Natascha Yogachandra (extreme right) is seen with the Chief District Officer, Khun Krit Vacharasiritam (left) and some of the children at the learning center

As part of our continued effort to enhance the education of children and to make sure the children, especially girls, stay in school, Hope is Life Foundation recently opened another library for children in one of the learning centers in Minburi province of Thailand with the help of the Rotary Club of Fairport, New York, USA. There are around 16 learning centers in this area, where children aged 3 to 6 receive early education with the aid of the government. The children come from underprivileged family backgrounds. More than a thousand children books in Thai and English languages were provided to the students. Also, arrangements have been made to visit the centers regularly by student volunteers from a neighboring school to teach them basic English language, songs and games.

Natascha Yogachandra is seen with the Bangkok Governor, Khun Apirak Kosayodhin, (extreme right) with other government officials at the learning center.

There are about 80 children in this learning center. Hope is Life Foundation provided more than 1,000 books in Thai and English languages. In addition to opening a library for the students, the Foundation has developed a plan for senior students from Ruamrudee International School to visit the Learning Center once a week to spend time with the children teaching them songs, games and the English language.

Natascha Yogachandra is seen addressing the children, encouraging them to read books everyday

During the opening of the library, the Chief District Officer, Khun Krit Vacharasiritam, praised the efforts of the Foundation to help Thai children in their education. Bangkok Governor, Khun Apirak Kosayodhin, also visited the Learning Center and met with Natascha Yogachandra, Honorary Chairperson of the Foundation.

Natascha Yogachandra is seen presenting a copy of her book entitled “My Hope” to the chief of the Community Leraning Centers in Minburi, Thailand

“Education holds an important place in the new order of things. The education of each child is compulsory. If there is not money enough in a family to educate both the girl and the boy, the money must be dedicated to the girl’s education, for she is the potential mother. If there are no parents, the community must educate the child. In addition to this widespread education, each child must be taught a profession, art, or trade, so that every member of the community will be enabled to earn his own livelihood. Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship.”

(Abdul-Baha, Diving Philosophy, p. 83, Baha’i Faith)