The work of the Thai Faith and Music Foundation (TFMF - full legal name: Thai Faith and Music Foundation in the Community of Huay Kwang) was begun in December, 1994, when Ruth and Inchai Srisuwan moved from Udon Thani, where they had headed the music department of the Center for Church Planting and Church Growth, to Bangkok, where they began working with people living in the chumchons ("neighborhoods" in Thai, although "slum" is the more commonly used term for the poorer areas that the Foundation works in). These are areas of organized but "unofficial" (e.g. no land ownership) settlement by poor people, mostly those who have moved to the city to find work, a majority of whom are from the northeast. TFMF was officially registered with the government of Thailand as a foundation in September, 1998. In addition to Ruth and Inchai, there are currently two other full-time staff as well as many volunteers.

TFMF works with children and youth (aged 6-20) in the slums of the Huay Kwang area of Bangkok, presently working in four separate slums: Klong Tan, Long Poon, Saw Pattaya, and Li La Nut. The TFMF staff are divided into teams, concentrating on the areas of music and dance, athletics, and English. Every evening the teams go out to the slums to lead and teach, with each team visiting each of the four slums once or twice (for the newer areas) a week. Following is a description of the official aims (from the foundation charter) and the activities of TFMF:

Foundation Aims
• To promote and encourage the youth of the chumchons to appreciate Thai music
• To foster self-esteem, discipline and holistic well-being within the youth of the chumchons through the provision of social welfare and education
• To foster a supportive and co-operative network between chumchons
• To provide opportunities for youth to develop an understanding of the Christian faith
• To work positively with other community organizations for the welfare of chumchon members
• To not enter into any aspects of politics

Projects

Dontree Thai (Thai Music)
Children from different chumchons are taught once a week to play various classical Thai instruments. The children gain skills in reading Thai notation, work with a musical ensemble, and have opportunities to perform alongside the Rum-Thai dance group at community functions. The youth grow to recognize the importance of Thai music and Thai culture.

Fonrum-Thai (Thai Dance)
Children are also taught the art of Rum-Thai. They learn to dance in a variety of tradional Thai styles while singing Christian songs. This project provides an opportunity for the youth to learn new skills while also learning about the Christian faith.

Sports Against Drugs
This project aims to develop self-esteem and discipline among the children we work with. The youth are encouraged to use their time more productively. Sports Against Drugs aims to educate the children in Muay-Thai (Thai Boxing) and other sports like football and volleyball.

Social Concern
In this project children are taught to make products like khlui and mats to sell. Ten percent of the income is set aside to buy the elderly food on special days like Fathers' or Mothers' Day. A further ten percent is used for organized youth activities. The remainder is shared among the group to buy things that they need for school.

English
Several times a week staff members go out to the chumchons to teach English. Learning English gives the children an added edge, as being able to speak English means more opportunities for advancement. Children's confidence in using the English language increases as they have the opportunity to hear English from foreign speakers and practice their skills in small group settings.

Camping
Several times a year we take children out of various chumchons and bring them together in a camp setting. During their time at camp they play sports, learn English, create artworks, learn about the Christian faith, play music, and enjoy the company of children from other chumchons. We partner with other community organizations and give the children opportunities to make important life choices.

To see pictures of the various TFMF activities, go to our Photo Gallery page.

Major support for the TFMF comes from Voice of Peace in Chiang Mai, which in turn is supported by the Danish Covenant Church.