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I.S.C. students celebrate traditional Songkran
Linden Phanpho
Songkran is a celebration that gives students at international schools the
opportunity to become more aware of the wonderful culture of our host
country.
International School of Chonburi students learned about some of the
traditions of Songkran from the Thai staff and were then able to celebrate
in a more traditional way.
In the morning they decorated the sand chedi with multi coloured paper
flags. In the olden days, people carried sand out of the temples on the
soles of their shoes. To make up for this, sand was given back to temples,
shaped into chedis and decorated before it was used for construction
purposes. The more colour the better, hence the flags.
The next part of the celebration was the water pouring ceremony. The
students paid their respects to their teachers and teaching assistants by
pouring water on their hands. From the youngest 2 year olds to the Year 3
students, they were a picture of concentration and received good wishes for
their efforts.
The highlight of the morning was the water throwing. Students “gently” threw
water on hands, arms or shoulders to wash away any bad luck and make sure
that they were starting the new Thai year well.
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Make-A-Wish Thailand celebrates
World Wish Day on 29 April 2014
April 29th is World Wish Day®, marking the day that Chris
Greicius received his wish to be a police officer, inspiring the creation of
Make-A-Wish and its global wish granting mission. Since Chris’s wish in 1980,
more than 310,000 children around the world have had their one-true-wish granted
by Make-A-Wish.
Make-A-Wish is a truly heartfelt children’s wish granting charity. The United
Nations accredited global organization organizes wishes in 36 countries through
48 offices on 5 continents. Thailand is a relatively new enthusiastic since
2011. The Make-A-Wish Foundation Thailand is presided by Khunying Dhipavadee
Meksawan and Nunthinee Tanner, supported by a team of enthusiastic specialists
and volunteers.
With World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish hopes to raise the awareness and funds for
children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. World Wish
Day has grown into a global phenomenon that sprouts the enthusiasm of thousands
of people around the world.
The World Wish Day usually starts with ringing opening bells at stock markets
around the world. The Time Square Billboard in New York displays world wish
stories. Fountains and buildings are lit up in Make-A-Wish colors. Special menus
and cocktails are design to serve visitors at restaurants and hotels. Justin
Bieber, Michael Jordan, John Cena and other celebrities excite children in the
World Wish Day celebration with their appearances. All around the world special
events and activities are organized and wishes are granted. Make-A-Wish Thailand
invites you for a World Wish Day celebration on 29 April in Benjasiri Park, next
to Emporium on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, organizing exciting children’s
activities.
Relatively unimportant wishes positively impact the lives of children around the
world. Children who battle the challenge of life-threatening medical conditions
receive a time of hope after their one-true-wish has been approved, which
changes the lives of children and families with strength and joy. This
one-true-wish strengthens also the lives of people who make the wish come true.
Thailand’ Make-A-Wish has granted remarkable wishes through sustainable
partnerships, celebrity and volunteer support. The first Thailand wish, “I wish
to meet Barbie”, was kicked off for the 7-year-old Pakrom. Other wishes came
true in Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Recently, the Make-A-Wish Foundation
granted 5 children a wish to meet their Thai idol and actress Yaya.
To make all these remarkable wishes come true, our valuable partners fulfill a
crucial role in wish development and granting, providing the necessary hardware,
resources, infrastructure, teams, services and funds. To support these corporate
organizations with clear objectives, Make-A-Wish has created an exciting
business workshop that inspired company teams compete to raise funds, develop
and execute an unforgettable wish where the employees play a crucial role. Other
initiatives include the Adopt-A-Wish Program where one or multiple wishes can be
adopted, or simply visit www.worldwish.org to donate to the Make-A-Wish of
choice.
Come celebrate World Wish Day, 29 April in Benjasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road with
us. Definitely recommended is to like or follow this great foundation on www.
facebook .com/thailandmakeawish or www.twitter.com/makeawishthai. It is a great
start following the heartfelt stories told there.
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