Ban Meata - Home For HIV/AIDS Children

Khon Kaen

The name "Ban Meata" literally means: "A mercy filled house or village"

Mercy International/House of Mercy Foundation is committed to assisting and caring for children in Thailand suffering with the HIV+ virus. The children and teenagers in our care have found provision, protection, support and acceptance in a loving, caring environment. These children now have a hope for a long and healthy future because of this outstanding program and the goodness of God.

Construction of New HIV+ Children's Centre

Since the year 2000 House of Mercy HIV+ children lived and grew up in a small facility in the middle of the busy city of Khon Kaen. The children were surrounded by constant change and development. Then in January 2012 construction of new and larger facilities for these children began. A team of volunteer builders from several countries worked for six weeks installing all the site services for both stages one and two of the project. All slabs were poured for stage one and work commenced on one home and the large kitchen, dining room and laundry with undercover drying area.

Work progressed slowly during 2012, then in January 2013 a large team of international volunteer trades-people joined the House of Mercy Thai building team and subcontractors, and great progress was made. By September 2013 the new complex was ready to be occupied.

On 30 September 2013, Mercy International and House of Mercy Foundation relocated the HIV+ children from the facilities they had rented for 13 years in the heart of Khon Kaen city into their new purpose built childrens village.

New Khon Kaen Childrens Village Now Open

On 18 January 2014 several hundred people gathered together on site to officially open the new, picturesque childrens village which had been under construction since January 2012.

The new facility, Ban Meata Ban Kota, is located in an outer suburb of Khon Kaen, one of Thailand's larger cities and one of the country's worst AIDS affected districts. The 3.2 acre (1.295 hectare) site is approximately 6 kms from the old facility. A good high school, primary school and hospital are within a short distance.

The children, teenagers and staff are enjoying the spacious and modern new centre. It is hoped that new children can be accepted in the not too distant future.

Mercy International and House of Mercy give thanks to God for the thousands of dollars which were donated to establish this beautiful childrens village. The largest amounts came from Australian sponsors, and friends from Holland, the USA and Rotary International in Switzerland and Thailand made outstanding and generous donations. We thank you all for your wonderful generosity.

Ban Meata Ban Kota Managers

Photos left column: Happy children enjoying their new home at Khon Kaen.

Photos right column: The new Childrens Village at Khon Kaen

      Below: A reminder of the new village when it was under construction.