by Edward DeverFor over 15 years, Sister Joan Evans has helped the underprivileged in Klong Toey and other slum communities in Bangkok.
A Presentation Sister from Perth, Sister Joan lives in Klong Toey among the people she helps. Her mission helps the poor and mainly the very, very poor - people who would otherwise have very little opportunity in life.
Sister’s days are often long and filled with tough decision-making. But she takes it all in her stride. Whether it’s providing food to those who have nothing to eat, paying for a child to get to school or ferrying the sick to hospital, Sister Joan helps those in need.
Three of Sister Joan’s major projects are highlighted below.
Milk Run ProjectSister Joan provides milk formula to young mothers in Klong Toey.
Over 15 years, this project has evolved into a fortnightly event at two locations in Klong Toey and currently assists approximately 120 young mothers. Sister Joan operates the Milk Run with the assistance of volunteers from the Australian and New Zealand Women’s Group (ANZWG).
It costs approximately 30,000 baht (A$1,000) each fortnight to provide this often lifesaving help.
Education ProjectSister Joan believes there is a real need to help children and young adults to the point where they can help themselves. Her Education Project provides an opportunity for students to receive an education which is vital if they are to ultimately break out of the poverty cycle.
Each year, Sister Joan provides school uniforms, shoes, socks and bags to hundreds of underprivileged children and young adults in Klong Toey and other slum communities in Bangkok, enabling them to attend school or university. Students receiving assistance age between 3 (starting pre-school) and 22 (attending university) with the majority at primary or lower secondary school. Without Sister’s assistance, it is unlikely they would be able to gain an education.
It can cost as little as 700 baht (A$23) to provide a student two school uniforms, shoes, socks and bag.
Fares and Food Project
Sister Joan recognises that the money spent helping children get into school or university is of little value if the students do not have the means to get there. It's also very hard for students to concentrate on learning if they have had nothing to eat.
During each term, Sister Joan provides weekly assistance to needy students enabling them to travel to and from school or university and buy either breakfast or lunch. This assistance is vital if these students are to obtain an education.
How you can helpSister Joan’s donation philosophy is simple – a little bit of money goes a long way.
Funding for Sister Joan’s projects comes from donations and all donations go to help those in need.
Donations can be made online (via PayPal), by cheque or by direct bank deposit – see
www.sisterjoan.info for details. Offers of volunteer help are also welcome.
Sister Joan Evans PBVM
Presentation Slums Mission Bangkok
PO Box 28, Kluai Nam Thai PO
Bangkok 10115 Thailand
Website:
www.sisterjoan.info 
