George Washington Sailors Visit Thai School for the Blind

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob D. Moore
Posted: October 7, 2010

PATTAYA, Thailand – Approximately 20 Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 took time out to talk to and play games with children at the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind during the ship’s port visit to Pattaya, Thailand.

PATTAYA, Thailand (Oct. 5, 2010) - Mr. Schit Suknoo, a computer instructor at the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, explains Braille reading and typing to Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 during a community service event at the school. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob D. Moore) | Download

The event was one of several community service projects planned and organized by the ship’s Command Religious Ministries department.

The Sailors were welcomed by the students with a traditional Thai musical performance followed by an informational video, detailing a brief history of the school and what it offers to students.

Schit Suknoo, the school’s computer instructor, who is also blind, demonstrated various computer programs and software that allow the blind to use word-processing software such as Microsoft Word. Students showcased other abilities that included beadwork, knitting, crochet, typing and the ability to read and write in Braille.

The latter half of the day, Sailors and students meet each other, talking, playing games like rock, paper scissors and musical chairs.

“I am very happy that you could come here. I appreciate that you live so far away from us, but you still think about us and do things for us, and the social skills that meeting new people gives the kids will last them there whole life,” said Suknoo. “It is good for them to be able to meet people not only from outside of their community, but outside of their country. I think the children are very impressed by you.”

Many of the Sailors commented that they were truly in awe by the young children abilities and what they’ve been able to achieve.

“It’s pretty amazing how these kids can overcome this challenge and that there are institutions like this out there to help them,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class David Sumida of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115.

More than 130 students ranging in age from 3 to 20 are currently enrolled in the school. Students stay at the facility throughout the semester, but return to their families when school is not in session.

The school receives minimal government funding and is supported mostly by the donations of local citizens.

When it was time for the Sailors to leave, all of the children were smiling and the volunteers had nothing but positive things to say about their experience.

“It was good! For some reason I have a soft spot when it comes to kids,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Roberto Fulgencio. “To know that there is a place like this for them here is great.”