Year 5 Charities 2023-24

This year, Year 5 are delighted to be supporting two charities: the Baan Dek Foundation and the Cambodia Clean Water Project.

What is the Cambodia Clean Water Project?

The Cambodia Clean Water Project is a charity project that has been building wells for families in Siem Reap, Cambodia for over ten years. Many rural communities in our neighboring country of Cambodia do not always have access to clean, safe water. As a result, families have little choice but to drink from whatever source is available, such as rivers, lakes, or a canal. Sadly, these unsanitary conditions often cause typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and other preventable diseases.

To date, more than 1,600 wells have been installed, bringing fresh, bacteria-free water to more than 24,000 people. Not only does the clean water improve sanitation and health, but it is also used to irrigate farm plots and provide drinking water for domestic animals. Healthy animals and good crops result in increased opportunities for families – helping to lift them out of poverty.

How has Bangkok Patana helped in the past?

Every year, the Year 5 students take part in special events such as ‘The Great Water Walk’, which raises awareness of water scarcity, and ‘The Bring Buy and Bake Sale’, where the proceeds go towards the installation of wells in the villages in Cambodia. Each water well, including installation, costs approximately 15,000THB. Last year’s fundraising helped us to donate over 100,000 THB to support this charity’s work.

What is the Baan Dek Foundation (BDF)?

Baan Dek’s mission is to foster children’s access to education, health, and safety services throughout Thailand. Approximately 60,000 migrant children live in construction site camps throughout Thailand. They face hardships such as poor living conditions and difficulties accessing healthcare and other public services.

How does the Baan Dek Foundation help?

• BDF creates tailored action plans for communities and provides one-on-one, tailored case management.
• BDF provides direct support according to individual needs and action plans. BDF also provides counseling and/or referrals to public safety, health, and education services.
• On a community level, BDF enrolls children in school and removes barriers to enrollment, as well as supports children’s access to vaccinations and medical care.
• In the best interest of children, BDF explores family care solutions and collaborates closely with government agencies to ensure we are aligned on alternative care policies and guidelines.

How has Bangkok Patana helped in the past?

Last year, Year 5 children took part in the Christmas Box Project. This involved filling shoeboxes and cardboard boxes with a variety of items needed by the children. This includes essentials, such as toiletries, as well as small toys and games, colouring pencils, reading books, notebooks, and teddies. Our support meant 141 children received a shoebox last Christmas. In addition, our students donated a huge number of secondhand books to send to the children that Baan Dek support.