Much of Willies Orphan Fund’s work is based in Ban Nam Khem, located about two hours north of Phuket. It was the most severely affected village in Thailand. Out of 5,395 known fatalities in Thailand, 2,500 were residents of Ban Nam Khem, with only 49 out of 1,400 houses surviving without major damage.

Working with the Duang Prateep Foundation, Willies Orphan Fund has been particularly supporting the Baan Tharn Namchai Orphanage, which houses more than 40 local orphans. The buildings are also centres for many community based activities. The orphans are joined by local residents of all ages who come to the DPF buildings to enjoy the toy library, to study music and dance, to learn craft skills and for other vocational training and income generation activities, to participate in youth groups, and to attend community meetings.

In 2009 the first tsunami orphan supported by Willies Orphan Fund finishes his university course. He has been supported by a Portstewart businessman with a big heart and, this year, three more start university education supported by our charity.

Willies Orphan Fund is currently directly sponsoring the full-time education of some thirty young people, at primary and secondary schools and three at further education colleges. Thirty individual sponsors are contributing to this project on an ongoing basis and last year we had sponsorship of £9,000 for this part of the fund’s work.

Many aspects of life at the orphanage have been enhanced by Willies Orphan Fund. The children now have tables to eat at rather than eating on the floor. Bunk beds and bedding have been supplied and some of the older kids have their first ever bed of their own.

The after school learning centre is packed every day, doing craft work and homework. In the music room children learn traditional music and dance and put on performances. These classes and art classes are always very well attended. As the orphanage gets better established, a plot has now been set aside to grow basic crops that end up in the orphanage kitchen to feed the children.

Willies Orphan fund has about 3 dozen collection boxes throughout the Northern Ireland but relies heavily on monthly sponsorships which under the current climate have been dwindling and are much needed. This is why any donations and sponsorship is greatly appreciated so that the vital work mentioned above can continue.

                   Please donate anything you can.

                        How to make a donation