Fix the Water and Build a Football Field mae um phai school

A Brighter Future for Ban Mae Um Phai Primary School

Nestled in the remote mountains of Mae Hong Son Province, in the district of Mae Tho, lies the village of Mae Um Phai. Home to Ban Mae Um Phai Primary School, this small Karen community faces daily challenges due to its isolation and limited resources. With around 30 students, the school strives to provide education despite a very modest government budget.

A Director with a Vision

In December 2023, the school welcomed a new director, Vee Assavin Sittiprapa, a man full of passion and determination. Upon his arrival, he immediately identified the pressing needs of the school. With unwavering commitment, he took matters into his own hands—literally—building a new classroom with his bare hands, undaunted by the hard work.

Now, Director Vee has set his sights on an even bigger dream: creating a proper football field for the children. Until recently, the students played in a nearby rice field when they had the chance. With the help of the district president, who generously provided an excavator to flatten the land, the groundwork for the field has begun. However, the project has stalled due to a lack of funding.

The Urgent Need for Support

The football field is more than just a playground; it’s a symbol of hope, community, and opportunity for the students. To complete this dream, several critical elements are needed:

A Retention Wall: To prevent soil erosion during the rainy season, securing the foundation of the field.

Ground Cover: At least a concrete surface to create a safe and durable playing area.

Fencing and Netting: Ensuring the safety of the students and preventing the ball from rolling down the steep mountainside.

Solar Lighting: Allowing the children to play and host matches even after the early sunsets common in this region.

Beyond the football field, the school faces another pressing challenge: access to water. With a budget of just 36 baht per student per day, the school relies on creativity and resilience to make ends meet. A garden was envisioned to supplement the students’ meals, but a broken water pipe has rendered this impossible. Without water for drinking, sanitation, and daily needs, the very foundation of the school’s operations is at risk.

How You Can Help

Imagine sending your child to a school with no running water. Imagine their only playground being a muddy rice field. These are the realities for the children of Ban Mae Um Phai. Yet, with your support, we can change this.

Your contribution will go directly towards:

Completing the football field.

Fixing the water pipe and restoring a reliable water supply.

Supporting future initiatives to ensure a brighter, healthier environment for the students.

Together, we can stand with Director Vee and the children of Ban Mae Um Phai, turning challenges into triumphs and dreams into reality.