The Foundation for the
Education of Rural Children

November 2006

Dear Friends of FERC:

Thank you for your generosity by attending, by donating auction items, by volunteering, by supporting FERC at our 7th Annual Benefit Gala last February.  Please mark our 8th Benefit Gala on your calendar:  Saturday, 17th February 2007.

The proceeds of 570,000 baht generated at the event, as well as other donations, contributed to implementing and completing several important projects.

In the small village of Muang Keud, at a primary school, FERC built a dormitory, provided mattress, toilets, showers and a small canteen with kitchen equipment.  A water purification machine and means for electricity were also installed. Total costs were 332,000 baht. This school also provides education for five other villages within 12 kilometers.

The premises for this village school were small, and there was no room to build a dormitory for the children who lived too far from the main village. The cost of transportation, 400 baht per child, was not affordable for many of Lisu, Lahu and Akha families living in the region. The Tambon informed FERC of the problems of providing many of these children with an education. The Tambon, with the contribution by a private owner of a piece of land near the school, funds contributed by FERC, and the volunteer work done by the director, teachers of the school, and many of the parents, accomplished the building of these facilities in two months.  The official opening took place on 31 May, attended by the monks for inauguration ceremonies, the director and teachers, all the volunteers and board members of FERC.  Dances were performed by the children, and everyone enjoyed a delightful lunch afterwards.  Now, at least 40 children will be given the opportunity of an education for the first time.

Additionally, FERC donated 100,000 baht providing books at four schools for hill tribe children, 80,000 baht in scholarships for needy children in Hangdong, and 100,000 baht for a gym roof at the Phonsawan Child Development Center.

FERC would like to thank all the Chiangmai residents who contributed to the Gala proceeds, as well as the individual contributors, that enabled FERC to provide educational facilities and needs for so many disadvantaged children.

Sincerely,
Marc Dumur, Chairman
FERC Board of Directors