SCOLAOR
Scotland
Laos Orphanage project
by Guy and Morna Hawksford
We didn't know it then but the Scolaor project
originated on Boxing Day 2004 as we ran for our lives in Krabi
to escape the wall of water approaching the beach.
The tsunami's impact in Krabi was less than
elsewhere in Thailand. In the ensuing days we received many
kindnesses from the Thai people. We gave some money to a local
relief organisation but Guy wanted to do more, perhaps return
to Thailand to do some voluntary work. The practicalities of
age meant that he would probably have been more of a hindrance
than a help. We returned in October 2005 as tourists, back to
the same chalet, which had been rebuilt, thus putting some tourist
dollars back into the ravished economy.
November 2006 and we are in Laos, care of NXNE.
We had with us pens and pencils to give to a local school and
when, at the end of a day touring the area of Luang Prabang,
our driver Xang suggested we visit his village school we jumped
at the chance. The school was basic, the children sitting mostly
on an earth floor, but it was a good school judging by the work
we saw and the smiling happy children. We gave the Headmaster
the pens and some money, but we felt that if we could give the
school desks and chairs it would be worthwhile and a thank you,
if not to Thailand, at least to the Region. We learned that
fifty desks and chairs, costing US$1000, would suffice. The
village joiner could make them, thus supporting the village
economy. We returned home to Scotland determined to raise the
money.
Helped by fellow "live steamers"
in the Scottish Model Engineering Trust, (SMET), we soon had
enough money for the desks and chairs. A few emails to NXNE
and Xang and Vong had the whole situation under control. We
could not have done it without their help and trust.
Looking at projects on the NXNE website we
noticed the showers at an Orphanage in Luang Prabang needed
refurbishing. More emails to NXNE and Jason sent costs and photos.
The project was discussed with the SMET members and a Charity
Steam day was held, giving train rides to raise money. By September
we had enough money for the Orphanage project.
In December 2007 we returned to Luang Prabang.
Our reception at the village was overwhelming. After handing
the desks over we had a short prayer service followed by a feast
and dancing. A wonderful, fulfilling day.
With the help of Jason from NXNE and the Manager
of the Grand Hotel in Luang Prabang we signed a contract with
a local company to refurbish the two shower blocks at the Orphanage
and identify further needs. To our delight there was money left
over and we bought mosquito nets, blankets, gardening tools,
soap, detergent and 400 oranges for the children.
That was going to be the end of the project.
However the Orphanage can do with any extra help available.
The children's environment was caring, they were healthy and
happy but money for their care was limited. There were activities
going on that enhanced their lives but which needed funding.
There were also the basic daily needs of clothes, soap, blankets
etc. Many guests at the Hotel were interested in what we were
doing and asked to be kept informed.
So SCOLAOR, (Scotland Laos Orphanage project),
was born. The first challenge was to set up a web site to show
what had been done and what we hoped to do. The next challenge
will be to raise some more money for the Orphanage and the village
school too.
Information on SCOLAOR is available at www.scolaor.org.uk
Information on the Scottish Model Engineering Trust, (SMET)
is available at www.smet.org.uk
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services and how you can make a difference while on vacation,
please contact:
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