January
13, 2006
KID’S DAY 2007 IN HANGDONG
January 13, was the
National Children’s Day or “Wan Dek ” of Thailand. This
is The Day, when KIDS become the focus of goodwill and generosity!
The bombings of the New Year’s Eve in Bangkok, the incident in Chiang Mai, as
well as the violence of the South, reduced the number of “Wan Dek”
events planned across the country. As our work
is closely linked up with the local education department and the
municipal administration, we were able to proceed as planned.
On the two days preceding the official Wan Dek, our team participated in the
events organised at the local schools. On the actual Wan Dek, we were allocated
ample space at the municipal fair grounds to set up our fun and educational
activities. Large crowds frequented the venue.
Our brand new Jumping Castle, was inaugurated at this year’s “Wan Dek” events!
This unconventional “ministry tool” proved to be an instant success! The ease of
assembly, colourfulness, not to mention the fun factor, offers great
possibilities also for future children’s and family events!
Dan Birrel
(Australia) provided excellent
hands-on training to our team in planning and constructing activity stations,
proven successful at the Kid’s Games organised by GCCC in Brisbane. Sheets of
cardboard, PVC piping and many other readily available materials were
transformed into “challenges” such as a mini-golf range, a mouse swatting
contraption, various target throwing games, etc. For the first time, we also
offered face painting, popcorn making as well as real clowns! Our team members,
who were transformed into these funny characters, delighted the kids with their
crazy outfits and funny faces. As the kids were mostly accompanied by adults, we
had great opportunities to build relationship and answer questions. Many
uniform-clad officials, graced the grounds while observing the activities. Trust
was built. At the end of the day, several community leaders came to express
their thanks for our willingness to invest in the life of the city of Hangdong!
