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Fiona, Author at All For Villages

Trash 4 Cash – Latest Project with the Moken Community on Koh Payam

As everyone is aware, ocean plastic waste has become a major problem all over the world and is choking our oceans and sea life.  All for Villages have teamed up with Ranong Recyclers who are funded by Jan & Oscar Foundaton.  Lately the Moken go out on their boats in search of a catch that contains nothing but plastic and other waste materials.

In their own words:  “We spend a lot of money of nets, fuel & boat repairs but have no income because we just catch trash”.

At the pier, ready to send to Ranong

With the support of Jan & Oscar Foundation & Ranong Recyclers, the Moken now collect & sort plastic into varying grades which they then transport to the mainland with their own boats.  They also collect ghost nets and discarded ropes which can be sold for a very good price.

 

For those who dont have a boat, we organise transportation with the local slow boat from Koh Payam to the pier in Ranong where it is collected by Ranong Recyclers.  They offer above market value to help support the Moken Community, the true Gardians of the Sea.

One young Moken couple Ta & Taput collected over 100 kilos of waste in just over a week from Koh Kaem, a small island just off Koh Payam.  Well done !!!

Sorting; getting ready to send to Ranong Recycle

15
Nov

Building Playgrounds = Building Relationships !!

In August this year, I (Fiona) celebrated 10 years of living & volunteering in Thailand.  I was very fortunate to be joined by many friends from around the world to celebrate with me and help build a playground in the Moken Sea Gypsy Village on Koh Payam.

The biggest kid would be our dear friend Patterson

The biggest kid would be Patterson…

This would not have been possible without our dear friend Emory from Berlin, who held a fundraiser and raised over 100,000 Baht for this and other projects on Koh Payam.  Once approval has been given we also plan to build a playground in the village incorporating a half court basketball court as well, that was kindly donated by Kylie Robertson and family.  That way all the kids across the island can enjoy the art of play.

The smiles tell the story

The smiles tell the story

What was most enjoyable to see was the cooperation between the men of the village and our guys.  Clearly the Moken people have rope tying skills we are unaware of; they happily showed us the best and safest way to make it strong for their kids.

The women were very curious & the kids were loving having so many people to play with !!!!

Check out our gallery for more great pics.

Thank you everyone !  Lets do it all again in 3 years time.

Lily & Jill preparing lunch for all of us as well as the kids

Lily & Jill preparing lunch for all of us as well as the kids

Some of our dear friends who made the journey to support us thank you all so much

Some of our dear friends who made the journey to support us thank you all so much

Even a small one for the little kids great idea Kazzie & Patterson

Even a small one for the little kids great idea Kazzie & Patterson

This is how we got all the equipment, people and materials there !!! amazing job guys

This is how we got all the equipment, people and materials there !!! amazing job guys

Climbing frame coming together

Climbing frame coming together

10
Oct

FARVet Visit – Free Spay / Neuter Program in Takua pa & Koh Phayam

In July this year, All for Villages hosted Dr. Paul Maza and his team from Cornell University for 8 days to perform a free spay and neuter program in Takua pa and Koh Phayam.

This was their first time bringing their program to Thailand.  They were so impressed with the overwhelming community support they have decided to make this an annual event commencing 2017 !!!!

The weather was sometimes against us, transport was limited and often electricity supply was disrupted on Koh Phayam.  However, the team worked over 8 hours tirelessly each day providing sterilizations for both dogs and cats as well as some emergency surgery.

Over 145 animals were treated during the visit, mostly street and beach dogs.

This visit would not have been possible without the incredible support we received from the following individuals and organisations:

In Takua pa

  • Kuhn Taan & Kuhn Patty from www.thailifehomestay.com for accommodation as well organising the two temple clinics that they volunteered at.
  • Kuhn Nai from Green Andaman Travel for FREE transport from Baan Nam Khem to Ranong
  • Kuhn Bill who accompanied the group and provided translation for local people including the monks
  • Kuhn Sawonee for donating her time in Takua pa
  • Amanda & Gary who cordinated the visit in Takua pa, welcomed the team and provided vital information so the visit would be a complete success.

