Bang Muang Community Center

Thu, 18 May 2006 11:30:19 GMT

The Bang Muang Community Center will serve people of all ages throughout the Tsunami hit regions of Southern Thailand toward full social, psychological and economic recovery. Though the center will serve those affected by the Tsunami, it will aid the whole community. By aid, I do not mean giving handouts, but training and equiping people to live healthy and fuitful lives by stirring their creativity and helping to develop constructive ideas for living as well as organizing activities to benefit the community as a whole. We will host a variety of workshops for free or minimal cost to cover materials to members of the community, such as various types of art, agriculture, marriage and family, education and studying, livestock raising, etc. The community center will sponsor experts in their respecitive fiields to teach the seminars. The community center will continuously strive to assist middle and high school students in their studies by providing tutoring, scholarships and seminars about study methods, etc. The goal is to teach them how to learn instead of trying to memorize everything without understanding. The Center will have an orchid/botanic garden for members of the communty to come and enjoy. Art classes will be held in the garden as weather permits. On site guesthouses will serve to house guests as well as shelter individuals requiring sanctuary from various situations, such as abuse, etc.

Proceeds to fund the activities of the center will come, at least for the first three years, almost entirely from grants, charitable donations and sponsors. During which time, an orchard will be maturing which will continue to fund the center after the first three years. The total budget for the project, including operations for the first three years is about 1.5 million USD. After which, the community center should be fully self-sufficient.

Needs:

Sponsors for project phase 1 - acquiring land and building structures:

We have found a plot of land (30 Rai, or about 120 acres) that will be suitable for the center. The land will cost roughly 4,500 USD per acre.

The cost for building the cafe and other buildings will cost roughly 50,000 USD per structure.The comminuty center will need to build about five main structures. A cafe area, guesthouses and a residence for staff. Also a greenhouse, garage and maintenance shed.

The center will require at least one pickup truck (ranger size is adequate) and a van for transporting guests to and from the airport, etc.

If you're intersted in helping out in any capacity, whether it be leading a team to help build or sponsor financially -= even any advice or encouragement you would like to offer is welcome, please contact me at rhemacd@hotmail.com and put "community center" in the subject line. Financial contributions can be made to citibank account # 40029585844, account name Jennifer Stevens. If you deposit any amount, please e-mail me and let me know so that I can make sure the funds are appropriated correctly. Contact me if you would like to make a tax deductible donation. I am looking forward to hearing from you. You are very much appreciated.

น.ส. เจนนิเฟอร์ สตีเว่นส์: Organizations

Bang Muang Community Center