Summary
Bahn Ruam Jai (BRJ) is a safe home to 40 vulnerable children just outside Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Many of the tribal children living at the home, ages six to 20 years old, are orphans or have been exposed to drugs and/or sexual abuse.
In 2012 the project was in great distress when its biggest sponsor stopped funding the operational costs, and private donations were not enough to sufficiently feed the children. To make matters worse the 20-year-old-water pump broke down affecting the daily operations.
BRJ approached us for help in financing the repair of the water pump and informed us of their financial difficulties. We were able to successfully find two sponsors: one to replace the broken water pump and another to pay for the running costs until we secured funding for the year 2013.
Background
Bahn Ruam Jai was established in 1984 with the aim of improving the quality of life for hill tribe children exposed to drugs and/or abuse and offers them a safe and nurturing environment where they can reach their potential.
BRJ has dormitories to accommodate a total of 40 to 50 children, and provides them with formal and non-formal education opportunities. This includes lessons about health care, human rights, Thai culture and environmental awareness, and life skills that they can use to live an independent life.
Goals and Results
In October 2012 we found a sponsor who agreed to cover the cost of replacing the water pump. This ensured that the children and caretakers could continue with the home’s daily operations of washing clothes, cleaning, using the sanitary facilities, showering and field irrigation.
We also secured funds to cover most of the urgent needs of the project for the remainder of 2012. For the running costs of the shelter for 2013 and, ultimately, 2014, we were able to find another very generous sponsor.
