Zhan Lyuye: a Chinese mother to Paphawin

Children at Wat Khlong Khon School

Paphawin is a 12-year-old student in Grade 6 at Wat Khlong Khon School in Ban Khlong Khon, Samut Songkhram, Thailand. Every December, as Thai New Year approaches, he receives a package from Zhenjiang, China. It is the New Year gift sent by his Chinese mom, Zhan Lyuye.

Zhan Lyuye was an employee of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), and participated in the construction of the Suvarnabhumi Airport project in Thailand in 2019. During a recreational outing organized by the project team, she unintentionally arrived at this school and met Paphawin.

Zhan Lyuye plays games with the children at Wat Khlong Khon School

Learning from the translator that the school was opened for special education and Paphawin is a deaf-mute, Zhan became concerned about the living conditions of this kid after returning to the project site. Since then, she occasionally brought gifts to the school, including shoes, clothing, toys, and Chinese snacks.

Over time, Zhan gained a deeper understanding of this school. It was founded in 1831 and is a charitable school that provides assistance to the children of fishermen, disabled children, and abandoned children. Local investment in public education resources for this children's school is relatively limited, and the conditions of the school are also relatively poor. Individual efforts in supporting the school are like a drop in the ocean.

"We can do something for the children of Wat Khlong Khon School to the best of our abilities, like buying some stationery and helping them with their studies." Zhan expressed her thoughts to the project manager, and received positive recognition and support.

Soon, the project team formed the "Blue T-shirt" volunteer team led by Zhan. In October 2019, the volunteers loaded 15 large boxes of supplies for the school. In addition, the project team also purchased a ping-pong table and some paddles for the children.

The "Blue T-shirt" volunteer team sends supplies to the school

Since then, whenever the project team had free time, several volunteers would make an appointment to visit the school and took turns being temporary Chinese or sports teachers.

In October 2022, due to job transfer, Zhan returned to China. This year, she prepared a Huawei phone watch as a New Year's gift for her Thai "son" Paphawin. Before sending it out, Zhan stored her own number in the watch and labeled it as "Chinese mom".

The "Blue T-shirt" volunteer team has not stopped its supports because of Zhan’s departure. The new leader is contacting local charities and overseas Chinese organizations to plan how to provide more practical assistance to disabled children and mobilize more social resources to help children in urgent need of attention and care.