Union Bulletin article Sunday 10-10-10

http://union-bulletin.com/stories/2010/10/09/rotarian-provides-humanitarian-work-in-thailand

NEW ETCETERA - Rotarian provides humanitarian work in Thailand

ANNIE CHARNLEY EVELAND
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Pedrito Maynard-Reid, who has been a member of the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club since 2000 and its current president, did some humanitarian work in Thailand recently.

Pedrito is also assistant to the president for diversity, a professor of biblical studies and missiology in Walla Walla University's theology department and a WWU ombudsman.

He e-mailed details of his work in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for the Turning-Over Ceremony of the Library project at Thespadet School.

"We, along with clubs in Japan, Australia, Germany and the USA, contributed to a matching grant and direct contributions totaling tens of thousands of dollars to build the Library, purchase books and equipment, and construct restrooms," Pedrito said.

"This library will not only serve the school, but will be the only one in the district and for miles around."

Pedrito led the team of volunteers in humanitarian and cultural outreach.

"For a number of years Walla Walla Noon Rotary has partnered with Rotary of Chiang Mai in assisting the LaWa Hostel for displaced children from the Thai-Myanmar hill country," Pedrito said.

Through matching grants the Walla Walla club initiated with Rotary International Foundation, they provide computers, a clean water system, modern toilet facilities and an annual university scholarship for a deserving student.

In 2009, the Walla Walla club partnered with Rotary clubs from Japan, Australia, Germany, Arizona and a couple in Thailand to build and furnish an elementary school library in the very rural hill country of Thepsadet.

The $32,000 grant provided washroom facilities, dozens of computers, chairs and desks, library books and electronic academic resources, Pedrito said.

On Oct. 13, Pedrito represented Walla Walla at the colorful "Turning-Over" ceremony.

And before the event, WWU conducted its eighth annual short-term mission trip to Thailand.

"In years past, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends have built dormitories, meeting places and conducted weeks of spiritual emphasis in places such as Chiang Mai and Mae Sot," Pedrito said.

Asia Pacific International University, WWU's sister school in Muak Lek, has partnered with the College Place university for the past three years, working in outreach to the surrounding city and villages. The university's ongoing projects include teaching English at the public high school and in evening classes for all ages at a metropolitan community center; assisting a disabled farmer with plowing, reaping, pruning and general farm work; and working alongside APIU nursing students in delivering healthcare, Pedrito said. And in 2010, the team assisted people who suffer from leprosy and polio, and cared for many orphan children.