Education & Health for 2,500 in Bangkok Slum

Message from the Director

The Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation – Thailand (CWEFT) extends heartfelt condolences to those affected by the recent earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar. We thank God for the safety of those under our care and remain committed to disaster preparedness, resilience, and unity in aiding victims.

We deeply appreciate your donations, which provide vulnerable children in Thailand with safe spaces, essential skills, and opportunities for growth in God's grace. It is an honor to share His love and good news as we strive to bring hope and healing.

Yours sincerely, 

Ms. Oratai Dang Thaweesin,

Executive Director, CWEFT

Concordia Day Care and Community Center (CDCC)

Concordia Center in Bangkok operates Monday to Saturday, aiding 24-32 children and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. It supports children with health and learning challenges through programs like an Early Childhood Center (ages 2-5), Saturday tutoring (ages 6-12), and art therapy. The center also provides essential supplies to elderly individuals with chronic illnesses and no family support.

Special Activities for Children's Day and Valentine's Day

On National Children's Day, we provide plaster painting materials to promote artistic activities. This enhances fine motor skills, creativity, self-confidence, communication, and stress relief, while supporting children's overall mental, emotional, and social growth.

Saturday Supplementary Teaching Program

Concordia Children's Home addresses challenges faced by children transitioning from daycare to school, offering academic support from kindergarten to primary levels. The program includes life skills training and awareness of human trafficking risks. A breakfast initiative ensures children start the day with nourishment, followed  by Bible teachings for daily guidance. Guest speakers and volunteers regularly enhance educational efforts, improving the quality of life for the forty-six children attending Saturday classes.

Art Therapy Program

Children and youth often face emotional challenges, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds with limited access to creative outlets. Art therapy classes provide a valuable space for creative expression, helping students focus, develop concentration, and think creatively. These sessions foster self-discovery, a sense of achievement, and stress relief. This year, the program expanded to include Grades 2 and 3, with thirty-eight children enrolled.

Assistance Program for a Student's Fire-Damaged Home

In January, a house fire in the Yaem Suan community displaced a Grade 2 student and their family, who relocated to the grandmother’s home. The single mother, with an unstable income, is pregnant and recently remarried, while the grandmother sells flowers to make a living. After assessing their situation, Concordia Children's Home provided essential supplies, including food, school uniforms, and kitchenware, and coordinated long-term support. Donations also funded repairs to their temporary home and financial aid for the mother's livelihood and the child's education, helping the family rebuild their lives.

Fire Safety and Basic Firefighting Training Program

On March 19, 2025, Concordia Children's Home partnered with the Bang Na District Civil Defense Volunteer Center to conduct fire safety training, covering firefighting basics, prevention, and an evacuation drill for children and staff.

The training enhanced fire preparedness for children, students, and staff, offering practical skills and confidence. Participants were encouraged to share their knowledge with parents, promoting fire prevention at home and in their communities.

Parental Training Program on Epilepsy Prevention and Caregiver Health

On March 21, 2025, Concordia Daycare Center hosted a training session on child health and epilepsy prevention, led by Nurse Muay, an expert in holistic healthcare. In collaboration with Teacher Ying, Concordia Children's Home guided parents on managing fevers, epilepsy, and related concerns, along with stress management and emotional well-being. The program emphasized the impact of caregivers' emotional health, early illness management, and preventing domestic violence to foster a supportive home environment and reduce negative effects on children.

Testimonies

Nong A (Alias)

Nong A fled from Myanmar due to economic hardship and ongoing conflicts in the country. His family sought refuge in Thailand, where his father found work as a gardener, and his mother worked as a daily-wage laborer.

Concordia Children's Home stepped in to support Nong A by providing daytime care while his parents were at work. This ensured he was not left to roam unsafe streets or markets. Through this support, he received developmental care that enhanced both his physical and cognitive abilities, preparing him to enroll in a public school.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Nong A now has access to education, can read and write, and no longer faces the risk of being homeless. His family has renewed hope and motivation to keep striving for a better future. This year, Nong A will begin Grade 1 in primary school.

Ying (Alias)

Ying, a high school student preparing to pursue vocational education, has been part of the Saturday Program for eight years. She consistently attended art therapy classes, which gave her the opportunity to develop her artistic skills.

Her mother, a daily-wage laborer, struggles with financial burdens, making it difficult to afford her education. Ying expressed her gratitude to Concordia Children's Home for giving her the chance to learn. Through the knowledge she gained, she was able to create and sell her artwork online, generating income for her school expenses.

"This opportunity has helped me reduce my mother's burden. I will continue my education and, one day, be able to support my mother in return."

Links:

• CWEFT Newsletter Jan - March 2025