Thailand Visit: Exploration of Baan Dada Orphanage
Nestled in the border regions of Northern Thailand, Baan Dada Children's Home offers a sanctuary for refugee children, particularly those from Myanmar and neighbouring countries. Despite the lack of a precise geographical location in online search results, the home is generally known to be situated near the border, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking to make a difference.
The exact location of Baan Dada remains elusive, but for those determined to visit, emailing the founder, Dada, is the first step. Upon confirmation of availability, directions to Sangkhlaburi will be provided. This quaint town, not found on any maps, lies approximately 45 minutes away from the Three Pagoda Pass and can be reached via a direct VIP A/C bus from Bangkok for around $8, a seven-hour journey.
Upon arrival, visitors will find Baan Dada nestled near Myanmar, within an autonomous state for the Karen people. The home serves as a residence for two "Dadas" and a few mothers, caring for 40 orphans, including 7 girls.
At Baan Dada, the focus is on teaching practical life skills to the children. From yoga and Thai massage to various trades such as brickmaking, plumbing, electrical work, engine repair, and rubber tree processing, the children are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
The home is also home to a weaving centre and a goat lending project. The weaving centre, located near the home, provides employment for local villagers who create clothes, bags, and wicker products. The goat lending project, on the other hand, involves purchasing and lending goats to families in nearby villages.
Volunteers are warmly welcomed at Baan Dada. They can help around the home, play with the kids, and even teach English. Accommodation at the home includes a brick duplex with cold showers, indoor toilets, bunk beds, and a western-style toilet.
Material gifts are appreciated but may wear out over time. Donations, particularly for specific items like blankets, are often more beneficial. For those unable to visit, sponsoring a child at Baan Dada costs $50 a month.
Baan Dada is part of the Neo-Humanist Foundation and is officially known as Ananda Vidyadharma. The home's founder, Dada, is a former highly paid engineer in the Philippines who now resides in a bamboo hut.
Dada's commitment to the community extends beyond the children at Baan Dada. Every year, an annual Christmas celebration is hosted for about 50 local families, and the home works tirelessly to support the surrounding community.
For those seeking a rewarding and enlightening experience, Baan Dada Children's Home offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of refugee children while immersing oneself in the rich culture of Northern Thailand.
1) Travelers interested in visiting the Baan Dada Children's Home can email its founder, Dada, for directions to Sangkhlaburi, a town near the Three Pagoda Pass in Northern Thailand.
2) Baan Dada offers a lifestyle immersed in the rich culture of Northern Thailand, where volunteers can assist with practical life skills training, play with the children, or even teach English, while also experiencing unique community projects like the weaving center and goat lending project.
