Latest News From BaanGerda
Embassy Concert
Posted by Mike Thomas on 10th April 2009
Following a recent visit to Baan Gerda by the German Ambassador (Dr Hanns Schumacher), the children were invited to perform for a specially invited audience at the German Embassy in Bangkok. Although the opera has not been completed, composer Bruce Gaston organised a 40 minute show consisting of scenes from the full opera.
As the day of the concert approached it was obvious that things weren’t ready; the children were frantically trying to learn new parts; people were scampering around making the props and the costumes had still to be made. They would take to the stage without even having a dress rehearsal.
Set amongst the city’s towering skyscrapers, the beautiful gardens of the Ambassador’s residence provided the perfect backdrop for the opera. Despite our uncertainties, Bruce and the children managed to pull off a great show which was well received by the 100 VIP guests.
Commenting afterwards Dr Schumacher said “A wonderful experience! The children performed as if they are on stage every day. The scenes were colourful, alongside a fanciful set, props and costumes, leaving the whole audience stunned. It was so entertaining, and so professional, quite to the contrary of my expectations. You could tell the audience were captivated. I’m delighted that the embassy residence hosted the world première of this performance. I’m also sure that the opera with the children of Baan Gerda will be a special highlight for the Bangkok theatre programme. Those who don’t see it are really missing something!”
View more photos from the performance
Bangkok Midnight Run 2008
Posted by Mike Thomas on 3rd November 2008According to The World Meteorological Organisation, Bangkok is the hottest city in the world year round. It begs the question; “why would anyone want to take part in a fun run?”
Readers may be surprised to learn that there are many running clubs in Thailand, and if you take a look at any of the large parks in Bangkok you will see scores of people running at dusk and dawn.
The key is to avoid running under the brutal tropical sunshine, hence the timing of The Midnight Run. The event is now in it’s 11th year and continues to grow in popularity. More than 4,000 people took part in the latest run, including 15 children from BaanGerda.
The children were very motivated and trained regularly at BaanGerda for the pre-ceding 3 months. They were determined to show their worth and not just `make up the numbers’. All of them managed to complete the run and some posted very respectable times. In fact, three of them would have had considerably better times if they hadn’t accidentally run the longer course!
Photography Course
Posted by Mike Thomas on 1st August 2008
Several of the older children recently benefited from a photography course kindly organised by Barbara Walton. She has submitted this report along with a link to some of the photos that the children took:
“As professional news photographers based in Thailand for epa european pressphoto agency (www.epa.eu/), Narong Sangnak and I don’t have much time for passing on skills, but we enjoyed a great day teaching a group of BaanGerda photo enthusiasts the basics of taking a picture during a day-long workshop.
After Narong’s thorough theory lesson, and assisted by photographer Udo Weitz and Narong’s wife Prang, we worked with small teams in the field, encouraging and directing their portrait, landscape and self chosen assignments. The budding young photographers got to use Canon and Nikon professional equipment, and soon picked up that learning how to shoot pictures is often about re-learning how to look from behind a camera, and allowing yourself to be adventurous, curious, and bold enough to give a photo idea a try - and see if it works.
By the end of the session all the kids were moving their bodies and not just standing to shoot, getting closer to their subject and really searching their home BaanGerda environment to find where interesting light and nice locations were for picture taking.
We then saw a very enthusiastic group shown how to edit their shoots and work off their pictures - crop, tone and save for group discussion. While we only scratched the surface we saw some great talent emerge!”
Barbara Walton
View some of the children’s photos
Sewing Workshop Teachers
Posted by Mike Thomas on 18th March 2008
An important part of the village is the handicraft and carpentry workshop that provides the parents with an opportunity to work and contribute to earn a living. Khun Narong and Dim have been involved in the textile industry in Thailand for over 30 years and regularly supply silk and cotton products to shops throughout Bangkok.
What is your role at BaanGerda?
Dim: We stay at BaanGerda for 1 or 2 weeks every month, teaching the foster mothers how to make various items such as pillows, hats, bags etc… Our silk comes from a small village in the north-east called Chaiyapoom, which uses traditional production methods and natural dyes.
Where are the finished products sold?
Dim: Some of the products are shipped to Australia where Father Sean from the Born To Live foundation sells them to local shops. We also supply to a company in Europe that deals only in Fair Trade products, which means that we have to meet strict standards for both manufacturing and the welfare of the workers.
How does the workshop help the mothers at BaanGerda?
Dim: When they can work they have a better meaning in life, they won’t think of all the negative things anymore. They can work and have an income and have a way of improving their life. They don’t have to be idle and stuck worrying about their condition. Another important factor is that having a job enhances the self-confidence of the parents which in return makes them better parents. During the holidays the mothers are also able to pass on their new skills to the children.
Children Perform at FANC Charity Ball
Posted by Mike Thomas on 26th December 2007The Foreign Anti-Narcotic Community of Thailand (FANC) held their annual ball at the beginning of December, with proceeds going to BaanGerda. The event, held at the Westin Hotel in Bangkok, was an opportunity for some of the children to demonstrate their new musical skills they have learnt this year.
