My visit to Mae Sai
in December 2001
My name is Jens Kronberg. The picture shows me at the foundation
meeting of the charit
Kinderleben
Eine Zukunft für Strassenkinder in Mae Sai e.V.
on
the 01.09.2001, where I was elected as auditor in the board.
Already back then I was sure that I want to visit the project which I
am supporting myself in order to gain my own personal impression. In December
2001 I finally made a trip to Mae Sai, where I stayed for several days
as a
guest at "Childlife".
that much to tourists to stay for longer. Because of this tourists only use it to pass through to Myanmar . But my
visit wasn't intended to be for sightseeing anyway. After my arrival at the bus terminal I instantly asked for the
way "Childlife". I found 'Childlife' at the end of a remote street.
On my arrival
I was welcomed by lots of children that were playing
in the courtyard and were staring curiously at the "stranger'. Their
shyness gave away quickly and soon first friendships were established.
Ralph- the volunteer from Switzerland - showed me 'Childlife's ' house
and property. I was very impressed by the commitment and diligence
with which the volunteers there take care of the children. For me
staying at 'Childlife' was an intensive experience that I took back with
me to my life in Germany..
in the courtyard and were staring curiously at the "stranger'. Their
shyness gave away quickly and soon first friendships were established.
Ralph- the volunteer from Switzerland - showed me 'Childlife's ' house
and property. I was very impressed by the commitment and diligence
with which the volunteers there take care of the children. For me
staying at 'Childlife' was an intensive experience that I took back with
me to my life in Germany..
(which is difficult to properly describe with words as it exceeds
our imagination) found a place there that means more to them
than only a place for sleeping and playing.
It
means home to them.
lots of misery and poverty before, but what I saw in Mae Sai
shocked even me. I was ashamed that I can live a life in such luxury while there are other human beings who possess nothing
else than their bare life and the clothes they wear on their body. But on the other hand I never have experienced so much
gratitude, compassion and joy before as I have experienced
in Mae Sai.
The staff successfully braves the hopelessness of the children's'
situation, sets a sign for change and
to give them a future as well. They
give the children love, sympathy, and
take time to listen to them and understand the problems they face.
The children showed me that what counts in life and is
important is to share the riches of this world.
I learned a lot in these few days. It made me remember
this sentence by Albert Schweizer :
"The little you can do, is a lot, you simply have to do it".
It is very important in my view to understand this and it motivates me here thousands of kilometres
distant from that place- here in affluent Germany - to do something for these children.
I only can ask you not to forget these children, but to help them. Now matter how small the donation,
for them it is a chance to survive and the foundation for their future.
We have a dream "ChildlifeVision 2002"
"The little you can do, is a lot, you simply have to do it".
It is very important in my view to understand this and it motivates me here thousands of kilometres
distant from that place- here in affluent Germany - to do something for these children.
I only can ask you not to forget these children, but to help them. Now matter how small the donation,
for them it is a chance to survive and the foundation for their future.
We have a dream "ChildlifeVision 2002"
