There was a big flood in Thailand a few months before the first congress was held and many people who wished to donate for us could not do so. However, 111 people came to make “The first Step” of the congress on 17-19 February 2012. We joined our hands with “Hope” that we would be able to meet again in every 2 years.

                 On 15 – 19 May 2014, we finally met again as we promised. No matter how difficult the situation was, we tried our best to keep our promise. As we cannot deny the fact that the long term political conflict in our country has affected our lives deeply. In preparation of the second congress, we had a big obstacle due to uncertainty in financial support. We had to raise fund through social media and also sell t- shirts, designed by our friends with special needs. We called and wrote letters to everyone we knew and asked for help from families and friends and those whom we have never known personally, but  they kindly transfered money to our account without telling their names.

                A day before the congress started, we just had enough money to pay the accommodation and coach to Rayong and on the last day of the congress, we had enough money to cover all expenses.

               The congress was 4 days, but the road that led to these special 4 days are far more than that. It was 7 months for the preparation. The road that was rough, uncertain and surrounded by tension and confrontation, caused by political conflict. This road led to difficulty in finding financial support. But this road has proved us something more important ……..”Hope and Faith”. We have hope in our hearts and we never lose faith that if we do the good thing, the spiritual world will help and work with us.

               If there is something left to say after the second congress has ended, I would definitely say nothing but a prayer. A prayer for my country, for the congress movement around the world and last but not least: for our friends with special needs. Without them, we teachers, volunteers, parents, carers and professionals, would never been healed, would never come as a community. They have brought us a mantle of peace, loving kindness and forgiveness wherever they are. They asked our society to slow down, to stop and listen deeply, attentively to what they say by being who they are.                

              After the second congress has ended, we feel so hopeful to see “ The Growth of every group of participants ”.

1. The growth of our friends with special needs especially those who participated both, the first and the second congress, they have more confidence to speak out in public, to share their memories and opinions. They worked side by side with the volunteers, helped preparing activities, being a timekeeper. They even said that next congress, they would apply as a volunteer. For the new ones, the sea and the clear blue sky in Rayong helped them to open, and after swimming in the sea, everyone became  more confident  and happy.

A young man said during the panel discussion that he never knew what happiness is, until he joined the congress.

2. The growth of young volunteers from the first congress. In the second congress they became more mature and worked selflessly, creatively. Together with the new volunteers, they helped a lot with all fund raising activities. They bring healing force to all, by being young, active, open and try every possibility without fear. We have learned a lot from them.

        3.   The growth of parents and carers. They  helped each other to broaden their perceptions and
              see more possibilities in the future of those they cared for. They learned to step back and
              observed from distance. They learned to realize their inner power and inner peace.

        4.   The growth of the working group. We have broaden our network to Khonkhaen, the center
               of the northeast. We also had participants from Lampoon and Chiang Mai, the northern
               region. There are 163 participants and 77 of the participants are parents and carers. We
               conducted proper workshop for them separately for 3 sessions. The demand for further
               training is clear to see. And we are discussing the possibility of Curative Education Teacher
               Training in the near future.

            We feel the urgent needs, that parents and carers should take part in the congress, because mostly in Thailand, people still deeply connect with the family and it is very important that the family and carers have a chance to meet and learn together in a practical, realistic atmosphere. They experienced their children in a new perspective.

            The second Congress is a 4-day of little community, which is full of Hope and Faith. After the congress ended, each group planed for further activities locally, till we meet again in the third Congress in February 2016, aiming to invite our neighbouring countries to join our big family.

            No matter what one may hear about Thailand, we would like you to know, that there are many warm hands that supported the good thing when needed. And these warm hands belong to many individuals from all walks of life. These warm hands watered the seed of congress to grow, not just for the benefit of any particular group but … for the future of the whole country and whole humanity. And these warm hands exist everywhere in our world.

Please look at your own hands, join them together … and  say a prayer for the whole humanity.

Deepest thanks to every warm hand that makes the second congress in Thailand happened and walk further with Hope and Faith.

1. Anthroposophical Curative Education and Social Therapy Group, Bangkok
2. Tonrak Foundation for Children with Special Needs, Bangkok
3. Hug Loog Network, Khonkhaen
4. Special Needs Centre, Lampoon
5. Maan Fah Institue, Chiang Mai
6. Care Club, Bangkok
7. Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

Special Thanks to our friend Thomas Kraus and Friends of Waldorf, Berlin Germany  

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