Summary
Bahn Ruam Jai (BRJ) is a safe haven for up to 40 hill tribe children located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. The children, aged between six and 20 years old, are provided with shelter, food, clothing and physical and emotional support in a home-like environment.
In October 2011, the project was hit by a huge flood. The children and caretakers had to evacuate to the second floor of the home. For four full days they were without adequate food, water or sanitation.
BRJ approached us with an urgent request for funding to repair and replace damaged items. We worked with the director of BRJ to assess the damages. In consultation with the sponsor of another project, we used funds that we had been able to save on that project to finance the repairs and replacements.
Background
In 1984 a team of local residents in a village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai established Bahn Ruam Jai, a safe house for vulnerable children.
The children at BRJ are either orphans or do not have parents who can take care of them. Many of them have been exposed to sexual exploitation or drug abuse. BRJ offers these children a safe and secure environment with educational opportunities.
In 2011 a long rainy season brought severe flooding to Thailand. The site of BRJ was flooded after water was released from a nearby reservoir and the shelter was badly damaged. Once the water subsided the residents moved down to the first floor and they found many essential items were damaged including vehicles, kitchen equipment, clothing and bedding.
Goals and Results
After BRJ approached us for help, we were able to organise funding to repair and replace items damaged by the flood. Bahn Ruam Jai returned to its daily routines, ensuring that the 40 children living there had the required food, clothing and shelter they needed.
