THE bright orange building stands out from its neighbours in the line of shops in Kathu.

But it’s not the colour which makes Holland House special, it’s the dozens of children who welcome you with their shouts of ‘farang, farang’.

Holland House is a small orphanage set up by Child watch Phuket to care for 20 orphans and kids who, for many reasons, can’t be cared for at home.

These unfortunate youngsters find friendship, care, laughter and a sense of direction in life at the orphanage.

Their stories are remarkably different, but they have all endured pain and suffering during their short lives.

But despite their hardships of the past, their playfulness, their sheer energy and loving natures are moving and inspirational.

The 20 orphans sleep in two small rooms filled with bunk beds at the top of
the building, and although they seem happy on the surface, deep down, you know they are hurting, and they crave attention.

Holland House is open from 8am until 4pm every day to cater for the other unfortunates, helping them to integrate, encourage social awareness and most importantly, to form bonds which provide a platform on which they can build confidence and self- esteem.

Child Watch was established in 1995 to help prevent vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds being used as cheap labour, sex workers or beggars.

No two stories are the same, but Child-Watch Phuket has identified seven key target groups, including children in the sex industry, prisoner’s children, street children, and abused children.

Child Watch is currently running seven separate projects which are designed to provide less fortunate children with welfare, health care and basic education.

Child-Watch Phuket was recognised in 2006 when it won an award from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for its Legal & Protection Emphasis on the Rights and Care of Children and Youth.

The organisation is in constant need of funds to keep its services up and running, and they have asked the Phuket community to help in any way they can.

Phuket-based financial consultants, Sterling Assets have come on board as a sponsor of the Giving Trust Community Project.

Sterling Assets staff are allowed to volunteer their time during working hours.

“That way, the children have the advantage of a native English speaker to help with their English lessons thereby creating possibilities for them to escape the poverty cycle,” said Lee Wood, the financial planning director at Sterling Assets.

“ The work is challenging, tiring and often emotionally draining, but all of the volunteers have a steadfast determination to improve the lives of these unfortunate children.

“The experience is often humbling, but it helps us to understand the culture in which we live.

“The children are also teaching us to speak Thai.”

“This organisation clearly needs more support.

“One toothbrush between 20 kids says it all.”

He said that without Child-Watch Phuket, these children would have nowhere to turn, especially those children who were orphaned by the tsunami and left with no family at all.

“These children are the future of Phuket,” he said.

Next Saturday, March 28, Sterling Assets will be raising money for the orphanage with a ‘Raid the Parade’ and an ‘Outreach to the Beach’ collection day.

Volunteers are needed to walk the streets and the beaches of Phuket collecting much-needed money for the charity.

Donation boxes will be at most of the major shopping centres, including Central Festival, or you can donate directly to Child-Watch by sending a cheque or bank transfer.

You can also run in the Child-Watch Pitek Dek Mini Marathon and get fit and raise money for the orphanage at the same time, or you can volunteer your time or resources.

For further information, call Sterling Assets on
076 326 301 or 0810 828 684 or email hayley.nash@sterling-assets.com