March 2010

Rissho Kosei-kai Welcomes Thai Peace Activist

Ms. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, chairperson of the Duang Prateep Foundation, a Thai-based nongovernmental organization, visited Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters on March 1 and met Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of the board of trustees, in the administration building.

Rev. Watanabe expressed appreciation for the longterm friendship between the two organizations and Ms. Hata's attendance as an honored guest at the inauguration of Rissho Kosei-kai International of South Asia (RKISA) in Bangkok, Thailand, in January. Rev. Watanabe asked Ms. Hata about conditions in Thailand's slums, the country's education system, and the work of her foundation.

Ms. Hata explained that slum children face many dangers, such as drug abuse and violence. She added that slum children who do not go to school tend to get into trouble. She said they live in poverty because their parents are unemployed and find it hard to make ends meet. She said that since Thailand's future depends on its young people, it is the duty of charitable organizations to help those in need.

Since 1968, Ms. Hata has organized support for children's education and community development in Thai slums. More than 100,000 children have received scholarships from her foundation since its establishment in 1978. Rissho Kosei-kai has given the foundation financial support with funds from the Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace.

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