Loving families for orphans in Thailand

It started with a field trip.

Mr. Thong Nam - a social worker at the Mahamek Home for Boys - wanted children from the home to learn about the craft traditions in their community, so he took the boys on a day trip to a floating city called Baan Nam Phuek.

Baan Nam Phuek is one of Bangkok’s famous floating markets, where entire communities live and work on the water. This city sub-district is located right outside Bangkok, between the city skyline on one horizon and a large jungle on the other.

The leader of Baan Nam Phuek noticed the large group of boys during their field trip. He could tell that they were different than the boys living in his community, and he asked what their story was. Thong Nam told the community leader about the orphanage the boys lived in, and the leader asked how he could help them.

Thong Nam began to speak about starting a foster care programme, and the leader immediately volunteered his community. In January, the partnership was finalized, and the Care for Children Southeast Asia manager, Thomas Abbott, had the great privilege of participating in this launch.

One of the most exciting things about this partnership is how indirectly Care for Children staff were involved. Our staff was invited to participate ceremonially, but these boys are going to foster homes because of an independent interaction between local Thai leaders.

We are thrilled to witness locals having the confidence and initiative to launch foster care programmes in their community as a result of our training, without any direct influence from us.

Your support has equipped the Thai people to begin programmes and partnerships of their own. You have created independence and sustainability for the entire community, and this year twelve boys will find a new life in the floating city, complete with foster parents who care for them.

Thank you for all your support.