News
Land to build a children's village for HIV+/AIDS children in Khon Kaen
In 2000 Mercy International opened a home for babies and children suffering from the HIV+/AIDS virus. This rented facility situated in Khon Kaen, (Thailand's 5th largest city) has been highly successful. Many of the initial babies reverted and are now 10-12 years old in the Phetchabun Ban Meata Children's Village. The remaining children (except for 2 who passed away as babies) plus others who have since entered the Khon Kaen home, have become an amazingly healthy group of children ranging in age from 7 to 18 years. They still carry the virus, but have responded well to their loving, family-like environment. Most have been very successful at school. The eldest is currently enrolled in Phetchabun University studying for a degree in Education majoring in English.
With the lease on the current facility due to expire soon, Mercy International - House of Mercy Foundation is currently paying off a beautiful piece of land in an outer suburb of the city of Khon Kaen. The tree-studded, 3.2 acres site has water and electricity, plus a good size dam for fish cultivation. The property also has two well built homes - one with two bedrooms and the other with three.
The land is approximately 6 kms from the present centre and only 1½ km from the hospital. There is also a good school close by, as well as the high school which several of our teenagers already attend. Further funds are requested to finalise this land purchase.
As of August 2011, construction plans are coming together for this new centre to home for our HIV+/AIDS children / teenagers. This new children's village will cater for 50% more affected children than are currently being given hope and a future.
The first six-weeks of 2012 is marked off to have a large team of volunteer builders and labourers in Khon Kaen to install all site services and to commence the initial four buildings. These volunteers will assist our Thai building teams. Further volunteer tradesmen and labourers are needed - please apply - email address: volunteers@mercy-international.com Financial gifts, both large and small will be greatly appreciated.
BEACH HOLIDAY
Mercy International / House of Mercy Foundation's 40 HIV+/AIDS children and teenagers are excited, as funds are rolling in for another 4-day beach holiday. Two years ago, these underprivileged children stood wide eyed near Thailand's Pattaya Beach area, looking at the rolling ocean for the very first time in their lives. For the next few days, they romped and played on the sand and in the beautiful blue waters; strolled with amazement through the famous aquarium; were feted and feasted by the leadership and members of the internationally famous Royal Yacht Club. They sailed, swam, picnicked, and enjoyed 101 other delightful activities. It was a memorable time.
Now the wheels are in motion to board those big buses, travel hundreds of kilometers and do it all again. The dates are 25th - 29th October 2011
Will you help to make this dream a reality for these needy children? And there are also some places for volunteer helpers. (Police Checks must be provided).
NEW SPONSORS URGENTLY NEEDED
We still have children requiring sponsorship. Please consider becoming a sponsor today, and change the life of a child in Thailand.
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