We have transferred approx 50% of the budgeted costs to HDF.
UPDATE – February 2011
The US $29,000 raised will be used to build up to 6 new houses at the Home Farm for orphaned boys in the outskirts of Bangkok. This farm is home to over 25 boys aged 8 to 13. These ex-street kids are learning farming as they go to school.
ORIGINAL INFORMATION
The Human Development Foundation has been caring for and educating orphans and street children since 1974, when it opened its first Mercy preschool in the slaughterhouse neighbourhood of the Klong Toey slums.
Since then, by request and as money has allowed, the HDF has built a further 33 schools in Bangkok, with over 4,000 students at any time (2005 figures).
The HDF was supported by the Golden Triangle Multi-Challenge in Northern Thailand in February 2001. Funds raised helped the HDF to renovate one of their orphanges in a joint venture funded by Gulf for Good and VM Materiaux. The girls’ orphanage was extensively renovated, with new plumbing and electrics, tiling, replacement of timbers, full painting, plus the supply of new fixtures and fittings such as beds, bedding, ceiling fans etc.
In 2003, two and a half acres of land were given to the HDF by a local supporter. The land is well out in the country, bordered by a canal full of fish, leading into a river.
HDF wanted to build a house there, a “safe haven” to sleep 25, for weekends and summer. They had already been donated the window and door frames by a willing contractor who also offered to carry out the building work. Gulf for Good funded the building materials through our Great Asian Cycling Challenge in 2005.
Father Joe expresses it best in his own words “This piece of land is a Godsend for us, as we have a place for our children to run wild – to learn of the country – to fish – to plant trees – veggies – and simply get out of the city – to learn that there is more to the world than Bangkok’s cement streets”.
This project has developed into a farm where, since 2006, twenty-seven boys between the ages of 8 and 13 have been living in the farmhouse. These young ex-street kids are learning farming as they go to school, and simultaneously gaining skills, confidence, self-esteem, and a better understanding of the world around them.
Previously, most of these children felt they had never accomplished anything. They had been abused, abandoned, told they were useless. By every measure, the children’s spirit, drive, and enjoyment of life have improved tremendously since the farm project began.
The farm is turning around their lives, but still requires material construction to meet the HDF’s goals of taking in more children and giving them a fulfilling home life. This expansion and improvement will be supported by the Golden Triangle Challenge to take place in November 2010.
You can also see an excellent sample of what the HDF does in Thailand by watching this video on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFHucS4aEW0
Associated Challenges:
