UN Disability Award presented to Thailand

May open door for additional assistance and acceptance

This past July, the United Nations recognized Thailand’s efforts in assisting disabled persons around the country, and during HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s visit to the U.S., the Princess was presented the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Disability Award for Thailand from U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

On August 19, Jamlong Krutkuntode, the deputy minister of education, accompanied by Chonburi governor Sujarit Pachimnan and the deputy director of the vocational education department, Mrs. Sineenat Silapajan were at the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School for the Disabled with the school director Fr. Patrick R. Morrissy. The group assembled to conduct a signing ceremony agreeing to provide mutual educational assistance for the disabled.

Deputy minister of education Jamlong Krutkuntode (2nd left) presents educational materials and equipment to the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School for the Disabled with the school directors, Fr. Patrick R. Morrissy and Fr. Pichan Chaiseri accepting the items. The deputy director of the vocational education department Mrs. Sineenat Silapajan is also pictured (far left).

The agreement was dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the recent honor of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Disability Award being bestowed on Thailand. The occasion also celebrated the vocational education department’s 60th anniversary.

During a CNN interview on July 5, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn expressed the Royal Family’s concern for the disabled and the hope that the award would make not only Thailand but also the rest of the world more aware of problems people with disabilities must face daily.

“There are many people who need special help. For example, they can not see clearly, cannot hear clearly, but if they can be helped a little bit further they can do all the things other people do and they can be part of the human resource that develops the country,” the Princess said.

Secretary general Annan said Thailand had adopted, “Innovative policies that will go a long way towards creating a society in which persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunity, including their right to employment”.

Thailand worked closely with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to raise awareness of disability issues. This led to the special award, which was first presented to Korea just a few years ago. Canada was the second recipient.

The co-operation between the Vocational Educational Department and the Redemptorist Development Foundation for Disabled Persons comes under a special educational support project between the Phan Thong Professional College from Chonburi and the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School for the Disabled. The combined effort is developing a core curriculum specifically for the disabled at the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School and includes providing teachers for subjects related to electronics, computers and secretarial work. The next semester begins in January 2002, with 164 students attending courses in the three subject areas.

Half a century ago, the Nern Plab Wan School on Moo 5, Nong Prue opened its doors to students. Recently, the school received a new addition.

Students will enjoy the extra space provided by an additional 15 classrooms in the new part of the Nern Plab Wan School.

On August 17th teachers, students and parents assembled as Sonthaya Khunpluem, the minister of science, technology and environment presented commendations to those who contributed to the completion of the new classrooms. Then Minister Sonthaya presided over an opening ceremony which named the addition ‘The 50 Year Anniversary Building”.

Pattaya’s mayor, the district chief, an MP from constituency 6, the provincial director of primary education, and a group of Islamic religious leaders from nearby communities also attended the ceremony.

The school has 1,095 students, mostly Muslims who attend kindergarten and primary grades. Expanding enrolment demanded added space. The 3 story building added 15 classrooms and the extra land was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Kaewsuwan.