The Pratheep-Dek-Thai Project was established in Thailand by Phra Tep Jetiyajarn (Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo) who is Lord Abbot of Wat Dhammamongkol (Bangkok, Thailand), a renowned Master Teacher of Meditation and the Founder and President of the Willpower Institute-Bangkok/Canada. Those who are philanthropic, compassionate and committed to the betterment of society have supported this project. The goal of the project is to provide needy pre-school children, 3-6 years of age, with a facility where they can receive nutrition, instruction in social values and morals and the opportunity to learn through play – in a safe and caring environment. The project recognizes that children are the leaders of tomorrow. The Child Development Centers provide impoverished Thai children the“light of education” at an early age which is critical for the children’s overall development and for the future development of their country.
Education is critical in eliminating poverty. Some villages in Thailand are very poor and can not address this educational need. To date Luangphor has been able to assist with the construction of approximately 550 Centers – the goal is 5000.
In 2003 Avalon Thorne invited Luangphor to speak to the student council about the project. Long known for their strong school spirit and compassion, the students of Bellerose Composite High School decided to reach out globally to help the young needy pre-school children by raising sufficient funds to construct one Child Development Center- a $10,000 project.
The money was raised over the last four years through a garage sale, cotton candy and sundae sales by Mrs. Roy’s classes, “Pi Days” put on by Mr. Willette’s math clubs, and the vast majority through the recycling of drink containers coordinated by Mr. Cherniwchan, Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Scott and the student’s union.
On March 29 2007 the Center was officially opened. It is located in Uthai Thani and will accommodate approximately 30 – 40 children. The school’s goal is to help make lasting improvements in the lives of children in an impoverished area of Thailand.
Bellerose Composite High School plans to continue to help the Center in whatever way it can. The Bellerose School Community is reaching out globally by acting locally.
