Introduction for New Readers:
The Mae Tao Clinic/Child Protection Department/Child Development Center is the oldest project of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. Those interested in the history are invited to read past bulletins and our running story on our website. Also, please visit Mae Tao Clinic's website www.maetaoclinic.org
February / March Activity:
When we visit the Mae Tao Clinic we always ask how can we help. We are working on ideas that will have a sustainable impact on the clinic and the extended communities they serve. We are actively looking for international partners. Some of the ideas we are considering include:
Early Childhood Development and Child Safety Training. This could involve developing and delivering different sets of curriculums for different age groups. Specifics could include drawing and artwork, especially for the youngest group. Safety would be the prime focus. The idea would be to start at Mae Tao Clinic’s Child Development Center (CDC) and then expand to other Migrant Learning Centers.
Nursing Aid Training. The course is six months in duration with a month internship. The course would train 20 to 25 people at the MTC campus. After completion they would go back to Burma and work in their own villages.
MTC needs help with Dry Food Programs, stipends for staff and much more.
One of the serious challenges for people served by the Mae Tao Clinic is the fact that many are stateless. Great efforts are ongoing and one marvelous result is that babies born at the Mae Tao Clinic can often receive a Thai birth certificate, allowing the children eligibility to receive education and medical care in Thailand. (beaming family, right, with the newborn's Thai birth certificate) In the coming months, I hope to write more about this general topic.
No CMIRC tours of MTC are scheduled at this time. Hopefully, we will be back on track soon. In the meantime, I will continue to work with the MTC staff, and all others interested in helping this amazing organization. These are exciting and challenging times. Let’s talk soon!