Chiang Rai Temple Launches 'Elderly School'

(1 October) Wat Hua Fang Temple in Chiang Rai province has been turned into a school for local elderly folks.

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Pra Kru Piyawan Pipat, the abbot of the temple, said that the elderly people school has launched in 2011, with the cooperation from the community and the Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education. So far, 20 teachers have volunteered to teach, particularly in languages class, such as Thai, English and Chinese.
 
According to the monk, each academic year takes approximately 1 calendar year, and staff do not rush the elderly students to finish their lessons if they are not ready. 
 
Apart from their primary education, the elderly people are also encouraged to engage in other leisure activities, such as handicraft, Thai dancing, and cooking with herbs.
 
Ms. Chansom Jiemsakul, 96, one of the students  in the second academic year, said, despite her health condition – she cannot see and hear clearly – she has a strong will to learn. 
 
After attending several language classes, she believed that she can communicate with her children and grandchildren better.
 
Ms. Chansom added that attending has helped her make new friends and improved her health by joining various activities at the school.
 

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