FCF Project Manger Debbie Ekner (left) with girls from Li Po Chun United World College.

The girls were involved in the care of children at an orphanage; each girl learnt to be responsible for one child, caring for his every need and learning to interact despite the language barrier.

Helping others to help others
By Debbie Ekner, Central Thailand Mission (CTM), Bangkok

Why do community service? Through it, you learn to see the world from a different perspective… you learn how little effort is needed to make someone happy by just being there for him or her. - Maria, Norway

Through the service, I understood that donations don’t come only in the form of money, food or stationery. Most importantly, the kids need love and attention. Life is not a solo journey. You can make a difference if you try. - Chenying, China

Coming from different backgrounds and countries as diverse as Botswana, Norway, Pakistan and China, a team of 11 young women (ages 17-21) from the Li Po Chun United World College in Hong Kong, converged at our Bangkok center for hands-on experience in working with orphans. Above were some of the girl's reactions after completing their assignment.

Their visit, part of the college's Project Week where students choose to be part of a service in any part of the world, focused on our ongoing work at Ban Dek On (Rangsit Babies' Home).

The girls were involved in the care of children at the Home, from various age groups including a group of pre- adoptees. Each girl learnt to be responsible for one child, caring for his every need and learning to interact despite the language barrier. They found out quickly that, with love, it was possible to communicate and care for their Thai charges.

For the full story click this link: Helping Others to Help Others.