Nineteen year old Jakpan has been attending a boarding school here in Pattaya since he was three and a half years of age.
Like most students he has learned to read, write and use a computer. He also swims like a fish, likes to play futsal, is a member of the school athletics team, has entered the Pattaya Marathon several times and until recently was also in the school orchestra; nowadays he prefers to sing.
Jakpan has been blind since birth. As a toddler his eyelids were sewn shut to conceal his eyes, but his lack of sight has not stopped this young man achieving what he wants. Lack of sight does not stop any of the blind and visually impaired students at the Pattaya School for the Blind from leading as normal a life as possible.
Recently, Jakpan joined together with his fellow students for the annual Wai Khru ceremony; the day the students pay their respects to the directors, managers and teachers at the school.
This ceremony is usually performed on a chosen Thursday in June, but a full schedule meant it would have to take place in July.
Students present gifts to the local government officer.
Attending the ceremony as guest of honour was a representative from the Chonburi government office for special education, and many friends, benefactors and supporters were also attended.
For over twenty-five years the Pattaya School for the Blind has provided appropriate education for more than five hundred toddlers, children and teenagers. More information about the school can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email [email protected]
Jakpan as a three year old.
Jakpan gets ready to present his gift to his teachers.
The local branch of the Thai Red Cross made a donation to the school.
Three of the younger students at the school.
