Send 70 At-risk Children to School in Thailand

The last week of October we opened our doors again for the start of the school second semester this year for our Half Day School students. After the three weeks break, students were glad to be returning to the shaded schoolrooms and reunite with their friends. At DEPDC we maintain the philosophy that every student we take in will be given knowledge, love, and cared for on our grounds. They come to school knowing that DEPDC is a safe place for them to be. Part of that commitment on our part includes providing them with nutritious lunches to fill their bellies and fuel their bodies. Thanks to your donations and continued support, we were able to start another school year keeping that promise. The students have enjoyed tasty, nutritional, vegetarian meals everyday this semester.  

A Visit From former students and Thai Volunteer

There is nothing sweeter than seeing our sons and daughters who have graduated return home for a visit. This semester, we were lucky to have more than 10 of our graduated children along with an old, beloved staff and intern member return to the Half Day School with donations in tow. Our dear friends came with stationary, eggs, dried goods, and condiments to donate for the children. To the kids delight, they also came with snack, milk and ice with syrup. A satisfying cool treat for a warm Thai afternoon. The students gathered to hear about the experiences of the HDS alumni and their memories of their time at DEPDC. They left the students with encouragement to continue their studies and grown in body, mind, and heart. 

We sincerely thank you for all of your support. If you’d like more frequent updates and ideas in our daily life, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or read our weekly blog on our website.

The slight dip in temperatures and thickening air foreshadows the coming rains and marks the passing of another 3 months at DEPDC.  Since we last checked in, the Half Day School has opened its doors again, welcoming back our beloved students.  The students were excited to traipse through their classroom doors, eager to share the tales of their summer and reunite with friends.  The onset of the school year coincides with the returning rains, but the daily downpours bring reprieve from the pressing heat and revive the wilted vegetation.  Through Global Giving and your generous contributions, we are now gearing up to greet 50 at-risk children on the first day of school.  Let’s take a look at what we’ve done these past 3 months.

 Friends Came to Town!

On June 12, we received a visit from a group of university students from Edinboro University in northwestern Pennsylvania, USA.  The visiting group was comprised of masters students studying Art Therapy.  Meeting with the kids, the group led sessions on making paper dolls, drawing, and other art methods to reduce stress.  The students particularly enjoyed painting on the school’s walls and tye-dying shirts.

This visit was a welcomed reprieve for our students, who enjoyed the 12 days of to relax and invest in their mental wellbeing.  At DEPDC we believe in helping our children grow in all forms of their life, including mental and emotional health.  With the often serious subject matter being taught, a time for artistic enjoyment was much welcomed.

Thank you Edinboro University for joining us and providing us with such a fun and relaxing experience.  We miss our friends and we look forward to seeing you again! 

A huge thank you! 

The teachers, students, and staff at DEPDC would like to extend our gratitude for the support of our mission.  Your generous support enables us to open our doors to the spirited children that scamper throughout our hallways.  Every day they race into our school rooms we further our goal of eliminating human trafficking.  Without people like you, we could not continue to function as a community-centered organization, operating in the regions that need us the most.