The “Sourire de Chiang Khong” is a children’s home. Its mission is to bring educational supervision to children in northern Thailand whose precarious situation generally destines them to drugs, prostitution and Aids. Its action is based on the following values :
Sustainable Action
The action of Le Sourire aims at the long-term, preparing the children to become responsible, free and sociable adults.
Schooling
Schooling is provided by state schools. Le Sourire follows each child from primary school through to the completion of an apprenticeship or higher studies, taking into account the capabilities and future aspirations of each child.
Education
Le Sourire offers children affective and educational supervision conducive to their personal and professional development. Drug, prostitution and Aids prevention are inherent in this education.
Respect
Le Sourire is independent. It respects the sociocultural and denominational origins of each child. It cultivates the children’s appreciation for their roots and traditions, for sports and leisure activities, as well as for agriculture and gardening. Planting, harvesting and animal breeding are extracurricular activities, carried out in full respect of the rights of the child.
Autonomy and Responsibility
Life in the home takes place according to community rules understood by each child. These encourage the natural development of initiative-taking, responsibility and solidarity. The home functions on the principle of self-management : the older children help the younger ones. The children of Le Sourire consider and treat the home as their possession.
Outreach
Le Sourire also follows the schooling of children who live in nearby villages and participates in the community life of the whole region, thereby enhancing the children’s wellbeing and raising their awareness as future citizens.
Official Recognition in Thailand
In Thailand, Le Sourire de Chiang Khong has the status of a foundation and is recognised by government authorities, while at the same time preserving its independence. It keeps up to date the training of its staff according to their needs and in respect of official requirements. The home rigorously manages its possessions and the funds received.
Swiss Association
The Thai Foundation is supported by an association domiciled in Switzerland under Swiss law, which functions on a voluntary basis and transfers almost the entire sum of gifts and sponsorships to Le Sourire’s work with children.
January 2015
Le Sourire de Chiang Khong Foundation
Association Le Sourire de Chiang Khong