Bangkok: Bangkok is moving forward with transforming "shelters" into "schools" to develop skills for the homeless. The Baan Imjai Hall of Fame has helped 26 homeless individuals find jobs. The project is moving forward with transforming its "shelter" into a "school" to train homeless individuals in vocational skills, enabling them to return to self-reliance.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, visited Baan Imjai (House of Kindness) located at the former Maensri Waterworks in Pom Prap Sattru Phai District. He inspected the operations, updated the information board detailing homeless individuals who have had their skills developed to the point of employment, and those with vocational skills seeking work. He also met with and encouraged the residents receiving services at the house.
The Bangkok Governor stated that he was following up on the progress of Baan Imjai (Homeless Home), noting the key focus on building pride through a "Hall of Fame" displaying the names of homeless individuals who have successfully reintegrated into the workforce. Currently, 26 individuals have been successfully employed, transforming their lives. These include working for partner companies as air conditioning technicians, front-of-house service staff, and assistant chefs, with some even aged 60 being selected. He hopes the hall will be full soon. Additionally, there are seven skilled individuals awaiting employment, including painters, barbers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and security guards.
Baan Imjai currently houses 59 overnight residents, with 24-hour staff providing care and support. The core of the facility is transforming the shelter into a vocational training school, offering courses throughout the day and afternoon. These include community crafts, tailoring, hairdressing, handicrafts, Thai cooking, and beverage preparation, with courses tailored to each individual's aptitudes based on interviews conducted on their first day of service.
"The problem of homelessness is a structural issue in the city that needs to be addressed in multiple dimensions. It's not just about providing them with a place to sleep and being done with it, but about restoring their dignity through opportunities, vocational training, and employment," said the Bangkok Governor.
Mr. Chatchart further stated that, in order to support the income of vocational trainees, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to order snacks prepared by residents of Baan Imjai for use in meetings of various agencies. He also invited the private sector and interested individuals to support the initiative, whether through employment or donations of sports equipment and dry goods, in order to jointly drive the model of reintegrating people back into society in a meaningful way.