Biking for Education

To Benefit students of CHALERMPRAKIAT 48 PHANSA GIRLS' SCHOOL
Starting Date: 21 November, 2004
Route: Phuket to Chiang Mai, 1,500 kilometers

Aids has been devastating to families in rural Chiang Mai, and there are many families with a missing generation of fathers and mothers. These orphaned children are left in poverty, with little access to education. Particularly hard hit have been girls, who have little access to schools in temples.

The inspiration for the Chalermprakiat Girls' 48 Phansa School in Pasang, Lamphun province started with the monitoring of "Grandma Cares" workshops for several years, by Mrs. Somboon Suprasert, a HIV/AIDS researcher for 15 years working on behalf of the Johns Hopkins University Hospital. "Auntie Boon" realized the great need for orphaned girl children to receive a quality education. As the Charter President of Zonta International Chiang Mai, "Auntie Boon" had an opportunity to network with Bangkok-based Zontian Saisom Wongsasuluk suggesting that she build a school in Lamphun (northern Thailand) for this particular student segment whose education needs were ignored by society in general.

The Chalermprakiat 48 Phansa Girls' School was officially licensed in May 2001 as a private school accepting, 50 adolescent women who were affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis in their families. They are from small villages scattered around Chiang Mai province. Through the "Caring Hearts for Aids" Foundation formed by Mrs. Saisom Wongsasuluk funds are raised to pay for construction of school facilities, teachers salaries and administrative expenses. As of August 31, 2004, the Chalermprakiat 48 Phansa Girls' School came under the patronage of HRH Maha Chakri Srindhorn. This school for young women is one among only ten schools in the entire country.

A life skills training activity involving the first group of 50 students was organized by Zonta International Chiang Mai Club. The goal of the program was to teach responsible cohesive thinking and behavior toward their families, friends, community and country. The curriculum was developed by the United Nations. The analysis of this training program brought awareness to Chiang Mai Zontians that these young women were seriously hoping to enter university to study as nurses, teachers, policewomen, researchers and doctors. How will these young women from impoverished families be able to realize their dreams of professional careers? Only if adult caretakers take the time and effort now to acquire education scholarships and sponsorships for these young women while they are in high school.

The September 2004, student enrolment has grown to 200 young women. The funds required to maintain this much needed facility is ever-growing. The coming charity ride hopes to raise awareness of the plight of these women, and raise money for the girls and the ongoing efforts of the school. The ride will cover over 1500 kilometers from Phuket to Chiang Mai, in a period of 9 days, beginning November 22, 2004.

The Ride

David Curtz and his wife Dittaya have been living in Chiang Mai for three years. They have two young children, and want to work with Zonta International Chiang Mai to improve the plight of less-fortunate children in our community.

David, whose company produces triathlon and bike clothing, has entered numerous endurance competitions, including the Laguna Phuket Triathlon and Ironman Canada. He is collecting pledges on behalf of the school for his ride from Phuket to Chiang Mai. The ride will take 8 to 9 days, with the average daily ride being between 160 km and 250 km. Pledges of both cash and items for auction or use in the school are both much appreciated.

The object of the ride is to use sports to increase awareness of the school, and to raise funds to support the students. Starting from Phuket, the home of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon on November 20, the ride will go up the coast, through Bangkok, and ending in Chiang Mai. Among participant sports events, the triathlon is a major event in Phuket. This is the first year of this Phuket-Chiang Mai event, and will have only a few riders, all collecting pledges. All able riders are welcome to join the ride in whole, or in sections that pass their towns.

Contributions

Contributions can include pledges in cash, or in-kind donations that can either be offered in our charity auction, or directly used in the school. Donations can be made to:

Chalermprakiat 48 Phansa School
(c/o Krung Thai Bank, Lamphun Branch,
Acct.# 511-1-96369-3)

Or please contact the following Zonta Members:

• Pres. Hope Watcharaprecha, Tel. 053-262691.
• Past Pres. Margaret Bhadungzong, Tel. 053-247083, 053-260705.
• Treasurer Ornsri Thammasat, Tel. 053-510548. - Event Chair Dittaya Curtz, Tel. 053-838092.

How to Join

For riders interested in joining, please contact David Curtz at dcurtz@loxinfo.co.th or Phone 01-433-4141. Visit website www.risingsungear.com

How to get to the School:

Drive south from Lamphun city on Pasang highway. Chalermprakiat School is on the left just before the Sop Tar Market.