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Promoting
Education in Phuket
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For
more than twenty years, from a time even before
Banyan Tree’s first resort was born as part
of Laguna Phuket, giving back to the community has
already been a regular part of our existence. Put
another way, one could say that social responsibility
is in our blood.
Of the many ways in which a community can benefit
from additional support, educational assistance
has got to be the most empowering. Thai Wah, Banyan
Tree’s Bangkok-listed sister company, has
contributed to this cause since the 1970s as a major
benefactor of the Santitham Vidhayakhom School in
the provincial capital of Yasothon, in Northeast
Thailand.
The school, founded in 1967, provides academic and
vocational education in addition to development
programs for women, English language training and
community outreach programs. Thai Wah’s contributions
have led to the building of a commercial school
and twelve classrooms. Banyan
Tree Phuket has also joined in, launching
a handicraft project supervised by school staff
to engage Yasothon village women to make triangular
Thai cushions for use in its hotels. The profits
are ploughed back into the school.
In 1993, the Laguna Phuket Foundation for Education,
chaired by the Governor of Phuket, was established
with a contribution of Baht 2 million from Laguna
Resorts and Hotels to Phuket Province.
The Foundation has since |
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given
out education scholarships to over 500 needy and deserving
students.
Other community efforts include Laguna Childcare Centre
– named the best childhood development center in
Phuket in 2000 – which can accommodate 200 children;
regular entertainment programs for the elderly; and financial
as well as logistical support for various cultural and
religious events. |
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