Summary
In 2002 Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp was established close to Piang Luang on the Thai-Burma border in northern Thailand. It is a close-knit community of over 400 Shan refugees. The camp has several facilities, including a boarding house for displaced Shan children ages four to 18 years old. Some of these children have lost their parents or their parents cannot take care of them due to socio-economic challenges.
The roofs of the boarding house dormitories were originally built with thatch, teak leaves and plastic sheets. In April 2012 heavy rainfall badly damaged the roofs on the boys and girls dormitories. As a result water began leaking into the dormitories and the 19 children had to sleep in wet and unhealthy conditions.
Thanks to one of our generous sponsors we were able to co-fund the renovations of both dormitories, ensuring that the children continued to live in a healthy environment.
Background
The boarding house set up in Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp in Piang Luang has two caretakers and a cook. The team strives to provide a caring alternative to family life for up to 20 vulnerable children.
Over time, the frequent heavy rainfalls and broiling sun in the region severely damaged the structural materials of the boarding house dormitories, leaving them exposed to the elements. Consequently, during rainy periods the children slept very little in the wet conditions and some fell ill. Moreover, their belongings and school materials were constantly at risk of becoming permanently damaged from the damp environment. The greatest concern was the yearly rainy season where the children’s health and safety would be at high risk.
By April 2012, the children’s accommodation had to be restored to provide them with a safe living environment.
Goals and Results
Funds from our sponsor were used to co-sponsor the renovation and repair costs for the dormitories.
Plastic sheets on the girl’s dormitory roof were replaced with more durable materials. In addition, the centre roof post was replaced with a taller post so the rain could run off the roof more easily, and several other posts and walls were repaired.
The renovations and repairs ensured that the boarding house’s 19 children could stay in a healthy, dry environment, and that they would not be troubled by the upcoming rainy season.
