About the Juvenile Detention Centre:
(can't take photos)
"The Juvenile Detention Centre houses dozens of boys aged ten to seventeen, all of who are awaiting their sentencing for various criminal acts. The boys are mainly from Chiang Mai province, though several are from smaller neighbouring provinces, such as Lamphun.
The facility tries to foster the boys' creativity and emotional well-being while they are in a state of difficult transition and uncertainty. They have spiritual centres from the three main religions - Buddhism, Christianity, and Muslim - as well as classes in arts, sports, and music. The boys are also given the opportunity to participate in onsite work (construction, grounds maintenance, preparing meals)"(ARI Handbook. May 23, 2016).
(can't take photos)
"The Juvenile Detention Centre houses dozens of boys aged ten to seventeen, all of who are awaiting their sentencing for various criminal acts. The boys are mainly from Chiang Mai province, though several are from smaller neighbouring provinces, such as Lamphun.
The facility tries to foster the boys' creativity and emotional well-being while they are in a state of difficult transition and uncertainty. They have spiritual centres from the three main religions - Buddhism, Christianity, and Muslim - as well as classes in arts, sports, and music. The boys are also given the opportunity to participate in onsite work (construction, grounds maintenance, preparing meals)"(ARI Handbook. May 23, 2016).
For the workshop we Neang decided that it would be a good idea to make vision hangers. Essentially, it's the same thing as a vision board, but instead their visions are hanging from a string. We started the workshop off with greetings and then got right into it. I explained what a goal was and how you can have many goals both long and short term. We went around the circle and everyone gave an example of a goal they have. It was really nice to hear their goals, no one hesitated in sharing which was also very refreshing. Next, we explained all the steps and they set off to work. I was amazed at how focused they were.
I realized after, going in, I thought that they may give us attitude, or back talk (even though I wouldn't be able to understand). And while I was there, they were nothing but smiles. They wanted to help out anytime and loved the workshop and sharing. I'm starting to realize that I go into a lot of these workshops with expectations and judgements and that really needs to stop. I wish I was able to give another workshop there I had a lot of fun!
I realized after, going in, I thought that they may give us attitude, or back talk (even though I wouldn't be able to understand). And while I was there, they were nothing but smiles. They wanted to help out anytime and loved the workshop and sharing. I'm starting to realize that I go into a lot of these workshops with expectations and judgements and that really needs to stop. I wish I was able to give another workshop there I had a lot of fun!
Our second workshop of the day was at Thai Freedom House. Following the unit plan of recycling this week was making bracelets/necklaces out of paper. Sarah and Maggie created the workshop and let me tell you it was a lot of fun. We were split into five groups, each volunteer working with four kids to help them with the rolling of magazine strips. The goal was to roll them on skewers and once they dried to arrange them however they wanted on a string to make a necklace. There wasn't much talk of why we should recycle paper, but maybe that will be covered next time. |
To end off the workshop we had the kids do a little fashion show to show off what they made. The endless giggles and silliness made it the best part! These kids are so creative and awesome! Definitely one of my favourite places to do workshops.