Latest News From BaanGerda
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.
New Carpentry and Sewing Workshops
Posted by Mike Thomas on 9th June 2007
BaanGerda has recently built separate carpentry and sewing workshops. They first opened one year ago and the response from the parents was so good that they soon had to be expanded. The intention was to offer the parents a worthwhile job which could boost their confidence and earn them extra money. Importantly, it also provided the opportunity for vocational training for the children during their school holidays, especially for those who would not be attending further education.
The equipment in the workshops was generously provided by Father Sean and the ‘Born To Live’ organization. Father Sean has worked tirelessly to raise money in his community in Adelaide, Australia. Some of the products made by the parents have already been sold by Father Sean back in Adelaide.
The parents spend up to six hours a day in either the sewing or carpentry workshops, while their adopted children attend school. They have been receiving training from experienced tutors, Khun Narong and Khun Dim, who visit BaanGerda every 10 days. The production facilities play a vital role in the model that we are trying to create, by providing a vocation for BaanGerda residents and developing their self-esteem.
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