by Sharka Furda
sharka.furda@gmail.com
Dear ES Parents,
As some of you may remember from last year, ISB was part of a lovely project – collecting toys in good condition for The School Toy Libraries (STL) project.
This is a well established project under the patronage of the Khun Meechai Viravaidya Foundation. This organization has established over 100 STL throughout Northern Thailand, with toys bring donated by urban children. The guiding principle of the STL is that access to toys is a human right for children.
Children in rural areas are not just given toys, they can earn a right to borrow a toy or a book for a period of time (usually one week) in exchange of some community services. The libraries are self-sustainable and in the majority of cases run by children ages 8-14 years. This teaches children responsibility, a sense of community and a sense of appreciation.
We are hoping to collect enough toys to start at least one more toy library in Northern Thailand. We thought this is a great opportunity for our children to open their hearts and share with the less fortunate.
Our wonderful new librarian, Mr. Nat, with help of the MS School Toy Librarians Club, coordinated by Ms. Kari, volunteered to educate all ES grades, so they will understand why they should give some of their toys. We all know that giving may feel better than receiving.
The educational piece of our mission will take part very soon – November 26th & December 7th – during regular library hours. The collection of toys will take place at the ES library and MS/HS Cafeteria (thanks to help from the Green Panther Club and ES CLA Club) from December 4th – 18th.
Please ask you children about this project and help them choose toys to donate. All toys and books in good condition are very welcome, but The Foundation is especially grateful for educational toys, games, puzzles (without missing pieces), Legos, sports equipment, train toys etc.
For more information on Green Toy Libraries, please see this short video:
https://www.isaan.com/en/forum/
THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Sharka Furda and Margaret Cannon, ISB parents and STL coordinators