1. What is the history behind Children with Hope?

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In 1997, after 35 years of working in the area of children at risk and living in Asia, Janette and Dean Pepall founded Children With Hope. Dean and Janette have adopted five children from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Australia to join their birth son. It was however the fostering in Hong Kong of a very special little girl called Po Yan, and seeing first hand the need and benefits of training that prompted this couple to begin the organisation. Janette designed the children at risk conferences and courses. These have been held in Australia, many parts of Asia (Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand) and in Africa (South Africa, and Uganda). Children With Hope has graduates from 27 different countries.

2. Does Children with Hope make a difference?

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Yes! CWH continues to train people from all over the world, who are informed, challenged and motivated to make a difference in the lives of children.

In Impact Uganda 2006, CWH trained 30 African nationals who will have an impact on the lives of over 3000 children. In 2007 nationals from several African countries were trained to care for the 7600 directly or indirectly in their care.

In Impact Thailand 2006, CWH trained 99 national and international participants who will have an impact on over 1500 children.

In Impact Thailand 2007, CWH trained over 250 Thais and internationals from Africa, USA, Europe, Laos etc. It is estimated 150,000 children were impacted.

To see what graduates say about the CWH training, see ‘graduate responses’ on this website.

Many graduates have returned to their home country or have travelled to others. Many are involved in full time work with children at risk. Informed and challenged by theories such as child development, attachment and models of care, many students have changed their personal focus from institutional care to foster care and small group homes and to reunification of the child to the family unit as a first priority.

3. Why study in Thailand or Uganda?

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Studying in Thailand or Uganda provides a rich cultural learning environment. By living and studying cross culturally with nationalities from around the world, along with national participants, the courses provide a first hand opportunity for students to experience the realities of working with children at risk. Combined with local site visits, guest speakers and practical time spent with children, being in Thailand or Uganda provides a mix of theory and practice that is unique to CWH!

4. Does CWH partner with overseas organisations?

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In Thailand CWH works in partnership with the large and respected national organisation, Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD). CCD runs day care centers, and a preschool, and conducts community awareness, education and support programs. They have been awarded the Marci Award, (VIVA: www.viva.org) which recognizes good practice in the field of children at risk. For more information see their web site www.ccdthailand.org.

From 2006, CWH also has partnered with the Department of Social Development and Welfare (Thailand Government) who value and appreciate CWH’s training. Many workers from their departments, non-government organisations, and community groups have joined CWH international students to be trained in the area of children. In Uganda, CWH works with VIVA Africa and other national organisations.

5. Where are the courses held?

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In Thailand the 4 week children at risk course is based at the CCD's Rainbow House, in the province of Nonthaburi. CCD is located 20 km north of Bangkok in Pakkred. However the conference during the first week and site visits, are scattered throughout the greater Bangkok area. For more information on the province of Nonthaburi see map:

http://www.thailandguidebook.com/map/index.htm

In Uganda courses are run in Kampala, the capital.

6. Who can attend the Thailand or Uganda courses?

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Students come from a wide diversity of cultures, ages and backgrounds, with varying expertise and experience in the field of children at risk. This can range from those who have had many years working in managerial roles or those working directly with children, to those with little or no experience who wish to be introduced to this field. CWH has also trained many professionals, such as social workers, teachers and administrators. Minimum age to attend is 18 years. CWH welcomes male and female students, and although English does not have to be the student’s first language, English must be spoken and understood at a high level.

Thailand is CWH’s Asian training hub, and Uganda is our African training hub.

7. Can students bring children with them to Thailand or Uganda?

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CWH welcomes those who are coming to Thailand or Uganda as a family. For further details please refer to the CWH Family Policy found in the application form.

8. Do students need to speak another language?

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In Thailand the 4 week training is conducted in English. For Thai guest speakers and during site visits, there is a translation into English. For ‘Impact Asia' (the conference during the first week) the training is in English with a direct translation into Thai.

In Uganda, the conference and 4 weeks course is in English.

9. How is the training conducted?

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The 4 week course is divided into 2 sections.

The first week is ‘Impact Asia', a week's conference. Plenary sessions in the morning will include 'foundational' theories, such as loss and grief, attachment, child development, child abuse, needs of the child, etc. and consist of lectures, small groups, DVD’s etc. The afternoon workshops are ‘streamed’ so that participants can choose their topics of interest. Impact Asia is in partnership with the Department of Social Development and Welfare (Thailand government) and CCD. Thai nationals and others living and working with children in Thailand join CWH international students. Impact Asia will be held in a local hotel.

The following 3 weeks of training covers the different categories of children at risk and issues associated with them. It combines lectures from Children With Hope trainers and guest speakers (Thai and Westerners living in Thailand), site visits, DVDs, small group exercises, case studies, and assignments for both the individual and as a group. Some of the topics covered are street children, 'the orphan', the child soldier, prostitution, trafficking, child prisoner, institutionalization, etc. It may be held at CCD’s Rainbow House training room and runs five days a week from 9am-5pm.

