PHUKET: On Saturday, as the rain poured down and thunder crashed overhead, 24 kids played, giggled, laughed and squealed as they splashed around in a pool throwing balls to each other.
Not even the rain could stop their energetic enthusiasm for life.
Headstart's School at Kathu at first seems an unlikely venue for under-privileged kids from Barnhem House to be visiting. But the school's children raised money to help the Barnhem kids experience something a little different from their usual weekend activities.
Today the Barnhem kids are at the school for a day of fun, laughter, games and happiness.
As some kids play soccer, others enjoy quieter times in the art room.
Non, 17, has lived at Barnhem for the past 10 years. As he concentrates intensely on completing an elaborate and detailed drawing, he tells Phuketwan that he wants to go to university and be an architect.
''I like drawing, it makes me happy,'' said Non.
Susanne Janson, vice-chairman and treasurer of the Barnhem Foundation, says they currently have 27 children living at the Thalang-based home.
Susan was reluctant to speak about the history of the children, but did say they all come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
''Out of respect for children and their families, I don't like to talk about their specific circumstances,'' said Susan.
''We want to be like a family for the children. We want to help prepare them for life. Education is the key we think.''
''We tell the children that it is up to them and that they can do anything they want in life, if they work hard.''
Barnhem House finds and managers sponsors for young men and women when it is time to leave.
One young man, who lived at Barnhem for many years, is now studying multimedia and technology at university.
''We manage the sponsors money and produce reports on where the money is spent, for example, on tuition, accommodation and food,'' said Susan.
''We also assist our other children that may not want to go to university, to get jobs on Phuket in areas like hospitality or tourism.''
Barnhem House is currently undergoing a refurbishment and rebuilding phase to build a better and safer home for the children.
Barnhem is the Swedish word for ''home for children.''
To read more about Barnhem, or make a donation go to www.barnhem.org or have a look at their Facebook page 'Barnhem Muang Mai'.
Not even the rain could stop their energetic enthusiasm for life.
Headstart's School at Kathu at first seems an unlikely venue for under-privileged kids from Barnhem House to be visiting. But the school's children raised money to help the Barnhem kids experience something a little different from their usual weekend activities.
Today the Barnhem kids are at the school for a day of fun, laughter, games and happiness.
As some kids play soccer, others enjoy quieter times in the art room.
Non, 17, has lived at Barnhem for the past 10 years. As he concentrates intensely on completing an elaborate and detailed drawing, he tells Phuketwan that he wants to go to university and be an architect.
''I like drawing, it makes me happy,'' said Non.
Susanne Janson, vice-chairman and treasurer of the Barnhem Foundation, says they currently have 27 children living at the Thalang-based home.
Susan was reluctant to speak about the history of the children, but did say they all come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
''Out of respect for children and their families, I don't like to talk about their specific circumstances,'' said Susan.
''We want to be like a family for the children. We want to help prepare them for life. Education is the key we think.''
''We tell the children that it is up to them and that they can do anything they want in life, if they work hard.''
Barnhem House finds and managers sponsors for young men and women when it is time to leave.
One young man, who lived at Barnhem for many years, is now studying multimedia and technology at university.
''We manage the sponsors money and produce reports on where the money is spent, for example, on tuition, accommodation and food,'' said Susan.
''We also assist our other children that may not want to go to university, to get jobs on Phuket in areas like hospitality or tourism.''
Barnhem House is currently undergoing a refurbishment and rebuilding phase to build a better and safer home for the children.
Barnhem is the Swedish word for ''home for children.''
To read more about Barnhem, or make a donation go to www.barnhem.org or have a look at their Facebook page 'Barnhem Muang Mai'.
