September 2, 2023 – Tawanchai Foundation for Patients with Cleft Lips and Palate and Craniofacial Deformities, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, with support from Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization, held the “Nong Tawanchai Camp” for quality of life improvement of the patients. Assoc. Prof. Tassanee Wangsrimongkhon, Ph.D., a member of Tawanchai Foundation gave a reporting speech while Acting Captain Pongjet Pornkuna, Khon Kaen PAO Chief Administrator presided over the opening ceremony, which took place at Rachawadee Resort and Hotel, Muang District, Khon Kaen.
Assoc. Prof. Tassanee Wangsrimongkhon, Ph.D., a member of Tawanchai Foundation reported, “The 11th Tawanchai Camp for improving quality of life of patients with cleft lips and palate the fiscal year 2023 is aimed at developing complete health care and services to the patients with cleft lips and palate and craniofacial deformities that cover 5 aspects, namely, health, education, living, social and self-empowerment; and at making the patients see their own values, have confidence in socialization as well as plan their life goal and develop their own potentiality”.
“The activities for Nong Tawanchai and their families include: evaluation of facial characteristics to solve the remaining problems and to make they appear almost normal by a team of surgeons from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; evaluation and checking oral health and orthodontics by a team of orthodontists from the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University; self-empowerment by lecturers and students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University; Getting to know and understand oneself for happiness by psychiatrists from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; building good well-being, family planning and sexual relationship by specialized nurses from Srinagarind Hospital; exchange of experience in caring Nong Tawanchai; and occupational promotion activities and learning language skills by a voluntary team from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University. This year will also mark the first time Tawanchai Ambassadors are appointed, who will be awarded each a scholarship of the amount of 5,000 baht.”
Acting Captain Pongjet Pornkuna, Khon Kaen PAO Chief Administrator who presided over the opening session said, “The complete health care for patients with cleft lips and palate corresponds to the 4th National Strategy on building chances and social equality. At the same time, it agrees with the 13th Master Plan on enhancement of well-being among Thai people; the developmental strategy of the Northeast to solve poverty problem and develop quality of life of those with small incomes to lessen social gaps; and the provincial development plans, 2023-2027 (the 4th Development Plan) on sustainable development of social well-being, promoting welfare and occupational skills for sustainable earnings, and building of the environment that facilitates community development as a basis for well-being.”
The two Tawanchai Ambassadors who are awarded a scholarship of 5,00 baht each are: Miss Pannatorn Jiratpikalapong, aged 19 years old, a second-year student of the faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; and Miss Jirapat Wanrerk, aged 19 years old, a second year student majoring in English, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University. Jirapat revealed that she had a complete left-side cleft palate and has received treatment since she was born until today.
“I’m from Yasothorn and received continuous treatment because my aunt who is a nurse suggested that my mother join the Foundation. My first surgery was when I was 3 months old. I had frequent surgery during my primary school. When I was in high school, I met an orthodontist once a month. The treatment did not interfere with my school. I entered KKU from the Portfolio round that requires TOEIC of 500 up. I worked hard on this for 2 months and got 715. I was very happy. Use of English is not a problem for pronunciation. I’d like to say to parents to give moral support to your children both in terms of learning and living. If your children are successful in anything, though very small, you should show your appreciation. As a Tawanchai Ambassador, I’d like everyone to be strong, practice what you like. All have your own ability.”
“Nong Tawanchai Camp” for quality of life improvement receives continuous budget support from Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization until now which is the 11th year. This time, the activities lasted 2 days during September 2-3, 2023. Participants were 38 Nong Tawanchai aged 7 to 18 years old and 51 families. The trainers and officers totaled 30 people. The activities during the morning session included” Station 1: Surgery – evaluating facial characteristics of patients to solve still-existing problem and taking pictures of the standard posture; Station 2 – Orthodontics – promoting access to oral health care for the patients, checking oral health and introduction how to use dental floss; Station 3 – I am my best friend, knowing and understanding oneself when being a teenager, building physical and mental health by new doing and thinking; Station 4 – Positive empowerment for self-confidence and personality development for socialization; Station 5 – Adventure in English.
The parent group participated in the following stations: exchange of experiences in taking care of the children, building good well-being and promoting the health of the patients and families. In the afternoon at 13:30 p.m., the participants travelled to Kham Khoon Center, Ubonrat District, Khon Kaen. On Sunday, September 3, the participants visited Khon Kaen Science Museum and joined the scientific activity on simple DNA extract, forensic activity and taking “Polaroid of Love”. At the end there was the evaluation and conclusion of the project by the officers of Tawanchai Foundation.
News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong
