Projects

See the lists of our work over the past 20 years.
Contact us If you want the full data.

Pure Drinking Water

One of the major problems facing Thai Karen villages is a serious shortage of potable water. The physical pressures of a government-imposed static village existence, coupled with the problem of water impurity, due to pollution by agricultural chemicals and pesticides and human/animal faeces, has caused a severe crisis in water management. During the 2005 and 2006 project seasons (it is not possible to get access to many villages, even by 4WD vehicle, during the May to November wet season) the Foundation plans to expand its provision of potable water to villages in particular crisis, by implementing some 20 new water projects and upgrading over 20 existing ones. This represents a major commitment to development in this field, but it is something of the utmost urgency, otherwise the incidence of serious illness and infant mortality will dramatically increase.

 

The March 2003 WHO conference on water management drew the world’s attention to the reality that the shortage of potable water is one of the most serious problems facing humanity in the current century – and will continue to be thereafter. Water wars will become more frequent as friction emerges between upstream and downstream users. The Foundation has experienced such tensions in recent years and is working to minimise these by trying to increase friendly contact and mutual understanding between Karen villages and their downstream Northern Thai counterparts.

 

Gordonstoun School Thailand Water Projects

The first Gordonstoun Thailand Water project was the brainchild of a 16 year old pupil of Gordonstoun, Jonathan Reade, who took his concept to the then Headmaster, Michael Mavor, and received his enthusiastic support. Every year since then (with the exceptions of 1987 and 1988) teams of Gordonstoun volunteers have implemented water projects during the month of July in remote villages in Northern Thailand.

 

The 2006 project will be in Ban Mae Aeb Nai village in Doi Inthanon National Park, 76 kilometres southwest of Chiangmai. Gordonstoun projects in July are always faced with the problems caused by Thailand’s wet season, which makes 4WD access to remote villages a physical and emotional challenge. This year promises to be no different and the Gordonstoun team will fully appreciate the School Motto – Plus est en vous.

 

Round Square Thailand Water Projects

December 1997 saw the introduction of the first annual Round Square International Service Thailand Water Project, with a team of student volunteers from Round Square member schools around the world. That and subsequent projects have proved to be such a beneficial experience to all those involved that there is now great competition each year to be selected as a member of the Round Square Thailand Water Project group.

 

This December’s project will take place at Ban Teentok, deep inside Doi Inthanon Park. Access to the village, even though it will be in the dry season, will be trial of strength for the volunteers.

 

Ozzie Thailand Water Projects

In January 2003 a group of student volunteers from Australian schools implemented a water project at Ban Sob Om Haet, Omkoi District, Chiangmai. Such was the success of the project that the Leaders decided that it should be repeated at three year intervals.

In January 2006 the Ozzie Thailand Water Project will take place in Ban Teenpha, inside Doi Inthanon National Park. This village is located in a beautiful valley, surrounded by magnificent primary forest, teeming with wildlife. Let’s hope the volunteers will have the energy to admire their surroundings, as vehicle access to the village is not yet possible.

 

January of 2005 saw a group of teachers and their spouses, mainly from Ballarat Grammar, carrying out a water project at Ban Sanam Kila, Doi Inthanon National Park. This was our first ever “adults only” project, and was enjoyed immensely by all concerned.