Santitham School was established in 1967 and has grown to about 700 students, from junior kindergarten to grade 6. The school charges very low fees to enable the poorer children from the surrounding villages to attend. The school motto is presented in a big sign in Thai and English at the entrance: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
It had been established by a Baha'i woman who put her life savings into it. I believe it was quite successful initially, but had fallen into disrepair about 15 years ago. There had been a high turn over of principals and the school was in desperate need of someone to inject life into it. This is when Nawarat and Naiyana come into the story.
Nawarat heard of the school's need and convinced Naiyana to commit to one year as a Baha'i service project. They talked of clearing some of the school grounds that had turned to jungle over the years and cleaning out an old administrative building which had become a storage area. They were operating with a very small budget and were really in the red. After one year, Naiyana tells of Nawarat's plea... "We've only planted the seed Naiyana! We must ensure it grows." and so they decided to stay one more year. More cleaning, more struggle, and more children too. By the end of the second year Naiyana says Nawarat convinces her with, "Naiyana, it's only a tender sapling...", and by the third year " Naiyana, we must see if it will bear fruit." After that, Naiyana says she didn't bother to ask Nawarat if their one year of service was finished. They have divided the years as principal of the school for the past 15 years!
They say that the first five years were the most difficult, but after that they began to break even. At this time they are even able to support a Hill Tribe dormitory project in another part of Thailand. They attribute their good fortune to many prayers. She says Baha'u'llah has given whatever she asks for. She prayed for funds and the Baha'is of the world donated. She prayed for the school to be recognized and the students and the school received numerous awards. She prayed for teacher and volunteers from all over the world have come. She laughs and says she's afraid to pray for anything more!
It's a pleasure to help where we can in such a great environment.
NM + CM
2 comments:
Could you ask her if she can do anything for the Senators?
Wonderful update today. Love hearing about your travels and the sites you are seeing, but it's people like this that make the world a better place. Please let Nawarat and Naiyana know that they are welcome on Upper McEachern any time!
Be well and have much fun. Gabe says hi to the girls!
Serving the children and see their education & growth is a great service to mankind and these two wonderful souls are blesed to do so. congratulations to them.
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