3rd Global Community Gathering & International Children’s Festival in Thailand
(February 2003)

Moo Baan Dek, Children’s Village School
Ban Thor Phan, Make Dreams Come True
The Whispering Seed

Ban Thor Phan Family

International Children's Festival at Ban Thor Phan

This conference bridges people and cultures of the East and West,
While celebrating and supporting children’s projects in Thailand.

Morning massage at Moo Baan Dek

Working in the organic garden at Moo Baan Dek

Games with students from Moo Baan Dek

     This is a hands-on, people meeting people gathering which focuses on celebrating the joys in everyday living while sharing the cultural uniqueness between us. Together we are strengthening the GLOBAL BRIDGES between us, expanding the network of alternative education in Asia and actively supporting local projects within Thailand.

     The first Gathering was held at Moo Baan Dek, Children’s Village School. As it was such a wonderful time, we decided to add a second site to the project for the second year. The first half of the gathering was held at MBD and then moved out along the Burmese border to Ban Thor Phan, Make Dreams Come True. During the third year, we added an International Children’s Festival to the gathering which brought over 1,000 Hilltribe children from the local area to celebrate youth. 

     This year we will host the gathering at three different sites: Moo Baan Dek, Children’s Village School-an alternative education learning community for 150 children coming from orphaned and abusive backgrounds. The school is modeled after Summerhill School in England but incorporating Buddhist ideas. While at MBD we will have the opportunity to learn traditional Thai weaving, woodworking, batik (painting and dyeing with wax on cloth), and dressmaking. We will also have a chance to participate in the School Council Meeting and join the children to work in the organic farm in the early morning hours and participate in morning massage circle. We will also travel to visit local communities and a majestic waterfall.

     Ban Thor Phan, Make Dreams Come True- home to 33 children who come from orphaned and abusive backgrounds and former child soldiers from Burma (Myanmar). Rise early with the children and join in their daily chanting and meditation. Learn how they make natural tie-dye clothing from organic dyes. We will also participate in the International Children’s Festival and travel to visit local sites, including a Buddhist cave and Three Pagodas Pass along the border.
The Whispering Seed-a newly forming community learning center and future home for orphaned children 

Aki the monk shares with the circle

Moscow International Film School performs

Haja Center from Korea

Global family on boat in Ayuthaya

Thong Pha Phum market

Bath time at Moo Baan Dek

Other Activities
     Together we will visit Buddhist temples, traditional villages and waterfalls. We will swim, play, laugh, dance and learn new languages together. We have in International Foods evening and Culture Night. We are welcomed into Thailand with the Bai Sri ceremony. The gatherings have brought representatives from Japan, Korea, Russia, India, USA and from all over Thailand.

For more information and photos for first gathering www.childrenvillageschool.com/globalgather.html 
For more information and photos for the second and the third gathering www.ffc.or.th/gg 
To register or for further information please contact: whisperingseed@wildmail.com

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