About Christian Paisansat School
Christian Paisansart** School Dormitory (CPSD) provides a place for tribal children to live while studying at Christian Paisansart School (CPS). Our ministry cares for, reaches out to, and disciples these children. CPS is located in the village of Ban Farm Sampantakit* about 10 km (7 miles) east of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.
* "Ban" is the Thai word for village. "Farm" comes directly from English. "Sampantakit" means community.
** "Paisansart" translates to vast/extensive knowledge.
How it started...
The village was founded in 1949 by American missionaries who recruited Thai Christian families. Their goal was to have Christians living in a co-operative community while introducing a modern approach to farming. They brought the first tractor to this village and to Thailand.
As a part of establishing the new community, Christian Paisansart School was built. Shortly after it opened, children from under privileged families in northern Thailand were accepted for study. A dormitory was built on the school property since many of these students came from villages quite distant from the school.
Today's Scope of Ministry...
Today the dormitory has grown to be the home for 130 children (ages 6 - 16) that attend grades 1-9 at CPS. All these children come from one of the 6 main Hill Tribes living in the Chiang Rai region: Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, and Yao (Mein).
Additionally, a commitment was made to support some students who have graduated from CPS and are continuing their education at other schools (college prep or technical high schools) in Chiang Rai.
Why the children live in a dormitory...
The children are here to get an education. Some children come from single parent families, a few are orphans, but many are raised by their parents. Poverty and a lack of educational opportunities in their villages are the primary reasons children come to CPS. Many children come from difficult or abusive family situations such as alcoholism, drug addiction and prostitution. Children living at CPS Dormitory are given an opportunity to get an education in a safe environment. They are encouraged and edified daily!
How children are selected & dormitory funding...
It costs 12,000 Baht (about $360 US) per student per year for room and board in the dormitory. Parents are required to pay 6,500 Baht (about $200 US) if they are able. If they are not able to pay, we try to find sponsors to help them. Then the parents will only need to pay 2,000 baht (about $60 US) per year per child to live in the dormitory. The balance comes from donations from individuals, churches and other organizations. (Want detailed information - send a note from Contact Us).
Foundation Status...
Both the school and the dormitory are part of Ban Farm Sampantakit Foundation, which is recognized by the government of Thailand as a Ministry of Social Welfare and Development.
Vision and Values...
Chris Hoagland began teaching English at CPS in 1996. In the years that followed he built strong relationships with many of the children. He was aware of the living conditions in the dorms and began praying and asking God for a plan to improve things.
In August, 2004, Chris along with his wife, Esther, agreed to take responsibility of the entire dormitory as dormitory managers. They immediately gathered a team around them to help supervise the children. The goal of this dormitory staff was to ensure the healthy physical, emotional and spiritual development of the children.
Many of the children come from non-Christian families, however, all parents consent to have their children raised in a Christian environment. Therefore, Christian values are openly taught to all the children with the hope it will help them (and their parents too!) to understand the Christian message. Knowing that becoming a Christian is an individual decision, the staff works hard to share the Gospel while also helping the children know what it means to honor their parents and their cultural heritage.
