PROJECT ASADA TRIP 2025: ASADAING THROUGH BAHN EUPHON
- Medsoc PnP
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 20
From 11th to 17th June, a team of 10 LKC students, comprising 5 M1s and 5 M2s, from Project Asada made our annual return to Chumphon, Surat Thani, Thailand. We were warmly welcomed by Ajarn Nong and Nui, the directors of Baan Eurphon Orphanage.
Sanitation
Observing that the general cleanliness of the children’s living quarters was an issue, we conducted large-scale cleaning of their rooms, the library as well as the common playing area. We also taught the children basic hygiene habits, such as throwing their waste into dustbins, to help to maintain a cleaner and healthier living environment.
Water Education
We conducted a water education session for the children at the orphanage encouraging healthier hydration habits. We taught them extensively about when and why they should drink water, how to keep their water bottles clean and where to refill their bottles. We gave out water bottles to each child, along with stickers to decorate it, as a fun and personal way to encourage them to take good care of it. We also placed arrows around the orphanage pointing towards the water point to make it more visible. At the end of the session, we gathered all the children at the water point to refill their bottles and held a water parade to reinforce the habit of drinking water regularly.
First Aid Course & Future Ambitions
We conducted a refresher course on basic first aid for the children, reinforcing the importance of proper cleaning and dressing of wounds. We invited children with open wounds to come forward to have them cleaned and dressed, which served as a live demonstration for the rest.
After the first aid course, we held a short activity where we asked the children about their future ambitions. We handed out worksheets for them to either draw or write what they wanted to be when they grew up. We then encouraged them to hold on to their dreams and reminded them to never give up on their aspirations.
Health Screening
We conducted a health screening at the orphanage for 40 children. We collected their height and weight to see if any of them were malnourished. We measured their oxygen saturation and resting heart rate to look out for any underlying health concerns. For the children above the age of 5 we conducted various eye tests to ensure that they did not have any problems with their vision. Specifically, we tested for their pupillary eye reflex, eye movement and Nystagmus. We also conducted a Snellen test to check their eyesight, and an Ishihara test for colour blindness. For children under the age of 5, the Denver Developmental Screening Test was conducted to identify developmental delays. We conducted tests on their gross motor, fine motor, language and social skills to ensure the children were developing properly. Lastly, we conducted a brief assessment of the children’s teeth to check for cavities or abnormalities, and also examined their hair for lice. We then flagged any identified issues to the orphanage directors for further attention and follow-up.
Befriending the Children
Throughout the trip, we built deep and genuine bonds with the children, transcending the barrier of language. Through games, laughter, and even a special outing to the beach, we shared countless joyful moments together. It was deeply meaningful to simply be present with them, offering companionship and creating unforgettable memories and friendships, especially since these children rarely receive visitors.
Conclusion
Overall, the trip was a very meaningful and rewarding one. We were heartened to learn that since last year’s trip, the orphanage has received much more donations and support from local communities. We look forward to heading back next year to further enrich the lives of the children with our revised plans. We would also like to thank the directors, Ajarn Nong and Nui, for their hospitality and we hope that our partnership with them and Baan Eurphon Orphanage will continue to strengthen for many years to come.
