The Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation
operates an after school and weekend program called The Coconut Club for the students living at the school's residential program. There are about 200 children living there who were orphaned by the tsunami or whose families are unable to care for them.There is one huge room of beds for boys and one for girls. They wash their (communal) clothing and their own dishes.
By many of our standards, we would say that they have nothing, yet they still smile. They help one another, expecially the bigger ones with the little ones. They are typical kids.
Our first Coconut Club outing was a free expedition provided by Coral Seekers, who sent two vans to pick up 20 kids and four staff to travel to the other side of Phuket to meet two boats. Our groups broke into teams: the Monkeys vs. the Lions.
The boats took us to an island for "Survivor" games.
The kids built a shelter, played two games blindfolded with team mates giving instructions, and problem solved in other challenges. The two teams of kids worked together independently, demonstrating strategy, creativity, and most of all teamwork. Leaders emerged and leadership was shared. Maybe their situation makes these kids particularly resourceful. It was very impressive.
As much as anything, the kids like to go swimming. It is ironic that they live across the road from the Andaman sea, but don't have opportunities to swim (they can't leave the
grounds unless someone takes them).
It was difficult to take only 20 kids and see the many others
disappointed about not being on the list to go, so we will do more
outings soon - even if it is just taking them across the road to the beach.
It was a great day (witness photos of the ride home).
