These youngsters need friends-someone to talk to and to spend time with and to give them care. Baan Rachavadee is home and school to more than 1,000 children-so many youngsters with special needs that providing them with intensive personal attention is difficult. Despite occasional visitors and some physical therapy, the children largely remain passive due to a shortage of activities to stimulate them. The YWCA volunteers' regular visits help fill the gap. As well as a weekly musical treat, the group organises regular music and art programmes to help the children's mental development.
Music has a healing power.
Tammy Gent, an English volunteer, helps organise activities to encourage the children to express themselves through art. Thanks to active therapy, mentally handicapped children in England are more alive than their Thai counterparts, said Ms Gent. They can do so much more. After a few visits, the children became increasingly active and happier. For the volunteers, such changes are very rewarding.