13
Apr
2025
This Songkran, we prepared special activities for the children from the STK1 project, offering them a full immersion in both fun and Thai culture!
The STK1 children's Songkran trip from Phetchabun kicked off at Hope Centre, Chiang Mai! We started with laughter and smiles from creative activities organised by senior students and centre staff, including art games, group activities, and one-on-one mentoring. Another highlight was the tie-dye workshop, where the children transformed old white shirts into vibrant, colourful ones, proudly worn for Songkran!
The children's new day began warmly at The Acts Church of Chiang Mai, with worship and comforting words from scripture. In the afternoon, the children experienced the lively Songkran atmosphere at the Chiang Mai Moat. The laughter, joy, and a child's remark, "I've never seen so many people playing with water before!" are memories of happiness we'll never forget.
Another significant and valuable Songkran tradition.
During the Songkran festival, the children joined in a heartfelt ceremony to honour and bless their elders with love and respect
, seeking blessings and showing respect to all their mentors and staff. It was a tender and powerful moment, filled with love, gratitude, and bonds of connection.
After the Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony, we journeyed to Chiang Mai Zoo. For some of the children, this was their "first time" seeing real animals up close! The children were amazed by the diverse range of animals, including giraffes, hippos, deer, and many more. Thank you, Chiang Mai Zoo, for opening up the world to these children through real-life experience.
One of the most profound activities was art therapy. The children used paintbrushes, colours, and their own hands to express their inner feelings onto canvas. Every picture held a "story," and every stroke was a voice from the heart yearning to speak. Art not only teaches how to draw – it heals, fulfils, and liberates.
We took the children to explore another world at Hidden Village – The Mysterious Dinosaur Village. The children collaboratively excavated fossils and assembled dinosaur parts, enjoying the fun of researching species. They also played with small animals and experienced the magical atmosphere of the fantasy village. Another activity that filled their hearts with smiles and imagination!
The special Songkran trip concluded with laughter at Tube Trek Water Park Chiangmai. The children had an absolute blast on the slides, giant waves, and rubber raft rides. This was "the kind of happiness children deserve."
Thank you for all the support that made these children's smiles a reality.
