Service Learning: Week Without, Baan Luk Rak

Baan Luuk Rak

Baan Luuk Rak is a children’s home located in the North-Eastern Thai city Khon Kaen. At any time there are around 45 children living at the home for various different and unfortunate circumstances. Most of the students are homeschooled by Kru Ya, who founded the home in 2000 with his wife Khun Noi. Sadly Khun Noi passed away in 2016. Kru Ya is supported by a small group of staff who help with teaching the children, including his own son who is transitioning into the role taken by his father. A holistic approach is taken to caring for the children, and they learn skills such as cooking, recycling and agriculture so they are equipped to take care of themselves and their environment in the future. The children are supported through school and into post-secondary education if they desire. Baan Luuk Rak is their home and relies on donations to stay in operation.

St Andrews International School Bangkok students have the opportunity to raise funds to support the home, as well as visiting during service week to show their support and compassion towards the lovely children. Despite not being blessed with the same opportunities in life as we are, the children at Baan Luuk Rak manage to maintain a caring and supportive environment, where they all look after each other. Importantly, all of the money raised and donated by St Andrews goes directly to Baan Luuk Rak to help with their operational costs.

Baan Luuk Rak

• The name Baan Luuk Rak roughly translates to “Home of the Beloved Children”.

• The home was established in 2000 by Khun Noi and her husband Kru Ya.

• There are around 45 children living at the home at any one time.

• Some of the children have been orphaned and abandoned, while others have been withdrawn from situations of abuse and poverty. Regardless, the children maintain an incredibly happy attitude and can always manage a smile.

• The majority of the children are homeschooled by Kru Ya himself, and another teacher Kru Mam.

• All children love having new faces to meet. They love to have someone give time to them, to support them and show care.

When our students from St Andrews visit they engage with the children and are involved in a range of activities, including teaching the children, playing games, sports, drama, dance and generally supporting the children. The experience provides St Andrews students with a great awareness of the challenges and hardships faced by many people in this world. It empowers them to see how they can make a massive difference to the lives of others through their actions and goodwill. It is emotionally challenging for our students, but also hugely rewarding.