Nearly fifty youngsters from the Chiang Mai School for Life visited Asian U from 22 to 27 March. They stayed on the campus, and travelled around the area from there. On Friday and Saturday afternoons they put on very entertaining shows of dancing, singing and art. Students from the Asian U summer camp were joined by pupils from the International School of the Regents, as well as individuals and supporters from other organisations around Pattaya. On Saturday, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Pattaya City Hall, Khun Apichart Puetpan, was a very welcome guest, as well as a group of children from the Pattaya Orphanage and many local residents.
The show started with a traditional Thai welcome dance with a superb display of drumming, performed by the boys from the school, then the girls danced an elegant “finger-nail” dance. The group were then welcomed by Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya and Khun Panit Nilubol, the president and vice president respectively of Asian University. After singing both traditional and modern songs, the children came into the audience and persuaded staff and other youngsters to join them on stage to sing “Am I only dreaming?”
Arguably, the highlight of the show was a performance of two songs from the musical Cats: Jellicle Cats and The Old Gumbie Cat. Dressed is their cat costumes, and with whiskers and tails, the youngsters put on a very professional performance.
After the show, some of the youngsters showed off their paintings, and these were on sale to help to raise funds to support the school.
The School for Life was founded in 2002 as the “House for Aids Orphans”, but later children from hill tribe villages, street children and some orphaned by the tsunami joined. By acknowledging their right to happiness, offering them a new home, and providing them a first-class education, the School for Life gives them hope. Last week, the children enthusiastically gave their show to say “Thank you” to the people in and around the Pattaya area who have welcomed them here.
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