Step Into My World Saturday: Northern Thailand

For those of you who are Compassion sponsors, you may have noticed that on your online account, there is a photo slideshow showing typical scenes from the areas that your children live in. If you click on that slideshow, it takes you to a detailed page that tells a ton more information about this area, including facts about the customs, meals, education, and even biggest challenges of this area

I have decided to summarize some of the things on these pages. I plan to post about one area every Saturday. Believe it or not (you probably can believe it when you see all my kids on the side panel) that I have kids in enough areas to last me, posting once a week, until the end of December. For some of you with kids in these areas, you have probably already seen this information and the photos that go along with it. If that's the case, I'm sorry for the repitition. But, for those of you that don't have kids in these areas, I hope this can be a learning experience. Let's learn about the world together, shall we? 

At the end of each post, I will also be posting children from the website, that are from the area that I write about, that are waiting for a sponsor. 

With that long introduction, I will begin with Northern Thailand. I have two children in this region: 

Rujikorn and Fongwin

In Northern Thailand, Compassion works in and around the cities of Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Mai. 

Many of the people living in this area are refugees from bordering countries, especially Myanmar. Families in this area are typically not citizens and are looked down upon by Thai citizens. The biggest group of non-citizens in this area make up the Karen Tribe. This tribe originated in Myanmar and migrate into Thailand. However, because they are not considered citizens, they often are denied a quality education and good jobs. These people rely mostly on farming to survive. 

The education that is available in this part of the country is very poor. Teachers often travel from the big cities only 1-2 times a week to teach lessons to these children. Schools in this area often only run until the 6th grade. If students wish to continue in their schooling, their families must move to one of the big cities, which is often impossible, financially, for families. In the cases of there being no teachers present or older children not having a school to attend, Compassion has stepped up to provide tutors and quality education to the children. 

Homes in this area are typically made out of bamboo with thatched roofs. Bamboo is a very strong material, so homes are often sturdy. However, thatched roofs do not do a very good job at keeping out the rain, which falls frequently in this area of Thailand. Homes are built raised off the ground, to protect them from floods in the rainy season. Homes are often small, with just one room that serves as living area, kitchen, and bedroom, depending on the time of day. Large families share this small space together. 

Compassion is certainly at work in these areas. Children attend the project for at least 6 hours a week. This can vary for younger or older children. During their time at the project, children are provided with nutritious meals that they are, most likely, not receiving at home. After eating, the children are given time to just be kids. There is time for art activities, games, story telling, and music. Children are sorted into groups by age and given time to socialize in a safe environment. 

Compassion also works through a local church, which partners with Compassion, to teach the children about the bible, about Jesus, and how to pray. Children are taught that, with Jesus's help, poverty does not have to define who they will be in the future. 

One of the biggest issues in this area is Child Endangerment. Since many children stop attending school in 6th grade (about age 12), they become prime targets for child labor and child trafficking. Many teens often get involved with drugs and alcohol. Compassion is working to lead these children into a more positive life. Can you please be in prayer about that? 

Here are two children from Northern Thailand who are currently waiting for a sponsor. Would you open your heart and family to one of these precious children? 

Sweet Chutipon was sponsored!

Sutthida has also been sponsored!