FANC has existed for over 25 years and is made up of police attaches from 20 countries, who work with the local police to fight drug trafficking and other crimes in Thailand. Some years ago, they looked at ways that their membership could make a difference to those individuals whose lives were directly (or indirectly) affected by these crimes. As a result, for the last 4 years FANC has chosen to sponsor the children of Baan Gerda.
Mike Hiller, FANC Chairman, “Many of the FANC members have visited with the children at BaanGerda and were deeply moved by the children themselves and the work being done there. It was the experience of having met the children that led us to inviting them to perform at the 2007 FANC Charity Ball. Not surprisingly, their performance was the highlight of the event…those that attended the ball were as deeply moved as those of us who visited BaanGerda and will likely not forget the amazing children of Baan Gerda.”
New Research Study into Children’s Nutrition
Posted by Mike Thomas on 17th December 2007
A new study is being carried out to asses the nutritional status of HIV-infected children. It is known as the TACHIN Project and is a collaboration between the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, the institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University (Bangkok), and the Albion Street Centre in Australia.
Children living with HIV are at a higher risk of malnutrition because of the effects of the virus on their immune system and the side-effects of the ARV treatment. The research team have spent four days at BaanGerda collecting data on the children and their diet. The initial results show that 50% are underdeveloped through stunted growth or underweight.
The first phase of the study will include the team returning to BaanGerda in a few weeks to offer advice and suggestions on improving the diet. Assessments will then be carried out after three and six months.
BaanGerda is one of the few places that have a large number of HIV-infected children with comprehensive medical and growth records. Very little research has been done in this area so far and it is hoped that, apart from improving the health of the children, it will also be of benefit to other organisations and medical professionals around the world.
Nutritionist Supabhorn Pengnonyang from the TACHIN project “To achieve the goal of promoting growth in children, every stakeholder especially those closely related to them must be responsible. Community can learn and find out the right and practical way for themselves. We do hope the outcomes will be sustainable and, importantly, will be applicable to other communities.”
Premiere of New Documentary
Posted by Mike Thomas on 13th December 2007
December 17th is the premiere of Detlev Neufert’s documentary about BaanGerda, Dancing on Heaven’s Meadow. It focuses on Ben, the oldest child at BaanGerda, as he re-calls memories of his family, his daily lifestyle and his hopes for the future.
The 30-minute film with be shown at Bangkok’s Tawandang brewhouse on Rama III from 6pm. Everyone is welcome and entrance is free.
The evening also features the popular Thai band Carabao, playing live from 10pm (table reservations should be made if staying to watch Carabao: call 02 678 1114-6). A DVD of the documentary will be available shortly.
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New Documentary Features BaanGerda
Posted by Mike Thomas on 23rd November 2007
German filmmaker Detlev Neufert is currently putting the finishing touches to a short documentary about the children of BaanGerda. It’s a follow-up to the original film released in 2005, entitled “Heaven’s Meadow: The small wonders of Baan Gerda”. The film premiered at the COM.PASSION event for the 15th World AIDS Conference in Bangkok.
Film editor of the Bangkok Post, Kong Rithdee, wrote: “Heaven’s Meadow is a beautiful film, made with its heart at right place. It achieves a balance between hope and sorrow, and it should move a lot of people to contribute in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I think the straight forward documentary style suits the subject very well. The people featured in the film also represent the global effort and reflect the important fact that HIV is a problem of the human race.”
Neufert wanted to make an update to show the current situation in BaanGerda since the original film. The focus this time is on Ben, the oldest child at BaanGerda, and provides an emotional insight into his life and how he copes with being an HIV-infected orphan.
The editing and post-production should be finished within 2 weeks and then Neufert hopes to sell the documentary to worldwide TV stations. A DVD will also be available for purchase.
Ginge And The Early Days of BaanGerda
Posted by Mike Thomas on 15th November 2007
When Ginge arrived in Thailand in 2000, she had to idea what lay in front of her. A visit to Wat Pra Baat Nam Phu Hospice prompted her to stay as a resident and volunteer for a short time. It was here that she first met Karl when they argued over the fate of a very sick HIV+ baby of 18 months. After a period back in England, Ginge returned to volunteer at BaanGerda where she stayed for 18 months.
At that time, BaanGerda was little more than a muddy field and a couple of houses. The life-saving ARV medicine was not initially available and it was a testing and emotional time for everyone involved. Ginge worked closely with Dr Jintanat Ananworanich to provide essential medical support to the children. The end of 2001 marked a turning point for BaanGerda when the children started to receive the ARV medicine. The community became a place to live, not to die.
Ginge is back in Thailand for her annual visit to BaanGerda, and she will be speaking at a seminar for 20 doctors on November 19th.
What made you volunteer?
There was no one there! Because someone had to!
