Raising Hope Above the Floodwaters

by Jay Mark Mijares, Communications Officer, World Vision Foundation of Thailand

Right in the heart of the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, sits Bang Po Nueanga School on a rice farm. This area, Sena district, is a low land area, with elevated roads leading to the school. In the 2011 massive flooding that affected 8 million people in 60 provinces out of 77 provinces across Thailand, Ayutthaya was one of the hardest hit areas.

"This ground where we stand now was like a vast ocean," said World Vision Thailand staff member, Kobchai.

Education had to be put on hold - children lost their books, facilities were damaged and schools were shut down for weeks. While school was out, many children found themselves playing in floodwaters, unaware of the risks to their safety and health.

Heavy rains that would follow in the succeeding years became the new normal for the communities living in Sena district.

Realizing their new reality, communities began to take ownership on minimizing the risks that surround them during the wet season. Some families bought paddle boats that could be used for evacuating to safe areas. Some replaced the foundation of their stilt houses with concrete to withstand floods. And some rearranged the layout in their homes to minimize having furniture on the ground level.

World Vision Thailand in partnership with the local authorities of Ayutthaya and the multinational Seagate, through its "Give To Asia" project, implemented resilience projects across 12 schools in the province - one of them is Bang Po Nueanga School.

I can now be in school even when it rains, I come to school in a paddle boat! I don't have to miss my classes and friends again. 

Through these resilience projects, schools are relocated to a safer ground for children, so that their education need not be halted during rainy season. Improvements to existing facilities such as elevating the playgrounds and water towers, strengthening the school's stilt foundations, and improving toilet facilities and sewage systems are some of the initiatives that helped shape the safe school transformation.

"I can now be in school even when it rains, I come to school in a paddle boat! I don't have to miss my classes and friends again," said 8-year old B.M. with a grin.

World Vision Thailand’s National Director, Chitra Thumborisuth, alongside Ayutthaya Vice Governor, Panya Srathongoon and representatives from Seagate recently graced a hand-over ceremony at the Bang Po Nueanga School.

Khun Chitra said, “Flooding has become a yearly affair for this school, hence we need to find alternatives to adapt to such change. Raising the school building will provide a conducive environment that enables children to continue their education undisturbed even when floodwaters inundate the ground below."

"Give To Asia" Project has given new hope for these young ones. With smiles plastered on their faces, it is evident that hopes have been lifted above floodwaters.

Learn more about projects and activities in Thailand.