On Koh Phayam

  • Kuhn Paul & Kuhn Pearl from providing FREE accommodation at P.P, Land for the team
  • Kuhn Charlie for providing transport (through pouring rain) to and from the operating site
  • Kuhn Geir & Kuhn Joy for providing a FREE farewell dinner at Hell’s Bell’s Bar
  • Kuhn Fan from Fan’s Restaurant & Kuhn Yord from Lazy Hut for FREE lunches for the team as well as other volunteers
  • Kuhn Chiyoko for driving the tractor to pick up stray beach dogs
  • To all the volunteers who attended each day and helped with recovery of the animals
  • Kuhn Joy who organised 100 FREE rabies vaccines from Dept. Agriculture in Ranong

Finally, this visit would not have happened without Ms. Chantal Croteau, who connected FARVet with All for Villages.

All the animals were given a complete health check as well as vaccines

All the animals were given a complete health check as well as vaccines

The team worked more than 9 hours each day; the animals kept coming

The team worked more than 9 hours each day; the animals kept coming

See you next time we are so grateful for your work

See you next time we are so grateful for your work

Kuhn Charlie & his transport on Koh Phayam

Kuhn Charlie & his transport on Koh Phayam

Amanda attended each day offer support and represent AFV

Amanda attended each day offer support and represent AFV

Kuhn Patty helping with the recovery time

Kuhn Patty helping with the recovery time

Dr. Paul; overseeing the work being performed

Dr. Paul; overseeing the work being performed

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Operating in a local temple in Old Takua pa

8
Apr

Latest News – Koh Phayam

Repairing & Providing Clean Water for the Moken Village.

Again we called upon Gary’s expertise to come and repair and secure the hand pump in the Moken Village.  Everyone came and helped, the men dug the well deeper, the kids lifted and carried all the equipment for us and of course Phillip was on hand for translation.  Now the water is flowing yet again and we eagerly look forward to some much needed rain to fill the well.  This well provides enough water for 100 people !!!!!

Thank you also to Mark from FED for his help

Thank you also to Mark from FED for his help

Everyone hard at work

Everyone hard at work

The only way to access the village, hoping for the bridge to be finished soon

The only way to access the village, hoping for the bridge to be finished soon

Helping the kids toward a Brighter Future

We have commenced repairing, painting and decorating an existing building in the Moken Village which will become a Learning Centre on 15th May.  The other building we will use is still under renovation due to termites and weather.  We expect this will be completed around the end of the month.

Thank you everyone who have braved the blazing heat to come over and help with all the work necessary.  Kids are really excited and so are we !!!!!

Cooling off with a refresing swim

Cooling off with a refreshing swim

Peace & serenity of the Village

Peace & serenity of the Village

Our lovely creative volunteers Meena & Zoe

Our lovely creative volunteers Meena & Zoe

24
Sep

Burmese HIV Project – Takuapa Hospital

The local hospital has a doctor who is an HIV specialist.

He is overworked as many hospitals refer their Burmese HIV patients to him, in part because he has had a Burmese couple who also speak Thai as coordinators.

They translate for many who don’t speak Thai, deliver medication and provide transport for some patients living in remote locations. They also meet with the doctor twice a week. Right now there is no funding for them, and their services are essential.

We need to find a commitment of $300.00 per month to support one of them.

For more details, please visit our our projects page: HIV & Hospital Program

1
Sep

Island Learning Tree – Koh Payam

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One of the many great donations we are receiving..thanks Kim

All for Villages are proud to announce our newest community project on Koh Payam.

After consultation with the community, it was decided that we would open a multi-purpose space to incorporate services and support that are not provided on the island for the local people.

With the overwhelming support of family and friends, we raised the necessary funds to rent a building near the pier area for one year.  We are grateful to Kuhn Jock, a local Thai businessman, for discounting our rent heavily.  With the remaining funds, we purchased some needed equipment and have enough to run our Centre for one year.  We do, however need continue to fundraise to provide snacks, games and other necessary things for the kids here.

