Happy Children’s Day! A new playground, donuts, toy cars and basketball make for a memorable day

January 9, 2010

After cutting the ribbon to the playground area, Ambassador John handed each of the home’s 134 boys a toy car donated by Mattel and a donut donated by Dunkin’ Donuts.

Commemorating Thai Children's Day, Ambassador Eric G. John dedicated playground equipment donated by the Embassy to the Mahamek Home for Boys, on Saturday January 9. Mr. Pinchai Pinkaew, the Deputy Director of the Department of Social Development and Human Security joined Ambassador John at the ceremony. After cutting the ribbon to the playground area, Ambassador John handed each of the home's 134 boys a toy car donated by Mattel and a donut donated by Dunkin' Donuts.

Later, during a friendly 10-minute basketball match, the Ambassador led an Embassy team against the team from Baan Mahamek. The Embassy team included three young men from a group of alumni from the State Department's Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, who helped throughout the ceremony. The boys, too young to shoot hoops, were delighted to use the new playground equipment, play with their new cars, and have their pictures taken with the Ambassador and his daughter Nicole. The event put a lasting smile on the faces of all who participated, and made for a terrific way to celebrate Children's Day!