Hosted by the Rotary Club of Patong Beach at Carpe Diem Beach Club, the Reggae Waves Fundraiser last October was the first phase of fund-raising efforts to help regenerate community facilities, raising an incredible B209,200.
The funds were allocated efficiently to create durable infrastructure by restoring the organic vegetable garden and introducing new sustainable farming techniques to ensure long-term benefits for students and the community; an irrigation system is also to be implemented in time.
In the garden at the Paksong facility students learn essential farming skills, such as how to grow vegetables, and entrepreneurship skills, including how to market and sell their produce. Since many of the students come from farming families, equipping them with sustainable farming techniques ensures long-term food security and economic stability.
It also teaches children and community members how to grow vegetables without chemical fertilisers and pesticides, thus promoting environmental stewardship while enhancing an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.
The impact of this project extends beyond simply restoring the organic vegetable garden. The COVID-19 pandemic meant the facility was closed to visitors and volunteers for more than three years. As a result, the old garden was left abandoned and damaged, putting a vital part of TCDF’s sustainable food program at risk.
However, the funds raised from the Phuket event on Oct 19 have contributed to: the building of a large multipurpose fish pond for raising fish and snails, which also serves as an irrigation source for the garden; the installation of a new sprinkler system to ensure efficient watering; the repair and restoration of all abandoned and damaged vegetable patches; the construction of metal racks for seedlings and installation of educational signage to help students learn the correct names of crops in Thai and English.
BRIGHTER FUTURES
TCDF’s mission is focused on creating brighter futures for underprivileged children in rural Thailand through education, healthcare and sustainable development. At TCDF’s special needs school in Paksong children receive the support they need to develop foundational skills in reading, writing, math and daily life activities. As they grow, they transition into the Vocational Training Center, where they gain practical skills that empower them to become self-reliant and contribute to their families and communities.
The Paksong facility, located on a little mountain, houses a Circular Community Campus, which has a Special School for children with special needs, a vocational training center, a farm, food forest and an Eco-Logic resort with a farm-to-fork restaurant. The campus is surrounded by a food forest, where students grow fruits, vegetables and herbs using organic methods. Kitchen scraps and fallen leaves are composted, feeding the soil. Rainwater is collected and solar power reduces reliance on outside resources.
Students, many with special needs or from underprivileged backgrounds, learn by doing - tending gardens, crafting herbal balms and upcycling materials. They don’t just receive support; they become part of a cycle, gaining skills that empower them for a more independent life.
At the heart of it all is “Learn, Earn, Return” - a philosophy where those who benefit today give back tomorrow. Former students return as mentors, volunteers, or entrepreneurs, keeping opportunities flowing. Income from eco-tourism and handmade products - like Tiger Balm - helps sustain future generations.
Some graduates go on to work in community-based roles, while others contribute to TCDF’s social enterprises, where their handmade goods generate income that supports the program. With the right training and opportunities, every young adult - regardless of their abilities - can find their place in society, contribute meaningfully and lead a fulfilling life.
The second phase of the project, also funded by monies raised from the Reggae Waves event, is to provide a roof to not only protect the crops but to catch rainwater for use in this ecosystem. A further update on this phase of the project will be shared on completion of the project.
For more information contact: tcdfoffice@gmail.com