This coming Friday, August 31st,
will see a rather unique event at SJI International. The school community is
coming together to celebrate and support a wonderful Lasallian outreach in
Thailand, a place through which education is provided to truly needy students
of all ages who live at or near the border with Myanmar.
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to
visit this “Bamboo School” in Sangklaburi for a few days. Located a very long bus ride away from
Bangkok, the school at that time had one Brother working there, Brother Victor
Gil, a long-time Spanish missionary, fluent in Thai and with a PhD in
Chemistry, who began the adventure some 20 years ago “on the side” when he
encountered the great need for education at Three Pagodas Pass. His small
efforts grew in providential small steps, and today three Brothers oversee
several educational outreach programs, including the original Bamboo School.
The
things that impressed me when I visited were 1) the eagerness for education on
the part of the many poor refugees and day-wage workers, both for themselves
and for their children, 2) the perseverance of the students in pursuing
education despite limited supplies and Spartan conditions, and 3) the real and genuine
dedication of the teachers. Whether in the open, bamboo-built classrooms or at
the night school in the covered area next-door at the rubber processing plant,
students and teachers alike were clearly happy to find that the needs of some
matched the gifts of others.
On
the sign in front of the school is the motto “No Child Left Behind.” While this
was a popular educational rallying cry in the U.S. during the presidency of
George W. Bush, the truth of the statement really comes to life here at the
Bamboo School. By whatever means, children come to discover the power of education. One of my more memorable
images is that of a little girl, carrying a shoulder bag (probably her prized
possession) with the logo Beverly Hills
Polo Club, who spontaneously gave me the Victory sign. She didn’t realize
how true that gesture was.
At
the August 31st fundraising event at SJII, with Thai food prepared
by a former royal chef, and dancing and music by Thai dancers flown in (as a
donation) for the occasion, and with many very impressive auction items
available, everyone will be able to celebrate and support the generous work of
education at the Bamboo School. It’s also a rare opportunity to directly help
Brothers and others who carry on this kind of work, and who do so in solidarity
with us at SJI International. Those who participate that evening will give real
and genuine substance to what the term “International” in our name is all
about.
For
those who would like to see more photographs, go to this link. For those
who would like to buy tickets to this Thai evening or donate something, please
contact the school office.
You
won’t be disappointed and are certain to be inspired and well-fed..