In Uganda the same training model is used.

10. What type of assessment is there? What is the work load?

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There are different forms of assessment throughout the course, which are mainly conducted in the classroom. Students are expected to participate in group exercises during class, complete weekly homework after hours and a group assignment culminating with a written and verbal presentation at the end of the course.

11. Where do students go for site visits?

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Students visit several organizations in the local area and districts around Bangkok and Kampala that work with children at risk. These organisations vary from year to year due to availability, but include places such as a HIV/AIDS Hospice, a home for street children and an institution for children whom have been trafficked.

The total cost for students traveling to the site will be given once approved but is usually around USD100. This cost may vary. Often during the 4 weeks the occasion may arise to have an unexpected visit. We want to make use of every opportunity to see other agencies and services that will provide a valuable insight into the realities of working with children.

12. Will students be working directly with children?

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In Thailand opportunities exist to take the CCD children on day outings or for a play session. The amount of interaction changes from year to year. e.g. In previous years a mandatory requirement of students has been to attend the 3 day camp with the children and staff of CCD.

It is a  mandatory requirement that students sign the CCD/CWH code of Conduct. This details the expectations for students when interacting with the children.

13. How long does it take for CWH to process student applications?

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The processing of applications is different for each individual application, and depends on how quickly student’s referees answer CWH, if a police check is submitted with the application form, etc. CWH endeavors to process training applications as quickly as possible to allow students to prepare for travel and study.

All prospective students must have their training applications into CWH for processing at least 8 weeks before the course begins. Late applications however may be accepted.

This allows adequate time for the visa to be processed and accommodation to be arranged.

14. What are the qualifications of CWH lecturers?

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Janette Pepall is CWH's Director of Training, an Australian, and has qualifications in Welfare (1987) and Anthropology (2006) and has worked as a social worker for 20 years in many different areas involved with children. She has worked in child protection, foster care and adoptions in Australia and in Hong Kong ( both on the ‘front line’ and in managerial roles), trained adoptive and foster parents, conducted workshops in many parts of Australia, and has spoken at 5 Australian National Conferences on adoption. She has also been the keynote speaker for several conferences on adoption in Hong Kong. Janette combines the theories of psychology, anthropology and social work with the practical experience of a mother of six adult children! Her children include five adoptees from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Australia and a birth son. Janette was also recognised as a world leader in the field of children at risk in May 2007, when with her husband, Dean, they were invited to the first "Global Consultation of Academic Programs on Holistic Child Development". She is also the coming author of the training manual "Orphan Care" for Crisis Care Training International (USA).

Elizabeth Hensby, an Australian, has qualifications as an Early Childhood teacher (1998) and has worked in the Early Childhood industry for 18 years. In her time in the industry she has worked in a variety of positions ranging from assistant to managerial roles and as a teacher, in a broad range of settings. Having completed the Children with Hope 6 week training course in Thailand 2005, Elizabeth joined CWH in 2006. Having traveled widely for personal and mission focus purposes, her passions and heart is for children, culture, travel and education. She is the Thailand Facilitator.

Katie Stephens graduated from Whitworth University, USA, in May 2006 with a double degree in Sociology and Cross Cultural Studies. Throughout her time at Whitworth she had many opportunities for studying in cross cultural settings and witnessed the multi-faceted realm of at risk children in South Africa, Central America, and inner-city Chicago. It was during these experiences and also during her four years of volunteering and working for Cup of Cool Water, an organization that serves street youth in Spokane, WA, that she felt the pull towards these precious children. After graduating, Katie attended the Thailand CWH course in 2006 and recently joined the organization as the American Coordinator, and in 2008 will be the Ugandan Facilitator.

15. After CWH training what are the opportunities for a graduate?

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There are many opportunities after training, which reflects the various experiences, ages and focus of the students. CWH graduates return to secular work, others to the ministry they left, others travel to another country to work with children at risk or to work in a church. Several CWH graduates have founded children’s homes.

CWH has many positions available, such as a representative in the graduate’s home or another country, trainer, administrator etc. Graduates also have the opportunity to further their practical knowledge by completing a field placement in one of CWH's cooperating agencies, in Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao, South Africa, Australia, Bolivia, and USA. This is for a minimum of 6 months.

What ever the graduate decides to do after training, they can be assured that the 4 weeks will be a valuable and life changing experience!

16. After completing the training, would CWH recommend travelling immediately to a field placement?

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For several reasons, CWH advises graduates to return home after travelling, and to begin their field placement later. These reasons can be discussed with the Thailand or Uganda Facilitator, but the final decision is left to the graduate.

