Mother Seton School
Development Office

Mother Seton School Walkathon

WALKATHON 2008

We’ve Reached Our Goal!!
Total Collected $5,992.95
Pledged $ 5,836.50
Congratulations and Thank You!
 

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in this year's Walkathon – 388 students walking 2,320 miles. There were pledges of $5,836.50 and we have received IN EXCESS of this amount. Thank you for your generosity!

These proceeds will be used for the care and education of the Children dealing with Leprosy and HIV/AIDS in Nonsombon, Khon Kaen. (see below for details and website).

Many thanks go out to the 45 parents, grandparents, friends and faculty/staff members who volunteered at the 14 stations and more to make this event happen!

Special thanks to:
- Nurse Jane and Nurse Jeannette for the ice packs and first-aid care
- Mr. Ford for supplying the cones
- Tammy Wivell for being sure everyone needing help was picked up in the van
- Catoctin Orchard for providing apples
- Our Home and School Association for providing bottles of water and morning refreshments

Finally - we extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Karen O’Connor and Mrs. Danielle Kirby, Co-Chairs, for organizing this year’s event that ran so smoothly.

Care and Education of the Children dealing with Leprosy and HIV/AIDS in Nonsombon, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Thirty years ago, the Daughters of Charity in Khon Kaen started the rehabilitation program in Nonsomboon for Hansenites families (those suffering from Leprosy), including feeding programs. Eventually the program expanded to include other poor children in the community whose parents were living with HIV/AIDS. Many of these children are abandoned by their parents and left in the care of their elderly grandparents who are often unable to care for the children because they must focus on caring for themselves.

Currently, there is a Day Care and Formal Educational assistance program to reach and empower those otherwise overlooked young children. The environment provides education, care, health assistance and nutritional support. This educational opportunity affords these children the opportunity to pursue primary and secondary education in preparation for further education after they leave the Early Child Development Center.

In addition to feeding, care and education for the young children, the Daughter’s program also offers education and skills development for parents (and caregivers) to improve their parenting skills and encourage active participation in their children’s education and encourage community building. The Sisters have developed a plan to intensify training of the staff, personnel and community leaders in support of these children and their families. Due to their medical situations, most of these parents are incapable of financially sustaining the imperative educational support for their children. Parents will be trained not only to become active leaders, but also to take ownership and responsibility for the program’s sustenance. The professional skills training of teachers and staff will likewise bolster leadership, management, teaching methods, and family values formation. This integrated program enables the Nonsomboon community and families to feel more connected and involved in the follow-up of the children at home.

The goal is to create a true partnership in education between school/education and parents/home life on behalf of the children, while developing the capacity of self-reliance and ownership of the program.

For more information and a picture – visit the following website:
http://www.daughtersips.org/projects_en_pnyh_feat.html?SKU=20080130124547&cart=1208287623103429