On the last day of Term 2, our school provided a variety of different fundraising projects for students, teachers and staff members to participate and enjoy. The projects include: selling popcorn, shaved-ice, customised bags and t-shirts. Our students and teachers have been dedicated to each of the projects and worked hard to raise money for Ban Pang Mahan School in Chiang Rai as well as the Thai Hornbill Research Foundation.
During Songkran, a group of Year 12’s, consisting of Arin, Misato and Pat P, decided to sell shaved ice during the week. The sale lasted 2 days during break time, and they made a profit of over 1000 baht to donate to Ban Pang Mahan School in Chiang Rai.
Ban Pang Mahan School is part of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra in 1969. The foundation is based in Doi Tung, Chiangrai and has a goal to enhance the lives and existence of rural Thai communities. The foundation explores various methods and ways of education to insert holistic values including discipline, responsibility, creativity and innovation, whilst supporting young children to adapt to society. At St Andrews, our community has long been inspired by this foundation and for 6 years we have collaborated with this foundation in order to improve the lives of others. With this money, these Year 12’s have decided to support by providing educational books with the hopes of developing their future and their growing mind. Proceeds of up to 6,450 baht from Inclusion Week raised by Anais S and the learning support department were also included in funds going towards the school.
Photos: Ban Pang Mahan staff (left) and students enjoying the books STA bought for them (right)
The shaved ice was a hit during the hot summer days, and even though they sold it for a short time, they made a substantial profit by donating to the school. In fact, we even got one of the members to give a little statement. “Although I started this for the Service component of CAS, I grew to enjoy the act of selling snacks and the feeling of helping others. It felt great knowing that my actions are able to contribute and help people even if I may never see them in real life.” As part of the essential CAS component of the IB diploma, the Year 12’s have to do a service project with the aim of helping someone less fortunate, and events like these that are set up year-round by the school, give them opportunities to not only fulfil a core component of the IB diploma, but it allows them to learn about their own skills and incorporate them into a project that helps others.
Amongst the other fundraisers present, a group of our students worked hard behind a popcorn stand for the Thai Hornbill Research Foundation. Spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Pilai Poonswad and named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn, the foundation was created in 1993.
Organised by Mickey of Year 11, around 2000 baht was raised, meaning one family of hornbills was supported in its entirety. Mickey has given us a reflection on his experience running the fundraiser:
“This event started from us getting an article on Thai Hornbills at risk of becoming endangered in our Y11 IGCSE Mock Exam so we wanted to bring what we have learnt from reading the article in the exam to action. Not only have the hornbills benefited from this fundraising event, but we as young, global citizens part of the STA and Nord Anglia Community have also learnt to work as a team and practise our leadership and communication skills throughout the project. Lastly, I would like to thank the Thai Department and Khroo Kitty for giving us this amazing opportunity to form our very own fundraising project and I am very grateful to have such an amazing team working with me.”
Another cause which was supported during STA’s Songkran celebration was the Krabi Elephant Hospital as well as the Home4Animals organisation, led by Khroo Jeab. An amazing 13,000 baht was raised, with 3,000 baht going towards the Krabi Elephant Hospital to support their requirements for medicine, and 10,000 going toward Home4Animals. The fundraising included hard work from Year 7 Thai and Year 9 non-Thai students whilst learning about important Thai cultural symbols. Whilst learning, Year 9 students had the idea to design cloth bags after said cultural icons and Year 7 students created elephant cards for the fundraiser. With the fundraiser being widely successful, students were also able to have an educational experience with service.
Our school has hosted a diverse array of fundraising projects, offering students and staff the chance to engage and contribute, and there will be more to come in the future as always. From selling popcorn to offering custom bags and t-shirts, our community poured dedication into each endeavour. From selling shaved ice to popcorn, cards and bags, these projects not only showcased our commitment to service but also fostered invaluable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and communication, echoing the goals of the STA and Nord Anglia Community.
On Wednesday 5th April we shall have our Songkran festival in school. It is no exaggeration to say that there will be a huge number of activities taking place in the last few days before we finish Term 2.
Primary School
9 Pridi Banomyong 20/1, Sukhumvit 71,
Phra Khanong Nuea,
Vadhana, Bangkok 10110
THAILAND
High School
1020 Sukhumvit Road,
Phra Khanong,
Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
THAILAND
