Derek Franklin
A talent is not a privilege of the privileged. A person from a disadvantaged
background with a talent for education, sports or the arts will only realize
their ability if they are given the right opportunity.
A masterpiece.
Children living at the various projects managed by the
Father Ray Foundation are given time to take up a hobby and if someone shows
a talent they are encouraged to pursue their interests.
Several residents have shown they are so talented in painting they have been
commissioned to produce paintings and many works have been sold at different
auctions in Pattaya.
Seeing the level of professionalism in the art of
children living at the Father Ray Children’s Home several students from the
Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok came up with an idea of selling
Christmas cards which were designed by the children.
While the children were making their designs the Bangkok students contacted
companies throughout Thailand and asked them to sponsor the printing of the
cards, with the promise that their company’s logo would appear on each card.
Even the teachers got
involved.
So popular were the finished designs the first batch sold out within days.
Working overtime the print shop produced thousands of cards which saw them
being sent all over the world.
Several companies were so impressed with the collaboration between the
Bangkok students and the Pattaya residents they made additional donations.
Father Peter accepts the
cheque from the Bangkok students.
On the first Sunday of the school holidays the children
of the Father Ray Foundation gathered together for a day of arts and crafts.
More than two hundred children, from two years of age to those in their late
teens, painted on canvases, decorated sculptures and learned new skills.
At the same time the students from Ruamrudee International School traveled
down to Pattaya to present to the Father Ray Foundation the proceeds of the
sale of the Christmas cards. A cheque for 1,000,000 baht was presented to
Father Peter, president of the Father Ray Foundation, who declared the money
will be used to provide a space where the children can practice their
hobbies and interests.
More information can be found at
www.fr-ray.org or email
[email protected]
How much for this masterpiece.
Pink seemed to be the
favourite colour of the day.
The blind students showed
their beading skills.
The children with special
needs joined in the fun.
The girls from the Drop-In
Center showed a lot of talent.
