Where is the Blind School and its purpose?
For my activities, every Mondays I've decided to go to the Blind School for Children located in Naklua, Pattaya. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. The Blind School is one of the eleven in the country and many charities such as the Jester's Care for Kids supports it. Most of the children are left abandoned or some do have parents. The children who have parents often go visit them during the Thai holidays, however most of the year they stay in school.
The first time ever I visited the school, it shocked me, as it made me feel like I was living in a bubble and have not exactly opened my eyes to the world around me. On the first trip there, we were expected to pair up with a child and interact with them. The children were very energetic and spoke a lot to us all. Since I speak Thai as well as English I felt that I could communicated with the children more effectively than others who Thai was not their first language. Since the children could not see at all, they have developed other senses which they are more prone too such as touch and sound. This was something different for me as I had to adapt myself to their environement. First it was a bit uncomfortable around them, as they touch you a lot to figure out the shapes. However, later on I was use to the new experience. From my first visit, I developed goals which I wanted to intiate further.
What were my aims in spending time with the children?
Every week for my after school activities I am going to spend time with the children. Therefore, playing and interacting with them. I am planning to collect items from my house which produces sound and use it to interact with the children. Moreover, by going to the Blind School every week I hope to develop a relationship with the children. Also, I hope to become more caring in being empathetic as well as being principled. This is because there are ethical issues which presents when you interact with the children. You don't want to offend them in any way.
It was very fun playing with the children because they are more capable than you initially thought. They have developed other senses which I believe is amazing :) and they are so curious about the world around them which makes it easier to interact with them.
Did I achieved what I initially aimed for?
Personally, I believe that I have developed friendship with the children at the school. Moreover, I believe that I have considered ethical implications when communicating with the children. Even though, it may be tempting to ask about their past and how they joined the school, it is better to stick to the present and the future. Some children may have gone through a tough past where they wouldn't want to express their thoughts to someone who they don't really trust. Also, through going the the school, I have become more caring in a sense that I've opened my eyes a new situation. I remembered that before I chose the activity, some of my friends commented that they wouldn't be able to go to the school because it's too emotional. This is because often in Thailand (not all) blind children have distorted faces. This is because no one has ever taught them not to push their eyes inwards. The fact that they cannot see may have in the past pressured them to damaged their eyes further. To be honest, the school did struck me the first time I went there, however the second time was perfectly fine. I was comfortable around the children. I had a lot a fun with the children as they were so energetic. I would recommended this activity to anyone who wants to experience service. Therefore, due to this I believe that I've become more principled.
Please check out the Jesters website with information regarding the Blind School:
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