Urban Neighbours of Hope are a small, responsive neighbourhood-based team who live and serve the community in Khlong Toey, one of the poorest areas of Bangkok. They partner with a local Montessori Preschool, Grapongdeang, at the Khlong Toey Community Centre.
Year 1 have supported Urban Neighbours of Hope and the students of Grapongdeang for over 5 years through fundraising and giving books at Christmastime.
The covid pandemic has hit the poorest of our community hardest and Khlong Toey is no exception. The school is currently closed with teachers sending home resource packs to support home learning. Through the community centre over the last few months UNOH has been helping support neighbours and local leaders with Covid testing kits, medical supplies, and food supplies. Covid self-testing kits will be an ongoing need for the community as they continue to monitor and deal with Covid.
Along with these challenges, the school is trying to fundraise for urgent renovations to take place starting next month which will include toilets attached to the classrooms for the kids, a new kitchen for the school, a playground upgrade, reroofing of the buildings to stop flooding in heavy rains and reduce the heat in the hot season, an upgrade of the electrical wiring which is a fire hazard and the water pipes which aren't adequate for the needs.
Despite the current challenges faced by UNOH, there are exciting projects ahead. The school are keen to set up a community garden to help local residents grow their own produce. They are currently trying to source equipment and funding.
Another wonderful venture is Roy Rak. This fair trade initiative helps local women make beautiful, ornate jewellery. Their new collection is released on October 1st and will make great Christmas presents. Once the Covid restrictions are lifted, Roy Rak have plans to offer workshops, tours and even birthday party activities. Please see the advert in this edition to find out more details.
If you or anyone you know can support UNOH with their building works, Covid tests or to help set up the garden either through donations, resources or skills, please contact Lish Faulkner at alisha@unoh.org.
Roy Rak