Amanda & Sue kindly came up to Koh Payam to help set up

Amanda & Sue kindly came up to Koh Payam to help set up

Our aim is to:

  • Teach English after school, weekends and school holidays.
  • Run art, health & yoga workshops with volunteers during high season.
  • Encourage those children not attending school to come and join us; learn, play and have some fun through art, games and yoga.
  • Provide support for anyone in the community interested in improving their English skills, whether written or spoken, through the day while the children are at school.
  • Provide support to all local business with creating menus, printing & translation where needed.  Currently they must travel to the mainland for these services. (This will be done on a donation basis so we can replenish stationary supplies).  Our dear friend P. Wit has been offering his services for translation as part of his donation and commitment to our Project.
The boys from the local Sea Gypsy Village decided to come check it out

Boys from the local Sea Gypsy Village decided to come check it out

Girls hard at work !!

Girls hard at work !!, doing whatever needed

Some of the first kids to come check out their new learning space

Some of the first kids to come check out their new space

Having fun after English Lessons

Having fun after English Lessons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone is a volunteer, and All for Villages, being a non-profit make no money from this venture.  Thus we do rely on donations and volunteers to keep running.

Amanda & Gary, our founders always there to help out, thank you from all of us !!!

I am proud of what, we as a team have achieved in a short time.  I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Amanda de Normanville and Gary Soden for all their love and support of our project.  Also for travelling up to Koh Payam to help with the set up.  Also Sue Jones for working tirelessly over the weekend with us to get ready to open.  Not forgetting to our dedicated Board Members; Sharon, George & Marina for their confidence in our work and unending support.

We look forward to welcoming all of you to come visit us, hang out with the kids and enjoy the spirit that is All for Villages on Koh Payam.

If you are interested in volunteering please go to our contact page.  If you would like to donate, paypal is available.

 


Community Spirit on Koh Payam

It’s been almost one year since All for Villages began supporting the community of Koh Payam through:

  • Providing volunteers for the local school coordinated by Fiona
  • Creating a Mobile Vet Clinic with Dr. Sam and his wife Kuhn O

    Amanda always working hands on

    Amanda always working hands on

  • Cleaning and repairing wells organized by Gary and Amanda

What has been evident to us is the need for our work here to continue.  We have received overwhelming support from both locals and international visitors alike.

A big thank you to Josie McNaughton who volunteered with Fiona for 4 months in the local school.  Josie also helped with the mobile vet clinic run every two months and has returned home to Australia to continue her support through fundraising events.  We are very grateful to Josie and her family for their valuable contribution to our organization.

Last month, George, one of our founding board members also visited us here on Koh Payam with Gary and Amanda, during a scheduled vet visit.  George was invaluable with his skilled photography and helping hands. Gary cleaned and repaired the wells in the Mokien Village with the help of our friend Phillip, and thanks to George we have many wonderful photographs.   As a result they now have clean drinking water and are able to pump it through the new hand pump Gary installed.  This will improve the health and wellbeing of all the people living there.  Gary and Amanda will return in July and monitor how things are going.

Dr. Sam and his wife Kuhn O have now visited us on four occasions.  Each visit sees a new round of both cats and dogs being spayed and neutered across the island.  For each dog that is paid for, All for Villages provides the funds to treat other animals less fortunate for free.  A total of over 100 animals have so far been treated.  Fiona provides basic medication for free treating simple ailments, such as, mange, worms and tick and flea problems in between visits.  Dr. Sam will return in May for the next round of work.

George as Taxi for Gary to the village

George as Taxi for Gary to the village

 

The children at school continue to make beautiful cards that are sold across the island in many of the bungalows and restaurants.  This project set up by Fiona has given the children the opportunity to have a small income for themselves at the end of each month.  We would like to thank all those who have supported the kids of Koh Payam and their endeavours.

We would also like to thank Nara, a young local man, who is our go to boy for all our needs during our visits.  He provides transportation, carries all Dr. Sam’s equipment as well as organizing our accommodation.  During or visits his parents P Tao and Dao provide food and a warm family welcome at their restaurant, My BBQ Bar on Buffalo Bay.

All for Villages is proud to be associated with this special community.

A work in progress for Gary

A work in progress for Gary

 

19
Dec

Another Koh Payam Adventure with Dr. Sam

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Dr. Sam and Kuhn heading down Aow Yai Beach in the rain

On 12th December, Dr. Sam and his wife Kuhn O again came up to Koh Payam to help with our ever growing “beach dog” problem for 3 days.  Arriving in perfect weather we set to work immediately before enjoying an amazing Seafood BBQ dinner with P Tao and his family at My BBQ Bar and Restaurant at Buffalo Bay.

