In the heart of rural Thailand, deep within the rainforests of Ranong, lives 19-year-old Nong Man. Due to his autism, he found it difficult to feel at home at the local village school. However, Nong Man cherished a big dream: he wanted to become a teacher and inspire others, just as the teachers at the Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF) had inspired him.
As part of his training at TCDF, Nong Man received specialized instruction to prepare him to help younger children with their lessons. In 2024, he was proudly admitted to community college, the next step towards a teaching degree. Thanks to the personal care, educational opportunities, and community support from TCDF, Nong Man can pursue his dream and make a positive contribution to his community.
Water Day
Last weekend, Edam was all about Water Day, an annual tradition reminiscent of the flea markets on King's Day. The city center was transformed into a lively market full of stalls where residents sold their surplus goods. Despite the rainy start at 8 AM, we remained optimistic. We had secured a great spot in front of the Music Store to set up our stand. When the sun finally broke through, the atmosphere changed immediately. Rushed passersby were replaced by interested visitors who took the time to chat with us.
One of the most special encounters was with Elena, a volunteer who had worked three years ago in Southern Thailand for the Thai Child Development Foundation in Paksong—the project we are raising money for with Bike4Kids. It was inspiring to exchange stories, and Elena promised to make a donation later. We also met a woman who had once cycled from Bangkok to Phuket and was excited about possibly joining us for a future ride, though her partner seemed a bit less enthusiastic.
Our stand attracted a lot of attention. The milk churn we had converted into a cash register even caught the interest of a passerby who wanted to buy it. Dries's bike was also a highlight, although the bid for it didn’t exceed bargain level. Mieke had put a lot of energy into making Thai bracelets, which we gave out as a thank you for donations. These bracelets, symbols of friendship, strengthened our connection with the Thai Child Development Foundation.
In addition to these inspiring encounters, there were also spontaneous donations. A Spanish couple from Mallorca, vacationing in the Netherlands, donated €20 to our project after sharing their adventures in Siem Reap, Cambodia, in 1988. The contrast between the generous donors and the bargain hunters, who haggled down to the last 50 cents, was striking.
Jay and John, the owners of the Music Store, provided a cheerful note with their musical performance. Even our grandchildren Borre and Dax, who came to help, brought their energy and charm, making our spot extra appealing. All in all, it was a day full of connection, music, and good causes, with Bike4Kids gaining clear recognition. And last but not least, the day raised a significant amount for Bike4Kids, which has since been transferred to Thailand. A photoblog with recordings of Water Day and the radio broadcast can be seen online.
Preparations and Sponsorship: Kilometer by Kilometer towards a Better Future
With seven weeks until my departure to Hanoi, I’ve already covered 6,400 training kilometers. By sponsoring €5 per kilometer, you directly contribute to a better future for children in Thailand. Next week, I'll share more about the final preparations. Thank you for sharing and for your support!
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