If ever the adage 'dynamite comes in small packages'
rung true it is with Chavarin Srinoi, the organizer of
ACF Saturday Kids club. Though small in stature
her big personality and huge heart dwarfed all
obstacles in her way ensuring another successful
year for the program. Taking over the reigns in 2011
this young woman has lead the program to
new heights and a shimmering future awaits.

Chavarin, or Pat as she is known, allowed us
to take up a few minutes of her busy day to conduct
a quick interview regarding the program in general
as well as the closing ceremony which took place on
the 22 of October.

Children are often spell bound by the Saturday Kids Club MC's

Q: How many years has the Kids Club been in
existence and why was it started?

A: The club was launched in 2005. The main aim of
the club was to serve as a platform for spreading the
gospel but also to teach the children involved life skills
that were not taught at school

Q: To what extent has the program grown
since its inception?

A: Kids club has grown in several areas.
Our administrative systems definitely is one area
(laughs) but also the range of activities, life skills
taught and the involvement of additional volunteers
from the community. The PSU students, who donated,
apart from their time, snacks and drinks as well the
Phuket Lifeguard Association, who allowed us to add
a water safety element to the program, has helped us
expand. This year we also had P' Na who presented a
cooking class and Khun Hahn who taught a advanced
music class. Basic sport activities has expanded into
a full blown rugby development program since 2010
and swimming and dragon boat racing are the newest
additions to the program.

Children listening attentively in a music class

Q: Why do you think children want to participate?

A: There are many reasons but I think the main ones
are that they want to make new friends, join in the fun
activities that we present an oppertunity to learn
something new.

Q: What do you see as this years biggest success for the
program?

A: This year we feel that the relationship with the parents of
the children as well as with the children has grown a lot.
This is very important to us. Also we are very proud of the
children who have emerged as leaders this year, they have
been part of the Kids club since the start and are now leading
games and activities and we can see a definite a growth in
confidence.

Children at the closing ceremony

Q: The program came to close recently and you held
a closing ceremony, what was the reasoning behind
this?

A: The children worked very hard this year and it is
important that we recognize this. By having a closing
ceremony we gave them a chance to show off what they
have learned. This gave them a sense of pride and
accomplishment, especially because their parents were
present and they could share in their joy when they each
received a certificate.

Q:Why should someone consider supporting the
program and what does the future hold?

A: By supporting the program you provide a great
opportunity for ministry. It also gives children an
alternative for spending their free time in a healthy
way. Next year? Well next year is going to be a new
challenge. I believe that it is important to not only
have Thai children in the program but also get Burmese
children involved. They deserve the opportunity, all
children deserve the opportunity to have new options.
It gives them hope and confidence as they realize the
various skills they actually are capable of learning.

One of the participants receiving her Certificate

Kids Club 2011