Background

ISB Tsunami Relief Network

ISB has set up a Tsunami Relief Network, a response to the devastation caused by the tsunami that struck six countries around the Indian Ocean on December 26.

Click on this text to download a video report on our team's visit to Khao Lak. (file size = 14.3MB Quicktime Player)

Click on this text to download video footage of the destruction caused by the tsunami. (file size = 11.8MB Windows Media Player)

Our Mission
The ISB Tsunami Relief Network aims to make a significant difference in the lives of the poorest children who were tsunami victims in Thailand.  Our Network includes friends, former parents, alumni, schools, and organizations around the world. For example, Taipei American School, the American School of the Hague, and several schools in the US and Canada are already involved. The Network has the unique advantage that all donations will go directly to provide relief for those most in need. 

Working with reputable leaders in one or two of the most severely damaged school communities, we are identifying immediate needs and will provide both direct and in-kind assistance. We intend to build long-term relationships with these communities and offer continuing support over time. When needed, Network students and adults may volunteer directly in the communities, working on necessary projects.

Our Progress
A team of two students and five adults from ISB and Taipei American School made an investigative trip to the Khao Lak area in Phang Nga Province on January 17th and 18th.  The devastation here was the worst in Thailand. Coordinating with the provincial governor, relief authorities, and the Thai Ministry of Education, the team visited several school communities.

The Bang Sak school community suffered the most severe damage. The school buildings were destroyed, a number of children and parents died, and many more were left homeless. Rebuilding the Bang Sak School and community will be a massive endeavor and will involve more than replacing the local losses. 400 orphans from the six involved provinces will be housed in dorms to be built at Bang Sak. 

Subsequent to the visit, we have worked with local, provincial, and national authorities who have encouraged us to select Bang Sak and have offered to coordinate with us. The team was also able to meet with several leaders in the community who have the integrity and leadership to act as our on-site liaisons.

Our Plan
In focusing at Bang Sak, we are convinced that the Network will make a significant difference in the futures of many, many children. In addition, we are extremely fortunate in two ways.  First, the King of Thailand is involved in the project.  His Rachprachanukroh Foundation will build the dormitories to house the 400 orphans. We believe that the involvement of the King's Foundation will further guarantee the project's success.

Second, we have a major co-sponsor: Cendant Cares, an effort of the NRT Foundation. Cendant, a very well known name in the travel and tourism business, has long standing relationships with many Thai resort oriented communities and wants to help the people who were affected by the Tsunami to rebuild their lives. They have chosen to work with our Network because of our in-depth knowledge about schools and learning.

We believe that the children of Bang Sak deserve the best possible educational opportunities. The school had been in existence for 70 years. We will build another school on higher land with higher quality, one that will last long into the future.  With a projected enrollment of 1,000 students, plans for Bang Sak School include two 3 story buildings, a health office, and a kitchen facility. With Cendant we  will at least fund construction of one building. The cost for the project will be about 30 million Baht (780,000 US$). This includes the building, student desks/chairs, teacher desks, writing boards, school equipment and so on.

The building will be our first priority.  Other needs, such as library, computer lab, science lab, English language labs, instructional materials/equipment, and student scholarships will be our next priority. Depending upon the success of our fund raising efforts, the Network will provide broader assistance to families and the community.

We know that many individuals and organizations around the world want to help Tsunami victims and have been looking for a worthy project to support. If the Bang Sak School Project meets you expectations, we would love to have your assistance. Money can be donated directly through any of the channels listed.

We invite all members of the ISB community to get involved in this relief effort. Together, our efforts can help heal the devastation and damage suffered by so many people in Thailand and this region.

We thank you in advance for any assistance you are able to provide. We know that the ISB community has a long history of supporting those in need and we are confident that we can make a real difference to those who have suffered so much.

If you would like additional information about the project, please contact: