Friends of Thailand Provide Tsunami Relief

Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual US Peace Corps Alumni

Friends of Thailand Provide Tsunami Relief

- Carolyn Nickels, RPCV Thailand, February 2005

Thanks to the tireless work of Friends of Thailand member, RPCV Chris White, who lives and teaches in Phuket, FOT has launched Project Restore. Working with the Thai education officials, Chris has identified and visited two rural elementary schools in Phang Nga Province north of Phuket that are in need of assistance as one school begins the task of rebuilding its facility and the other works to restore the lives of 148 children who were orphaned by the tsunami.

If you would like to donate money to Project Restore and view several photos of Ban Bang Sak School, access the Friends of Thailand web site at http://www.friendsofthailand.org. Then, click on the Project Restore button to access information about the project along with the Donation Form and the Photos buttons.

The elementary school in Ban Bang Sak was completely destroyed when the tsunami struck. Though the Thai government will replace the actual buildings of Ban Bang Sak School, the cost of resupplying the school will demand that much more be spent. Additionally, the school lunch program, which is funded by the school, will require extensive assistance.

148 students at Ban Bang Muang Elementary School were orphaned by the tsunami. Many are now living with friends and other family members, as well as in the tent city that has been erected in the town. These students will need $250 a year each to attend school. That amount will cover the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, supplies and food.

Based upon the information Chris has provided, we will try to raise $16,850 to help restore the language lab, science lab, the infirmary and the lunch program at Ban Bang Sak Elementary School.

John Williams, Country Director in Thailand, supports this project. In a recent email to Friends of Thailand, he wrote, “I was excited to hear about the FOT plans for the school. We visited the site where the school once stood, and it is totally destroyed. You couldn’t have picked a better place to put your money.”

100% of what you send will go to the school and specific purpose you indicate. Absolutely NO money will be retained by Friends of Thailand or by any agency in Thailand. This money will be held distinct from other Friends of Thailand activities, such as its PCV Project Sponsorship program. Additionally, because Friends of Thailand now has 501(c)(3) status, any contribution of $250 or more will be acknowledged with a letter for tax-filing purposes.
If you would like to donate money to Project Restore and view several photos of Ban Bang Sak School, access the Friends of Thailand web site at www.friendsofthailand.org . Then, click on the Project Restore button to access information about the project along with the Donation Form and the Photos buttons.

Carolyn Nickels, Group Leader, Friends of Thailand, an NPCA affiliate, can be reached at lgbrpcv@lgbrpcv.org.