The following morning found us on a long tail boat to Payam Resort where a lovely couple from Germany holidaying for 3 months wanted to help by paying for all the neutering of the resort dogs.  By the way, Dr. Sam fell in love with his working location in a sala on the beach.  They also gave a very generous donation.

This time we were mobile and went to the people.  We received overwhelming support from both the local Thai people as well as many foreigners.  Some locations were quite tricky and the weather was slightly against us.  We even had Dr. Sam and Kuhn O riding down the Aow Yai beach to a remote location to fix two dogs !!!!

Saturday afternoon we concentrated on the temple.  They have many cats, around 20 and 8 large dogs.  Again time was against us and Dr. Sam worked until dark.  We didn’t manage to complete the task but did however, do 8 cats and 3 dogs.  We also received a very generous donation of 5,000 Baht toward the temple work.

This little guy had been scratched by the cats and also bad mange.

This little guy had been scratched by the cats and also bad mange.

So with donations as well as paid surgery, we were able to do many animals for free.  Some local families paid for two of their dogs so All for Villages did the third one for free.

We also treated lots of puppies for mange and fleas as well.

Dr. Sam has left us with medication for mange, worms and ticks so we can continue treatment until he returns in February.

Due to the overwhelming success and support from the Koh Payam community, we hope Dr. Sam can come every 2 months.

A special thank you to Nara for taking all of Dr. Sam’s equipment to each location and Josie, my wonderful volunteer for all the great photographs !!!!!

Another great job from ‘Team All For Villages

Ouf & Ina from Payam Resort

Ouf & Ina from Payam Resort

22
Nov

Thai Life Home Stay Resort & Spa – Supporting Us

We would like to acknowledge and thank Thai Life Home Stay Resort & Spa owners Kuhn Maneerat (Taan) Grueneberger and her husband John, for their ongoing support to our Project.  Through fundraising events held regularly for their guests, they raise money and awareness of the needs of our local community.

The Monks blessing the guests during a fundraising event

The monks blessing guests at Thai Life Home Stay

For more information on what they can offer please visit www.thailifehomestay.com or visit their facebook page: ThaiLife Homestay Resort & Spa

Their daughter Patty has established a parallel dog Program working with Dr. Sam and visiting local temples every week.  Patty is a very caring sole and feels as we do about the treatment of animals.  You can often find her on the side of the road feeding and helping the street dogs.

For more information on her project please visit:

www.happytempledogs.org or visit their facebook page: Happy Temple Dogs Project

We are grateful for the their ongoing support and highly recommend at visit to their beautiful resort.

Traditional dancing provided during our fundraisng event

Traditional dancing provided during our fundraisng event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2
Nov

Mobile Vet Clinic

Dr. Sam on his way to Koh Pratong

Dr. Sam on his way to Koh Pratong

In July 2014, Dr. Sam and his wife Kuhn O headed out to Koh Pratong, a small island community of the coast near Ban Nam Khem.  These island communities have no vet services available yet they do have a dog problem.

Coordnated by Amanda with the assistance of a local resort, the villages were informed of what would be available over the 2 days.

We would like to also gratefully acknowledge the help and support from Valerie from Golden Buddha Resort.  She was responsible bringing the dog problems on Koh Pratong to our attention.  She also raised money for the project and assisted Dr. Sam while he was there.  Thank you very much for your care and support of both us and your community.

According to Dr. Sam, it was an incredible turnout of people with their animals but unfortunately due to time restrictions, we had to turn some of them away.

August saw Dr. Sam head to Koh Payam, an island off the coast of Ranong, where he spent two days working with the locals.

No area too remote for Dr. Sam and his team, Sea Gypsy Village, Koh Payam

Coordinated by Fiona and with the help of Nara, Dr. Sam was able to sterilize 26 dogs and cats in just under two days.

 

Again, we had to turn people away as we simply ran both out of time and out of medications !!!!

Due to the overwhelming response from the local people Dr. Sam will return to Koh Payam on 13 & 14th December to conduct another 2 day mobile clinic.