Now, thanks to a combined effort from locals and foreigners, the dilapidated playground looks as new as the first day it opened. Several local officials and school administrators commemorated the re-opening of the event with a ceremony to give thanks to those responsible for giving new life to the playground.
“They kids wanted this very much. They asked everyday ‘when will it open’ and finally it is here. All the children will play on this and the marching band too,” said Kru Akpang, an English Teacher at the school.
The project began 10 weeks ago by the Mushy Peas – the Rawai-based Phuket FC supporters club made up of mostly expats – with the help of several local companies who donated roughly B250,000 worth of equipment and labour.
Along with donations from the Mushy Peas, the project cost around B500,000 and will be used for all sorts of recreational activities for the school, which has 837 students.
“I think people like Richard [Dillon] are doing pretty upstanding things in the community. Some things we don’t do that much when we’re at home. We sometimes have to go to a different environment to find ourselves,” said British DJ and actor Goldie, who attended the event.
In addition to the Mushy Peas, the project saw support from Chochkai Conrete, Property For Sale Phuket, Salika Hardware, and the kamnan (village head).
“I’m over the moon. It’s a great feeling to give something back, and we’re happy the people appreciate it as much as they do,” said Dillon of the Mushy Peas. The project is just one of the many that the group have supported. Next up, Dillan says the group plan on helping a local Burmese school.