Overview Some of the world's greatest achievements begin with the steadfast dedication of a single person. And, so it was with Ms. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata. With single-minded focus, she worked in concert with community leaders and established the Duang Prateep Foundation for children in the slums of Bangkok.....

Today, as a former Senator for Thailand, she is a strong advocate of children’s rights, and we have the privilege of working in kindergartens and schools she created for Bangkok’s disadvantaged children. Her work was formally recognized in 2004 when Ms. Prateep was awarded the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child.

Visitors to Bangkok are charmed by the energy and vitality of the city and its cultural treasures. However, behind the hustle and bustle of a city that wakes up early and goes to sleep late, lies the poorer region of Klong Toey. Here, Bangkok’s underprivileged children, referred to as “slum dwellers” by those who live and work in the area, have virtually no place to run and play except for those provided by the Foundation and other associated support organizations.

Our projects are all about these kids. The underlying focus of our activities is to enhance the self-esteem of the children, and in doing so, embark upon our own path of growth. We’ll play team-building games, create art projects, have some fun teaching our own native English, as well as learn some Thai ourselves. Plus, we’ll try our hand at a few magic tricks so they can have even more fun with their friends.

We will work in two rural communities with children and teens sponsored by the D.P.F. Foundation. This gives our Lifeworkers the opportunity to sample Thai life outside of the city as well.

Bilingual Thai teenagers will be living and working as part of our team, not only to translate but also to help us appreciate the diversity between our cultures. There will be time set aside for visits to the famous sites such as Wat Arun Temple, the Golden Buddha, and the Royal Palaces and boat museum with the Royal ceremonial barges. And, toward the end, we’ll be taking a long narrow fantail boat to see the canals and markets of Bangkok by river, traveling Thai style!

We’ll do all of these things and more; yet to get the most out of this experience you’ll really need to dedicate yourself to doing whatever it takes to help these kids learn. That means long hours and sore feet. But it can lead to some huge smiles - and, no doubt, you’ll add your’s too, when you put your heart and hands in motion.

Itinerary