Report by B. Tuppin
Kao Baisri Centre for Disabled Children located on
Hwy 331 near the crossing with Hwy 332 is a little known facility that
offers care and tuition for children with severe disabilities. These
children are those with Downs Syndrome, Autism and extreme mental and
physical disabilities. The centre began life as an initiative of Khun
Boonchoo [a dedicated teacher of 30 years experience] and was housed in
one room of the Kao Baisri Community School. Word of Khun Boonchoo’s
work with these children soon spread and children from as far as Pattaya
and Rayong were soon finding their way to Kao Baisri Centre.
A future animator.
In 2006 Jesters Care for Kids added a basic lean-to
structure that was to become two new classrooms. Other organisations
contributed equipment and supplies. It soon became clear that the demand
for the service this facility provided had outgrown its current home.
Jesters were enthusiastic about involvement in any
future expansion but there was a problem. The Centre was under the
jurisdiction of District 12 Education Dept. and they had no land. To
solve this problem Khun Boonchoo made a great personal sacrifice and
transferred land owned by her located close to the school to the
education dept.
Learning to climb.
With the land secured Jesters could safely allocate
funds to erect a building. Plans were drawn up for a structure of approx
144 sq metres to include common bedroom, classrooms and separate toilet
facilities to be enclosed behind a 2 metre wall. This plan was presented
to Herrod Foundation who was happy to be involved; others who wanted
their sponsorship directed to this project were Club Nevada, Mike
Koerner, and Lolita’s Pattaya.
The Sint Josef Church Zaandam Holland forwarded funds
to be used at our discretion to supply furnishings and equipment. The
total funding has been B820,000 but should additional items be required
they will be supplied willingly.
The project while not quite complete [landscaping and
beautification are continuing] is already fully functional, with extra
teaching staff from District 12 already allocated to the centre. This
project has not been completed without hiccups along the way but the end
result is most satisfying. I applaud the dedication of Khun Boonchoo and
her staff and the generosity of the Jesters Care for Kids sponsors in
making it all possible and am proud to have been a part of the project.
Khun Boonchoo directs traffic.
Making polishing cloths.
Learning to walk.
The start of the project.
Khun Boonchoo on the left.
The director and students help out.
The building inspector arrives.
Start of the gardens.
