The new students have arrived at Rajaprachanugroh School 35 eager to learn. Eight hundred and fifty-two children are now attending school and 662 children are residing in the three completed dormitories. The school is packed to the brim.
Happy students at the Rajaprachanugroh School 35 run and play in the middle of a construction jungle. Children sleep on mats on the floor, side by side. There is insufficient room for all of the students until the dormitories are complete. A fourth dormitory is almost finished but the other four are a spider web of floors and walls. Likewise, classes continue to be held in the open buildings and one large classroom building that was just finished. The construction of the classroom building sponsored by the ISB Tsunami Network is showing good progress since the last visit, although the intensity and frequency of the rain has slowed down the pace of construction in the previous months.
Ajarn Prasit, the principal of Rajaprachanugroh School 35, faces the challenge of accommodating the needs of so many students. Since our previous visit, there are plenty of furniture, beds, computers and food but not enough teachers or electrical power. Survival is the focus right now. More teachers are needed, not only to teach, but also to supervise so many students. The lack of electricity is a major issue. After the sun sets darkness descends on the Rajaprachanugroh School 35. A dim generator light is the only source of illumination. Without sufficient light, students cannot do their homework, play games or read at night. Without electricity, water becomes a problem as well. Electricity is required to pump water to the school.
The ISB Tsunami Network will fund ten new teacher positions and one administrative position for one year and will fund the provision of electricity to the school. Our priority is the safety and security of these children. Members of our committee are working with His Majesty, The King's, Foundation and the local Electricity Authorities to coordinate the development of the electrical infrastructure in a timely manner. Khun Prasit has started the process of hiring new teachers.
The Network is also coordinating with donors to fund library materials and traditional costumes for dances for Rajaprachanugroh School 35. The dance costumes will enable the students to generate some income for their school by performing Thai dances for tourists as well as visitors to their campus. The revival of traditional arts will build pride in their own culture.
The principal, Ajarn Prasit, relies on the support of the ISB Tsunami Relief Network. Our long-term commitment is needed and appreciated. Ajarn Prasit estimates that it will take almost two years to make the school fully functional. The classroom sponsored by the ISB Network will be completed in about eight months along with the remaining buildings. Then, there is landscaping, furnishing and curriculum planning. There is so much to do. Yet, it is important to look back and see that the lives of 852 children seem much brighter and full of hope after suffering the devastation from the tsunami.
For more information, please contact Usa Somboon or Benjawon Wattangkura (Ben).