
An
Amicus team is in Thailand assisting families and children. The
tsunami caused extensive destruction to many areas
in Thailand. As a
result, Amicus is now actively developing Children's
World Academy
(also known as Yaowawit School) in Kapong, southern
Thailand.
Children's World Academy will provide a unique home
and community for
Thailand's orphans, at risk children, and poorest families.
Architectural planning, building, and support have
been provided by the
school's cofounder, William Gaynor. Ae (Thaneeya Pientong),
another
member of the Amicus team, is on the Thailand Amicus
Board and has been
instrumental in program development.
Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with Amicus
Vice-President Matthew Kelly and his wife Mary. Princess
Sirindhorn is
beloved by all Thai people. She has devoted her entire life
to helping
those in need from all over Thailand. She has visited Children's
World
Academy and presided at the official opening of the school.
We all look
forward to her continuing inspiration and support for many
years to
come.
Surrounding
the Princess are many villagers and friends of Children's
World Academy (CWA) including Matthew Kelly (to the immediate
right of
the Princess), Mary Kelly, Linnea Phillips and William Gaynor
(far
right), who are all a part of the Amicus CWA team. An accomplished
city
planner, architect and builder, William donated his valuable
time,
service, and personal resources toward the creation of CWA
school. He
designed the entire project along with local Thai experts
whom he
invited to help with planning and construction.
An "intergenerational village" is
now under development. This new
community will be built around strong ecological standards,
as well as
provide a creative learning community that reflects Thai
values and
traditions yet integrates with modern global life. Both
traditional Thai education and an entrepreneurial spirit
will be woven together,
including the basics of language, arts and sciences, organic
farming
and gardening, tourist accommodations for 30 guests, and
a restaurant.
This type of education will help the children learn how
to break out of
the cycle of poverty.
Philipp Graf von
Hardenberg from Germany with students at Children's
World Academy (CWA). Along with William Gaynor, Philipp founded
CWA,
and is an active director of the project. He introduced the
Children's
World Academy to the Princess, members of the royal household,
and the
education advisors of the King, all of whom greatly welcomed
the
project.

Nearly 100% of donations
go directly to provide relief. For more updates, see "Updates
and Photos from the Field".
|