Grand Circle Foundation Update: Baan Pakklongrua Primary School

By Vu Nguyen, O.A.T. Regional General Manager, Southeast Asia

Nestled in the remote reaches of Sukhothai province, Thailand, Baan Pakklongrua school provides kindergarten through primary education to 85 students aged 3-10 years, with a dedicated staff of 8 teachers. The school serves a community of primarily farming families who live on nearby agricultural land. Despite the picturesque setting, this rural area grapples with inadequate infrastructure and limited facilities.

In July of this year, the Grand Circle Foundation undertook a vital project to renovate the school's dilapidated canteen. For years, the facility had been in a state of disrepair, posing hygiene concerns, particularly during the rainy season when the leaking roof caused numerous issues. The renovation included replacing the roof, installing six ceiling ventilators, and repainting the entire space, significantly improving the learning environment.

From a leaking, rundown space to a bright, hygienic facility.

On August 1st, during the annual Thailand Trip Leader training, the Grand Circle Foundation sponsored a Community Service event at the school. A team of 36 Thailand trip leaders and 8 operations staff, led by Ole Wichai, Thailand's Country Manager, volunteered their time to complete the painting, clean the renovated canteen, and serve lunch to the excited students.

Grand Circle Foundation volunteers putting finishing touches on the canteen and serving lunch to smiling students.

The day culminated in a heartwarming ceremony marking the project's completion. The head teacher and students gathered to celebrate this meaningful achievement for their school and village. The air was filled with smiles, laughter, and a palpable sense of hope for the future.

The teachers expressed profound gratitude for the support provided by the O.A.T. team and Grand Circle Foundation. They emphasized the lasting impact of such initiatives on their community, recognizing that investments in education are investments in their children's futures. The school staff and local villagers warmly welcome travelers, hoping that these interactions will inspire their students to pursue higher education and broaden their horizons.

We’re so thankful for your help in opening doors to brighter futures for these rural students.

In this close-knit community, teachers are highly respected and supported by the villagers. Their dedication, combined with the generosity of our travelers, is truly changing lives and opening doors to brighter futures for these rural students. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey, helping to create lasting positive change in the lives of these children and their community.

Visit Baan Pakklongrua Primary School (when in session) during our New! Discover Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai adventure.

To learn more about the projects Grand Circle Foundation supports worldwide, visit www.grandcirclefoundation.org.