Foundation for Child Development
Background
In late 1978, research by Mahidol University found a huge problem happening in Thailand. Their study revealed that many children in this country were significantly malnourished, numbering five hundred thousand people per year, and resulting in loss of life for more than five thousand people. Following the release of this data, people working in the social sector began to focus their efforts on ending child hunger. Students, scholars, and the group Ariya started working together on projects to promote better childhood nutrition in Thailand, which lead to our first project- the Project for the Little Hungry, a free school lunch program. This is how the Foundation for Child Development began.
In October 1983, the Newspapers’, Journalists’, and Reporters’ Associations of Thailand along with the Religion for Society Coordination group, jointly organized a seminar entitled “Media for Child Development”. This is regarded as the beginning of the Media Advisory Group for Children which aims to study and publish findings on media and children, as well as promote and support the creation of positive media for children.
In May of 1981, eight private voluntary organizations came together to discuss and prepare to work together on the issue of child labor. They decided to establish a center dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of young people entering the workforce prematurely through activities and raising public awareness about child labor.
Following a period of time in which each organization worked individually towards these goals, it became evident that to make real positive change for children in Thailand, all of these groups must work together to approach the issue from all angles. They agreed that to develop children into good citizens you must encourage the growth of their bodies, hearts, and mind, as well as the society in which they live. On March 31, 1982, three organizations joined forces to do just this- the media advisory group for children, the Denong young people, and the child labour group created the Foundation for Child Development.
The Foundation for Child Development (FCD)
Founded March 31, 1982
Following many years working together as the Foundation for Child Development, FCD recieved legal status as a foundation from the National Cultural Commission, and as a charity from the Ministry of Finance in 1989 to work at the grassroots, nationawl, and international levels. In order to best solve the problems facing children in innovative and creative ways, FCD organized itself into 4 main projects- the Project for the Little Hungry, the Mass Communication for Child Promotion Project, the Child Labour Project, and the Family and Community Development Project.
Our Commitment
- To develop the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children.
- Study and promote social awareness of children’s issues.
- Support activities, initiatives, groups, and organizations for children.
- Help children to be self-reliant.
- Encourage adults to help create a child-friendly world and find long term solutions to the problems affecting youth.
Target Groups
- Poor rural children, including those who are malnourished, orphaned, or lacking in educational opportunities.
- Child Laborers
- Children in the 3 southernmost provinces
- Children living in poor, crowded conditions and are at risk of abuse or violence, as well as those affected by political situations or disaster.
FCD’s 4 Working Groups:
- Child Protection
- Child Development
- Communications
- Organizational Development
Core Activities
- Prevention and Assistance – Supporting scholarships for education, job training, and agricultural projects to promote learning, life skills, critical thinking, environment, and healthy families.
Aid families who are experiencing difficult circumstances, and train them to help themselves long term.
- Welfare Assistance – Emergency housing, protection, and welfare for children whose rights have been violated, suffering from abuse, being prevented from an education, or not being compensated for their work.
- Research Child Issues- Conduct research concerning the problems of children in the country, urban areas, families, and environment and publish the findings in order to exchange with others and contribute to solving the issues on a larger scale together.
3. Innovative Child Development- The “Creative Spaces” and “Creative Media” projects involve the youth and their communities in the learning, planning, creating and promoting stages of building playgrounds and creating various forms of media relevant to their lives. This promotes social cohesion, community investment, and develops life skills along the ways.
- Community Development & Volunteering- Parent volunteers help to develop, perform, and promote child protection mechanisms within the community.
- Policy Development- Drive positive change and help develop child protection policies and laws.
Areas of Operation
Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Kanchanaburi, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Maha Sarakham, Thailand’s Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat
Awards
2009 Creative Spaces for Children
FCD’s play for development activities and processes was declared a national priority
2004 Award Winner
Asia Pacific NGO Awards- Best community involvement in social development out of 8 countries
2003 Award for Excellence
“Media Excellence for Youth” from the Office of Welfare Promotion and Child and Youth Protection
2002 Honorable Mention
“Best Social Promotion Comic Book for 13+” & “Media Excellence for Youth” from the Office of Welfare Promotion and Child and Youth Protection
1999 Award Winner
International Association for the Child’s Right to Play- Best Playground Design
1985 “Dirt Eating Children” Best Television Series
On the “Project for the Little Hungry”
Foundation for Child Development (FCD.)
179 Moo.6 Samrong Nuea, Muang Samutprakan, Samutprakarn 10270
Contact
Office number: 02-393-3717-8 e-mail: iamchild2004@yahoo.com
Website: www.iamchild.org Facebook: มูลนิธิเพื่อการพัฒนาเด็ก
Donation account: 047-2-61241-7 Kasikorn Bank
The receipt of donation to FCDs can be used for Thailand tax deduction