The visits are an integral and unique part of the DWBI project.The Dreams We Believe In group along with some volunteers visits Baan Gerda in Lopburi. These visits are essential in giving the kids a sense of belonging and integrating them into the society.
During these visits we get to know the kids and do various activities ranging from painting and watching movies to musical workshops and playing sports. Overtime, we develop a understanding of the situation that the children are living in. We see them as friends and not the targets of a service project. One of the guiding principles of the DWBI group is to be empathetic and not just sympathetic. The visits are a way for us to connect with the people we are serving and avoid tokenism. It is fairly easy to gather funds and donate, but the DWBI group aims to be much more than that.
We are trying to establish a long lasting bond between international students and the children living with HIV. Visiting them regularly is an ideal way to do so. By spending time with them we can get to know the kids and get to know them. We find out about their dreams and interests and subsequently help them achieve it.
During these visits we get to know the kids and do various activities ranging from painting and watching movies to musical workshops and playing sports. Overtime, we develop a understanding of the situation that the children are living in. We see them as friends and not the targets of a service project. One of the guiding principles of the DWBI group is to be empathetic and not just sympathetic. The visits are a way for us to connect with the people we are serving and avoid tokenism. It is fairly easy to gather funds and donate, but the DWBI group aims to be much more than that.
We are trying to establish a long lasting bond between international students and the children living with HIV. Visiting them regularly is an ideal way to do so. By spending time with them we can get to know the kids and get to know them. We find out about their dreams and interests and subsequently help them achieve it.