At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14, a delegation of members and friends of RC Eastern Seaboard (RCES) left Pattaya for a trip to Krasang in Buriram province. In Krasang we first visited the two schools that received a Drinking Water Installation through our Club in February and July this year.
This time we gave all school kids a water container to have safe drinking water with them at all times. Some 300 kids at the first school eagerly awaited the special lunch donated by RCES. Seeing so many happy faces was a joy to us all. They thanked us for the food and the water containers, and also (of course) for the sweets that we ha given them! RCES President Steve Ryser presented the Director of the School some CDs with our Interactive Thai-English Language Course.
We then went to the second school where more than 200 kids waited for us. We distributed noodle soup packs, soft drinks, sweets and, of course, the much-desired water containers with carry strap and printed with the Thai alphabet and numbers. The kids thanked us very much for all the goodies that they had received. Here too, President Steve presented Thai-English Courses to the School’s Director as part of an international Rotary project that we carry out with RC Bergheim in Germany.
In the evening we were invited for a relaxed barbeque in the beautiful garden of the home of Rotarians Nit and Peter Rottman. Much to our surprise, Nit had arranged a great local band that performed typical Isaan music. It was simply outstanding!
Thank you very much, Nit and Peter for your kind generosity and great hospitality!
| Wednesday November 14, 2007: Presention of Drinking Water Containers at Ban Soong Nern School |
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| Wednesday November 14, 2007: Presention of Drinking Water Containers at Ban Rak Don Thai School |
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| Wednesday evening November 14, 2007: Relaxed barbeque in the beautiful garden of Nit and Peter Rottmann |
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The next morning we met our Rotary District Governor Dr. Arnon Chairajavala at the largest school in Krasang that has more than 2,000 pupils. We were also joined by Khun Thitipong Piroon, Buriram’s Provincial Director of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport , Tourist Police Chief Pol.S.Sgt.Maj.Seree Sura and RC Krasang-Buriram’s President Thongdee.
It was a great honour that Dr Arnon formally made Nitaya Rottmann our newest Club member by giving her a Rotary pin.
After this ceremony, Dr Arnon, accompanied by members of our Sister Club of Krasang and the delegation of RC Eastern Seaboard, presented 50 annual scholarships to needy pupils of the school. This presentation is part of a 3-year international Rotary project for 190 children of RC Krasang & RC Eastern Seaboard with RC Southborough of Rotary District 7910 in Massachusetts, USA.
Later we visited several children and adults who receive a food package from us each month. Little Surapon surprised us by showing how well he can climb stairs! Colleagues Mieke and Hans give his mother some money from friends. Poor Paeh, fully disabled and blind, needs special food and care. Fourteen-year old Nok gets money from Karin Nyman. Grandma Hon Toknam (84 yrs) is always pleased to see us! Khun Boonchert Somon receives his monthly food package.This father of 4 children is disabled as a result of a work-related accident. HIV-positive Montira (4 yrs) gets her pack.
In the evening we had a Fellowship Party with the Rotary Club of Surin. Exchange of Club banners …
and a group photo in witness of the event.
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Thursday November 15, 2007: Dr Arnon formally made Nitaya Rottmann our newest Club member and handing over of 50 annual scholarships to needy pupils of the Bigest School in Krasang. |
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| Thursday November 15, 2007: Visit to several children and adults who receive a food package from us each month |
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| Thursday evening November 15, 2007: Fellowship Party with the Rotary Club of Surin |
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On Friday and Saturday we visited Surin’s famous Elephant Festival, held each year around this time with hundreds of elephants ....
Witnessing the feeding of elephants was very impressive! An adult elephant needs about 200 kilos of food per day! We all enjoyed riding the beasts! Fun and games the next morning at the impressive Elephants Show.
On Friday evening we enjoyed a fantastic sound and light show, about the story from Isaan.
| Friday and Saturday November 16 & 17, 2007: We visited Surin’s famous Elephant Festival |
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| Friday evening November 16, 2007: Another highlight, the Light and Sound Show |
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