Hope

The Camillian Home for Children with Disabilities, founded by The Camillius Foundation in 2008 and located in the outskirts of Bangkok, is a non-profit organisation providing shelter and care for mentally and physically disabled children,who also live with HIV/AIDS. 

As well as providing education and rehabilitation programs for both live-in and daycare patients, Camillian Home provides a loving family environment which is often denied to those with disabilities and HIV. Social stigma, lack of support and poverty create barriers to treatment and acceptance - through advocacy and education in collaboration with government programs, other non-profit shelters in Thailand as well as community leaders in the area, Camillian Home hopes to eradicate the discrimination and neglect that many disabled persons suffer as a result of these barriers.  

Days at Camillian Home begin early, with full-time staff cleaning, clothing and feeding the children residing in the spacious, multi-functioned complex built solely on funds donated by The Italian Red Cross. By 8.00 AM, day care children arrive at the facility and a typical morning of dance, music arts and crafts ensues. These activities, as well as physical therapy and Braille lessons, are tailored to enable the development of the children both physically and emotionally.  

The rehabilitation programs are administered by Father Giovanni Contrarin, an Italian priest with over 18 years experience caring for children and adults in Thailand. On his arrival, a few of the children run to greet him- a simple testament to the genuine and heartfelt connection between them and their guardians at Camillian Home.