The Ban Jing Jai orphanage announced plans to build a new shelter in Nong Plalai once it collects about 18 million baht in funding.
Ban Jing Jai Foundation Director Piangta Chumnoi and a building committee chaired by Hans K. Nyvoll unveiled the project to potential sponsors at a press conference held on October 15 at the Linda Restaurant on Thappraya Road near Jomtien Beach.
Piangta said, “Since its inception in 1997 the Baan Jing Jai Children’s Home has grown in size and now occupies three old buildings that house over 80 orphaned and abandoned children ranging from 1 to 19 years of age. Late 2010 saw the beginnings of a project to construct a purpose designed facility to accommodate some 100 plus children of similar age ranges.
Committee members announce the Ban Jing Jai project at a press conference in the middle of October.
“The first step was to turn what started as a well meant effort to look after a few helpless children into a fully fledged Charitable Foundation, which was finalized in February 2011 as the Baan Jing Jai Children’s Home Charitable Foundation, with a management of six to oversee the day to day management of the home.”
She went on to say that, “A suitable site for the home, comprising approximately 4.2 rai (6,750 sq.m.) was identified and the purchase completed in March 2011 with monies previously collected for that purpose together with a bridging loan. The site is situated approximately 1 km from the junction at the School of the Regents just off Highway 7.”
Plans have been prepared by experienced locally based overseas architects, free of charge, to provide an initial building containing bedrooms for 40 boys and 40 girls, a 20 cot nursery, First Aid Room, Library, Art Room, Music Room, and Leisure Room together with offices, kitchen and maintenance areas and ancillary rooms, covering an area of some 1350 sq.m. In addition there is space for a large playground area and gardens.
A committee has been established to organize and raise the funds required to build the new home and oversee the construction process and is completely independent from the day to day fund-raising operation of the home which continues as usual. The initial fund-raising for the project has already started. It is hoped that the building project will commence before the end of 2012.
It is envisaged that companies and individuals will donate according to their means either into the general building fund or by selecting a particular part of the project. If a donor wishes, the part of the project funded by them can be designated with a name board as requested. All major contributors will be recognized in a central location at the home.
Construction costs are estimated at 18.5 million baht, but the foundation has to date only collected about 1.12 million baht and is actively seeking donations. Those interested in helping can contact Mrs. Piangta at 084-614-4389 or Gudmund Eiksund, e-mail: gudmund_eiksund @baanjingjai.org
Baan Jing Jai Office is located at 82/1 Moo. 6 Nongprue, Banglamung Chonburi. Tel. 038-730-125, 084-6144-389, 089-6787-041 or visit their website www.baanjingjai.org
The next fundraising event, the Baan Jing Jai Christmas Santa Scramble, will be held on December 2 at the Pattana Golf Club. To sign up, contact Stephen Beard at the Haven Hotel on Soi 13, email <[email protected]>
