45 of us piled on to a bus in Chiang Mai not fully knowing what was in store for us and the World Harmony Run Torch. We made our way to about 4 km outside of the School for Life – a school and home for orphans of Thailand - where we were met by about 45 children eager to run to their school with us.

It was a hot day, so the 4 km felt more like 10 to many of us and many of the children. The teachers had very wisely set up a water station about half way where we were delightfully refreshed and had an opportunity to regroup.

Upon reaching the school we were greeted by many more children and many more refreshments. After cooling down and letting the children catch their breaths, we shared programs with each other.

Several boys offered a wonderful ceremonial drum performance that seemed to be of great traditional origin. This was followed by the girls performing a colorful and expressive dance. The children were filled with pride and honor to be offering these traditionally rich performances. We were really inspired by them.

The World Harmony Run team presented our short program and shared the inspirations and aspirations of the run. The children were very enthusiastic and received us with cheers and smiles. After the presentation we played “Guess my country” with the children. We were very impressed with the children’s world knowledge and they were equally impressed with how many countries we represented.

The ceremony was great fun and a swell time was had by all.

As we were on our way back to the bus, many of the children ran up to a runner and took them by the hand to run with them all the way back to the bus. (only about half km this time) It was such a heart warming gesture. The runners were reflecting on it even days later.

Thank you for sharing your hearts with us, School of Life. Our visit with you will always be a treasured moment.

History of School for Life:

The School for Life Chiang Mai was established in 2003 and is located in the mountains of the Doi Saket, which, by car, is about 45 minutes from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The School for Life was founded by Khun Thaneen "Joy" Worrawittayakun and Prof. Dr. Juergen Zimmer in 2003. It provides a home and education for children in difficult circumstances. 140 such children have found a new home here by May 2006 and many more would like to come from around Thailand.

The School for Life creates jobs for local people, providing employment in farming, civil works or child care activities. Following the community development approach, adults are included in project work which target local key issues such as recycling or organic farming. The visit of the Thai Crown Princess, HRH Sirindhorn in 2005, has intensified the growing positive relationship with the Thai Ministry of Education and the provincial Government.

UNESCO has assessed the concept of the School for Life to be a "... much needed world-class innovative effort in the field of education" and a "new standard of educational excellence for the world community of the 21st century".