“If children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams!" –David Vitter
Despite the dedication and hard work of administrators and staff, the majority of Thai orphanages remain under-resourced and poorly equipped to meet the needs of children delivered into their care. In 1997, the Foundation for Developing and Supporting Children (FDSC) began its first phase of establishing the "Eat, Think, Achieve Enrichment Program" to channel a wide range of needs --from funds, gifts, skilled volunteers and nutritious food -- to orphans who need it.
 |
 |
| FDSC delivers fresh fruit, vegetables, and proteins to supplement the children’s diets |
Long-lasting bubbles donated by a kind sponsor in the USA provide hours of joy for the children |
Many children come from families devastated by poverty, crime, drugs and HIV. Without a healthy diet, good education, counselling and a spiritually uplifting environment, the physical and emotional burdens they carry will compound. Many young orphans are considered vulnerable of becoming youth at risk of exploitation, abuse and the sex trade.
 |
 |
| 65 orphanage residents enjoy a special meal, made possible through local donors |
The children gather around basic computers that were recently donated |
Early education, health and personal development are the key. That’s why FDSC has set up networks to connect hundreds of volunteers, businesses, visitors, donors, tutors and everyday people, with orphanages who need a little more help.
 |
 |
| FDSC staff visit isolated mountain schools, with the program also including serving a delicious meal |
Interactive songs are a great way for children to learn a new language |
Through proper coordination and working together, the gap is being bridged to raise the level of orphanage care in Northern Thailand and meet better standards.
 |
 |
| 11,900 gifts have been provided to children on the past 10 years of National Children’s Day |
A volunteer plays an English language learning game with eager kids on National Children’s Day |
FDSC hosts enrichment programs for children who need more than just the basics. Over the years the program has grown to support many children and at risk youth at numerous orphanages, providing the necessary support, energy, and opportunities to allow these young people to eat well, think clearly and achieve in life.
 |
 |
|
Local university students helped to design and build |
In the chilly months, FDSC provides donated blankets |
One of the highlights is when the team is able to take the children out on special excursions to eat at local restaurants, play at the park or swim at a local lake when it’s over 40 degrees!
 |
 |
| Darika playing a game of bingo with the children at the lake side |
The children happily jumped in for a swim when it was mid-day! |
Ongoing improvement projects to maintain the orphanage living conditions include repairing and replacing broken items such as fans, doors and screens.
 |
 |
| New doors being delivered to replace damaged ones | 10 fans ready to replace some of the broken ones! |
Volunteers enjoy participating in these projects and we are thankful for their contributions
 |
 |
| Volunteer Mike, assisted by Net, making repairs to a broken door |
Students visiting from USA prepare a special meal for the children |
Summary
Some specific aspects of the Eat, Think, Achieve Enrichment Program include:
- Generous gifts and donations from visitors and supporters
- Nutritious food, eggs, fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks
- Special meals for special occasions such as mother’s or father’s day
- Skilled maintenance support & grounds beautification
- Clothes, towels, bedding, fans, soap and toothbrushes
- Live-in volunteers and part-time volunteers to assist staff
- Advanced English Tutoring from skilled volunteers
- Creative workshops hosted by the community
- Sports and games days with volunteers
- Picnic days for orphans with HIV