Well folks, it's been my pleasure to have you join me on this 365-in-Thailand adventure! Today is our last day at the Thai-Myanmar border, and we are going full floatation device. Thailand and Myanmar are separated for the most part by water. This water varies in depth from inches to hundreds of feet. As you may have guessed, the inches are not the issue - but when your water taxi flips in deep water and you don’t know how to swim, this becomes a problem. Because our amazing staff is so concerned about keeping others safe, they hatched a wonderful plan... ...they wanted to get life jackets and bring them to the different taxi hubs, so that the people they serve can use the vests while they travel across the border. The taxis were naturally were pumped - this is a total value add to their customers. And the staff was happy because this keeps migrant workers safe. And with that, off I go! Into the Changemakers 365 night like Batman. But don’t worry, I’ll be back … [Read more...] about Staying Afloat

I sat down with the team in Thailand to brainstorm how we might help generate income for migrant communities at the border, the communities they serve every day. They had SO many ideas. But their favorite idea was fishing poles! That was a new one to me, but it made sense. Many migrants will use nets to catch fish out in a boat but if the conditions are bad, this means no fishing and no food or income. Fishing poles would remedy the situation, allowing fishermen to fish from land - no matter the conditions. Enter Jaroon, a local fisherman who was the first to receive a fishing pole. Talking with Jaroon and being able to provide this pole to him was such a joy! “Normally I use a boat and net, but if the conditions do not allow, now I can go catch fish and squid from the dock!" said Jaroon as he cast his new pole into the sea. “Next time you come, you eat for free!” Jaroon smiled, pointing at a pile of muscles he caught that morning.   Meet … [Read more...] about Fishing for More

After being with the Thailand team for a couple days, I feel like I need to give the Thailand team a shout out - they're amazing. They travel long distances, work tirelessly, and are so dedicated to our mission of treating and preventing the spread of really destructive diseases, like tuberculosis and malaria. Their work is so important. But sometimes it can lead to a couple of scrapes and bruises. When you’re on the go, you need something that travels with you in case minor accidents happen. And the last thing you need is to run into someone who needs medical attention and not be able to support it. That's why this team wanted first aid kits! We thought that was a fantastic idea. Wai Tun, our friend from yesterday, was delighted! “If I go to the field and someone is getting hurt or needs treatment, then I can help. This is also good for my family and neighbors!" These first aid kids not only help our team stay safe and well taken care of, they're going the … [Read more...] about Help in a Box

Today I want to introduce you to one amazing member of the Alight family. His name is Wai Tun. Wai might be responsible for Thailand's slogan - the Land of Smiles. Just look at that smile! It can brighten anyone's day. Wai is a man on the move. To reach the patients he treats for tuberculosis and malaria on the Thai-Myanmar border, he travels across all types of environments, going wherever they are. Because of all the difficult terrain he encounters, the sandals he’s rocking just don’t always cut it. We had an idea, and a surprise for Wai...new rubber boots for him and his crew! “When I go to the field on a muddy road, this is very useful!" said Wai. "Especially in this area since we have so much high grass, this protects me from the snake bites. And when I cross the river, this saves my feet from sharp stones.” Wai smiled one of his famous smiles as he slipped his feet into his new, safe kicks.   Meet Jon! Hello hello! My name is Jon Atwell and I'm … [Read more...] about Boots Made for Walking

I’m back! Did you miss me? Today we will be jumping right back into our 365 at the Thai-Myanmar border! Yesterday, I mentioned that the rain in Thailand is for real. The combination of the long travel distances and the rainy season can make for extremely unpleasant conditions for the staff. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, many travel by motorcycle, which makes the rain extremely uncomfortable! Our staff knew what they needed...rain coats! “I go to community sites and plantations and I will wear the rain coat," said Myo Kyaw Kyaw, one of our Alight teammates. "It is good for the motorcycle to keep me dry.” Dry motorcycle rides are the way of the future for our team here now!   Meet Jon! Hello hello! My name is Jon Atwell and I'm the Roving Correspondent at Alight. So much of what I do involves going to program sites and spending time with my colleagues around the world, and the people we serve. I get to capture photos, create video, and share … [Read more...] about When It Rains it Pours

Hello and Sawasdee Khrap to Thailand! My name is Jon Atwell and I’ll be hosting you as we bring Changemakers 365 to the Thailand. Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, and I think as you meet these wonderful people you'll find it to be true. A lot of our work here takes place at the Thailand-Myanmar border. Thousands of migrant workers cross back and forth to go to their jobs every day, and malaria and tuberculosis are easily spread as people travel from one country to another. The Alight teams are on the ground working closely to monitor and stop the spread of these diseases, which means cross-border work is the name of the game. Our first stop? A river border crossing. And the idea? Umbrellas! The team on the ground here is traveling great distances to meet some of the tuberculosis patients. When the sun is out the sun is OUT (as my sweaty shirt could attest) and these umbrellas will help to give shade and a more comfortable journey. The second reason these … [Read more...] about Under My Umbrella