17. What are some of the costs students need to take into consideration?

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Thailand 2008:

  1. Course fees (refer to costs in CWH training application)
  2. Airfare (variable, depending on students location. Consult a recommended travel agent)
  3. Accommodation (variable: 300 – 1100 baht a night per person)
  4. Travel/Health insurance (variable, ask travel agent)
  5. Visa (Inquire at your local Thai consulate.)
  6. Site visits: approximately 3000 baht
  7. Camp: approximately 1000 baht
  8. Food: ranges from 110 baht to 280 baht per day
  9. Local Transport: ranges from 8 baht for local buses to 100 baht for one way trip in taxi
  10. Transport from accomodation to Conference (5 days: to be advised)
  11. Transport to and from airport (to be advised)

The cost for each item varies from year to year and also depends on the current exchange rate. This list does not take into consideration personal needs.

For exchange rate: www.travelex.com.au or
www.americanexpress.com/australia/personal/
te/fes/foreigncurrency.shtml
And click on ‘currency converter’ at the bottom of the page.

Uganda 2008:

Costs being finalised.

18. Do we offer scholarships?

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No, CWH is a non profit organisation and is unable to offer scholarships, sponsorship or part subsidies to individual students. CWH depends largely on donations to cover costs.

CWH has invested considerable resources in the development of children at risk courses and conferences. We endeavor to keep our costs modest and affordable for those who work in all fields of children at risk and from all countries. Ongoing administrative expenses, course material and professional expertise are subsidized, and the training fees are 30% of actual costs.

19. Are airfares included in the course fee?

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No, it is the responsibility of the student to organize their own return airfare. CWH has a partnership with Mission Travel Services (www.missiontravel.com.au) who can advise and arrange your individual air flights to Thailand or Uganda. Please note, it is not compulsory to use this agency, but is a service we recommend.

20. Can a student be picked up from the airport and dropped off at the end of the training?

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In Thailand, there are 3 options, with varying costs:

  1. Private Limousine.
  2. Organised pick-up through CWH and CCD.
  3. Public and metered taxi (first floor of airport).

Bangkok Airport is called Suvaarnbhumi. Check out their website for more information:
www.bangkokairportonline.com/ or
http://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/airport

In Uganda, there will be an organised pickup.

21. What kind of Accommodation is available?

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In Thailand:

  1. CCD and CWH will endeavor to find accommodation for the CWH students. This ranges from ‘shared bedrooms, basic, comfortable and inexpensive’ to ‘4 star’. Costs vary from year to year, but usually range between 300 – 1100 baht per day. Students will be given two or three options.
    Note: While every effort will be made to find suitable accommodation, it is not the responsibility of CWH or CCD to find student’s accommodation other than that which is offered.
    Families: If you intend to study and bring your family, please note there is a family policy that needs to be completed as a family has unique accommodation needs.
  2. Students are also welcome to stay with friends and family that live in the local area.
  3. Students can find their own accommodation.

In Uganda:

Accomodation is being finalised.

22. Where will students eat? Is food included in the course fees?

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Bangkok is the hub of exotic and amazing opportunities to try new food. Supermarkets, markets, and street vendors are readily available. During the 3 weeks of training at Rainbow House, CCD provides a cooked lunch for a small fee. Students will need to provide their own breakfast and dinner.

In Uganda, food will be provided at the hotel or guest house.

23. Do students require a visa?

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In Thailand:

Yes, a 90 day Non- Immigration visa will be required for people staying longer than 35 days in Thailand. Applying for a visa is the responsibility of the students. Approved students will be advised to the process, which involves CCD and CWH. Do not start the visa process until approved!

In Uganda

Process being finalised.

24. Is it safe to be overseas?

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Travelling anywhere in today’s world is taken with some risk involved. We advise students to log on to a Government travel department or similar in your own country to check travel warnings and immunizations details. Australia’s government department is known as Smart traveller: www.smartraveller.gov.au and they keep you up to date with regular reports. USA site - http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html

It is the choice of a student to travel to Thailand or Uganda to train. If the student decides to leave for any reason there is no refund on course fees and other costs.

25. Do students require health and travel insurance? What about immunisations?

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Yes, health insurance is mandatory and a student is required to present documentation on day one of the course. Note, that while there are medical professionals who provide good care in Thailand and Uganda, it is imperative that a student’s cover includes evacuation. Also, please ensure that you have had the necessary immunizations for both urban and rural areas of Thailand and Uganda. Your local GP can advise on this matter.

26. What do students need to know before travelling to Thailand or Uganda?

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It is the student’s responsibility to organize what they are taking to Thailand or Uganda. We highly recommend students educate themselves about culture, weather, clothing, language, currency, and tourist attractions etc. before travelling. Information about power supply, email access, modes of transport, etc. can be found in travel books e.g. Lonely Planet or downloaded from relevant websites.