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We visited the Catholic Centre at Ban Pong, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The extension to the shop has just been completed. A few ex-students now have the opportunity to work at the Centre to put their training into practice. They are developing, creating and selling new products. Extra space was needed for storage and to provide a lounge for customers to rest who have travelled a long way. The shop is doing quite well and, thanks to this idea, it even gives the mothers of the students some work to do at home in their villages. They embroider material for use in bags and purses etc. The products sold at the shop create a small income for the Centre and lets them help even more children.
At the time of our visit builders were starting work on a much-needed new kitchen and dining block. They were very quickly demolishing an old building and recycling some materials, in very hot weather. The new facilities will be ready next May when the new school year starts. The original kitchen and dining room had become far too small for the 200 plus children and staff at the centre and, really, needed replacing several years ago.
The school results are very good which enables all the students to find work. Future for Kids is delighted to lend their support for these new buildings.