The child that Karl and I had originally argued about when we first met at the hospice died a few weeks before I returned to Thailand. I knew that this child required medical attention that was not available to her through the normal channels. No one wanted to help AIDS babies at that time. It upset me terribly that we lost her, but it helped put things into perspective: there were lots and lots more who would suffer the same fate if we didn’t do something.
What were some of the biggest challenges?
It was 2001, there was no telephone line, there was no internet, there was a very intermittent mobile phone signal, there was no-one who spoke English. It was a very isolated existence. Sometimes the isolation was hard and lonely, but mostly it was great to be doing something that I knew was worthwhile. I also had many spare hours to read up about HIV treatment, paediatrics etc., and I suppose it was the start of the rest of my life (I’m now doing a PhD about paediatric HIV health policy in Thailand). We had some very tricky times, I was suddenly the manager of a project in a field of which I had no prior experience. There was plenty of scope for challenges. HIV was far more stigmatized then and we would get weekly visits of people coming to stare at the ‘poor AIDS children’ asking questions like ‘can you catch AIDS by touching them?’
Finding suitable parents was much more difficult than expected, sometimes even agonizing. We’ve had to deal with hot-tempered mothers throwing soup at each other, and at one time an alcoholic father. We learnt much from these experiences and acted accordingly. We had no fixed rules at the beginning and the time I spent there can be considered as a learning and preparation for an ongoing project.
The Amari BMW Midnight Run, Bangkok 2007
Posted by Mike Thomas on 5th November 2007
The annual Amari Midnight Run is now in its 10th year, and continues to grow in popularity. More than 3,000 people took to the streets of Bangkok in a party-like atmosphere, and competitors had the choice of running either a 6km or 12km course. The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Dr. Suwit Yodmanee, and the General Manager of Amari Watergate (and race competitor!) Pierre Pelletier. Proceeds from the event go to the Chalerm Prakiat School in Lampoon province, and BaanGerda.
A midnight run through the streets of London or Berlin may offer you cool temperatures and little traffic; not so in Bangkok! The notorious traffic jams and relentless heat don’t subside at the midnight hour. Still, they’re a hardy lot here and most people are skilled at dodging the buses while crossing the busy junctions.
Several of the children from BaanGerda attended the event for the first time. They were a little overwhelmed by the camera crews and photographers when they joined the sports minister at the opening ceremony. However, they showed-off their dancing skills during the pre-race aerobics and even managed their own 10 metre run through the starting line! Check out the video….
Weekly Music Lessons Using Orff Method
Posted by Mike Thomas on 1st July 2007
The children of BaanGerda are currently learning to play instruments using an innovative approach to music education known as Orff Schulwerk or Music for Children. It was developed in the 1920s by the German composer Carl Orff and follows the principle that learning music should be fun and natural.
Improvisation is encouraged and children benefit from the co-ordination and cohesion of playing in a group. It is based on things children like to do such as sing, chant rhymes, clap and dance. The forceful variations on rhythmic patterns makes for very simple and beautiful musical forms, which are easily learned by young children. This all happens in a non-competitive atmosphere and helps to develop confidence while enjoying the pleasure of making good music with others.
The program uses a special group of instruments including glockenspiels, xylophones, metallophones and percussion instruments. Lessons have been taking place every Sunday afternoon under the expert guidance of American composer and music director, Bruce Gaston, who is recognized as an authority on Thai music.
Amazingly, the children took part in a small concert at Tawandang Brew House in Bangkok on June 10th, just 2 months after they started learning. A concert is being organized at the Stock Exchange, when guests from Thailand’s largest companies will be in attendance. This will be followed by a performance in an opera at the Thailand Cultural Center. Dates will be released shortly.
Photos from the practice session
HIV Care Seminar at BaanGerda
Posted by Mike Thomas on 15th June 2007
BaanGerda is the host for a seminar entitled ‘Empowering Communities to providing treatment, care and support for Children affected by and living with HIV’. The goal is to provide a forum for lessons and experience-sharing and to encourage the generation of ideas in caring for children living with HIV. It is also hoped to develop the links and networks between organizations and groups that work with these children.
Amongst the different partners involved with the seminar are UNESCO, Thai Red Cross, SEARCH (South East Asia Research Collaboration with Hawaii) and Plan Thailand. Attendees include representatives from HDF Mercy Center, Camillian Social Center, Agape Home in Chiang Mai, We Understand Group in Bangkok, Baan Mettatham, UNESCO, UNICEF and the ACCESS Foundation Chiang Rai.
Although it is widely recognized that the ideal place for the child is in the home community, many communities lack the knowledge, understanding and skills to provide the required support and care. The first priority was to ensure that these vulnerable children receive the necessary medication and appropriate care. Many projects have been established and now it has become clear that children with HIV can live happy lives, the next step is to prepare the communities to take over caring for the children themselves. Hopefully, centers like BaanGerda will no longer be necessary in the future.
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