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In this program, you will be working with Baan Piranan, a new resident home for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The home, started by the Foundation to Encourage the Potential of Disabled Persons, is run with love and dedication by Khun Piranan, an occupational therapist who works 24 hours a day taking care of the home's three boys. The challenge of this project is not only caring for the children's every need, but also working against the prevailing local mindset that CP sufferers' only needs are food and shelter. Because the children at Baan Piranan have been neglected their entire lives, the extent of their capabilities is only now being explored.

The residents at Baan Piranan are Nong Mai, Nong Wichai and Nong Sarawut. Nong Mai is an ethnic minority Lahu child who lived his life confined in a bamboo cage in a remote mountain village. Nong Wichai is the child of an alcoholic father and a mentally distressed mother who suffers from CP and hydrocephalus. Nong Sarawut lived his life confined to a spot on the floor of a room where he was severely neglected. In their short time at Baan Piranan, the three boys have made leaps and bounds in their progress. They are responsive to physical therapies as well as the love and attention they are finally being afforded at the center.

It is important to note that Khun Piranan has dedicated her life to this endeavor. She takes complete care of every aspect of the boys' lives, including bathing, changing their diapers, feeding and moving them around. She is in great need of someone who can assist her with every aspect of life at Baan Piranan. We hope to be able to give Khun Piranan some time for herself.

Given the appropriate manpower and funding, we hope to see Baan Piranan help more children with CP get a chance to reach their full potential.

Baan Piranan needs:
- General Caregivers
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists

This is an on-going opportunity. So, you can apply at any time.

Costs vary according to program length. Visit website (http://www.culturalcanvas.com/project_piranan.php) for more details.

Apply on-line at: http://www.culturalcanvas.com/app.php