Sixty-five years ago 900 children lived at Wat Don Chan. Now there are 650. Can you imagine?
Welcome to Wat Don Chan a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. It’s more than just a place of worship. It’s also a school and an orphanage. Many of the children come from hill tribes. Some are orphans. They come here for a better education. It’s free thanks to the Thai government and generous supporters.
Wat Don Chan is famous. Its abbot is said to be clairvoyant. People travel from far and wide to seek his wisdom. Thirty monks many from Burma live at the temple. They are part of this vibrant community.
Life at Wat Don Chan isn’t easy. The living quarters are crowded. Food is scarce. Educational resources are limited. There are only four women to care for hundreds of children. The older children often look after the younger ones. This is a tough reality. It’s a far cry from a Western upbringing.
Despite the hardships the children are bright and motivated. Many graduate from the temple school. A technical college offers further education. But university is difficult. Money is a constant problem. A tireless effort helps provide funds for university fees. Wat Don Chan is more than a temple it’s a testament to resilience. It is a place where hope and faith endure.
Wat Don Chan needs our support. The temple offers education to children who otherwise would not have a chance. This place is a beacon of hope. Its future depends on our collective compassion. Let’s help these children fulfill their dreams.