It is a tradition with Lodge Pattaya West Winds (LPWW) to
visit the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, at the institution
these disadvantaged youngsters call home, on Soi 16, Naklua and to bring New
Year cheer and a little joy to the lives of the children.
This
blind child received all the cuddling and warmth from John Hollingsworth who
seemed to know how to care for babies.
The Lodge Brethren came out in full support, led by
incumbent Right Worshipful Master Jonathan Morgan and it certainly was a
moving experience to be among the children, ranging in age from around eight
years up to 16.
As Brother Stan Parsons has said it so many times - and
all LPWW Brethren agree - the children need to feel human communication, not
only from the selfless staff of the Institute, but the extended hands of
friendship of the Lodge Brethren and their families.
The little ones were so excited to receive their gifts,
enjoy a good meal and, of course, the always-popular ice creams provided by
LPWW. In a world that seems to have gone mad, it was, indeed, a delightful
scene as the Lodge Brethren, from the youngest to the oldest, moved around
the tables of the children, distributing ice cream cones, rewarded by the
delighted squeals of the young ones.
As the time came to take leave, it was a group with heavy
hearts who listened to the children sing, with splendid harmonization, Thai
and English versions of “You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine”. One
only needs to reflect on the lyrics of this ageless song rendered by
sightless children, with every Lodge Member and the School staff joining in.
“...You make me happy when skies are gray; you’ll
never know ... how much we love you; Please don’t take ‘our’ Sunshine
away.” The visit was, indeed, a chastening experience which, doubtless,
each and every able-bodied person who walked out of the Institute will carry
until the next visit, while these brave little souls, who have never seen
gray skies or the sunshine they were singing about, return to their world of
permanent darkness.
But, as we returned to our own worlds full of the light
and colour, which we sometimes take for granted, we were re-assured that the
children are in the best possible care.
The school was founded in 1986 by the late Father Ray
Brennan and Aurora Lee Sribuapan. This remarkable lady has guided the school
for many years. Being blind herself, Aurora brought great wisdom to the
Institute, instilling the philosophy that only through education can the
sightless progress.
Aurora herself overcame huge obstacles to earn a
Master’s Degree of Special Education for the Visually Handicapped in the
USA and has spent her life helping others similarly afflicted.
In May, 1992, the school moved to its present location,
with HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn dedicating the new building, comprising four
stories of classrooms, auditorium, dining hall and other vital facilities,
establishing concurrently, the “Barom-Rajgumari Fund for the Blind”,
contributing from her own personal finances for the building, equipment and
other necessities such children require.
Contributions can be made to this Fund or directly to:
The Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, 285/105 Soi 16,
Pattaya-Naklua Road Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Tel:
038-225479, 225963.
Peter
Cummins, Paul Dinessen and Andre Machielsen join the children in singing
‘You are my sunshine’
Michael
Mealyer lovingly puts an ice-cream cone in this boy’s hands.
Michael
Johnston makes sure this girl won’t drop the cone.
Stan
Parsons spends a lot of time caring for the children.
Now
don’t be shy, here’s an ice cream for you.
There
you go, this one’s for you.
Children
try out their newly received toys.
Members
of the lodge and their families with Bro. John Morgan (right front) the
Right Worshipful Master.
Children
and adults alike were enthralled by the “Lion Dance” troupe that visited
St. Andrews as part of the Chinese New Year festivities.
Twanya
in year 2 wrote a beautiful “Spring Sonnet” in Chinese Symbols.
