The Dimbulla Estate Phuket International Rugby11’s is not only renowned as one of the most exotic of rugby destinations but also for the fund raising that is associated with the event in the form of the ACF Children’s Scholarship fund which was started in the wake of the 2004 Tsunami to benefit children affected by that terrible disaster and also for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Since its inception the fund has kept upward of 100 children in school annually with 3 of those kids going on to study in university
The program relies on sponsors to contribute to the Scholarship fund via an annual sponsorship of 10,000 Baht per child. This includes provision for school uniforms, school shoes and bags, study materials, stationary, lunch at school & where possible a summer camp. The impact that these basic necessities, or the lack there of, have in a child’s life is vast and the change that the program has brought about is both heart warming and extremely rewarding.
This program has brought about the enrichment and advancement of up to 400 children since it began.
In 2004 ACF was invited to join hands with Phuket Vagabonds Rugby to raise funds for the project during their annual International Rugby Ten’s Competition held in Phuket at the end of each May. The competition sees teams from across globe converge on Phuket to not only participate in the tournament but to also raise awareness and funds for the ACF Scholarship Program. The continued support of the rugby teams involved is invaluable to the Scholarship Program.
Many of the teams past and present have contributed to the program and indeed many
teams and individuals continue to do so. A lot of the teams sponsor multiple students and do fundraising events so as to be able to continue to do so, teams such as the Moorabbin Rams, Cottesloe Old Gulles,Pot Bellied Pigs and of course those sponsorship experts the Selangor Dog who regularly excel in their efforts to raise funds for the cause. Then there are our friends from the Bangkok Bangers on Bikes who have been cycling from Bangkok to Phuket annually for the last 10 years to raise funds for the ACF.
Without the generosity of all the teams and individuals (YOU KNOW who you are!!) to help further this program these kids would be in a lot darker place.
If you need more information on the program or would like to sponsor a child then contact Asia Center Foundation Director Roelien Muller on roemuthai@gmail.com or visit the ACF tent at the ground during the weekend.
Asia Center Foundation (ACF) is an independent, interdenominational Christian charity registered as a Non-Government Organization on Phuket, Thailand.
We provide education opportunities to disadvantaged and at-risk Thai and Burmese migrant children so they will be empowered to change their futures.
ACF manages different projects addressing the needs of children focusing on education, child protection, life-skill development, healthcare and community outreach.
For children age 7 – 18 in Phuket and Phang Nga as well as in Cornerstone Learning Center. The program provides financial assistance for kids to go to school and encouragement to families facing financial and social problems.
Each year ACF sponsor around 110 children from primary and high school level with a scholarship. Children who require assistance receive annually a scholarship of THB10 000
Currently the ACF sponsors 6 of these children at university level, 7 are in vocational college and 1 is in High vocational education in addition to 100 children in primary and high school.
This fund was started in 2019 to assist tertiary students with whom ACF has build a long term relationship with during their primary and high school education, with further studies. Scholarships between THB10 000 up to THB25 000 per year can be applied for depending on a student’s course.
A sponsorship of B25 000 per student is required once a year to sponsor a university student. The full amount is payable before the end of February every year. This covers the registration fees for 2 terms and a few other additional expenses.
Hello my sponsor
I’m Veerawut Klungkuaw. I want to thank you for supporting me with new school uniforms, I wear the same uniform everyday because my family is poor. My parents are garbage collectors, they earn 100 Baht someday it’s better and they get 200–300 Baht. My father has heart problem and brain infection. I really thank you from the bottom of my heart. Max, 8 years old
Thank you very much for supporting me. Your support helped my family a lot. Before my mom had a very hard job to save money for my school uniform and stationery. Your support helped her a lot. I have to thank you so much for this.
I wish you good health and a long life. Because of your support we can stand up again. Tan, 12 years old
PHUKET RUGBY 11'S 