In April 2019, COERR Mae Hong Son, Mae Sarieng, Mae Sot and Kanchanaburi organized Elderly Day event in the 9 Refugee Camps. The events consisted of religious rites, opening speech drawing attention to the importance and roles of the elders in the community, the cultural performance by elders, the ceremony that strengthen the relationship between younger generation and the elderly, i.e. water blessing ceremony in which younger pour water to elder’s hands and elder wish them prosperity in turn.

   The purposes of the Elderly Day Ceremony are to promote unity in the refugee community in which senior people have maintained their culture and tradition and transfer to younger generation. Their valued experience of living and their dedication to the family and society should be treasured by the community, especially the younger generation. Finally, gifts were offered to every elder participating in this ceremony. Most of all, the ceremony aims to lift Elders’ spirit while they are looking forward to returning homeland one day.

   Elderly Day in Ban Mae Surin camp on April 26, 2019 had 148 participants of 82 female and 66 male.

Camp Representative and Peace Committee representative pray in the opening ceremony

Water Blessing Ceremony, Wrist Tying Ceremony for Spiritual Support and Gift Offering for Elders

   COERR Mae Sarieng Organized the Elderly Days on April 23rd at Ban Mae Lama Luang camp had 101 participants of 76 female and 25 male, and on April 24th at Ban Mae La Oon camp had 87 participants of 57 female and 30 male.

   Elderly Day was held in Ban Mae La Camp, Ban Umpiem Camp and Ban Nupo Camp in Tak Province on April 10th , 11th, and and 18th respectively.

Elderly Day at Ban Mae La Camp had 200 participants

Elderly Day in Ban Umpiem Camp Hall was held on April 11th, with 100 participants

Elderly Day event at Ban Nupho camp had 300 participants

   Elderly Day Events were held in Ban Don Yang camp in Kanchanaburi and Ban Tham Hin camp in Ratchaburi Province on April 11, 2019 in which 15 elderly in each camp had joined the water blessing on stage as the symbol of parents who struggled to raise their children to their society with pride and dignity.

Elderly Day at Ban Don Yang Camp

Elderly Day at Ban Tham Hin Camp