Sandy & Joy from Prem Center invited us along to the school today to present some facts to the children there, in order they might be inspired to participate in a new project working with the local community & in particular help dogs in their area.

Entitled ‘Hand to Paw’ this project will be self sufficient and sustaining, educating the participants and bringing help to some of the desperate creatures living at temples and in local villages near the school in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai.

Today was a brainstorming session for the pupils to gain their interest and commitment. Sandy asked us to outline the plight of dogs in the community, discussing issues such as overpopulation, the massive homeless problem and some of the difficulties dogs face.

This was the catalyst required to allow Sandy to introduce the group to the Compass technique and asking the participants to brainstorm the 4 headings of Nature, Economy, Well Being & Society.

An interesting concept. After several rounds of 4 groups interchanging team members and challenging each others agreed best ‘top 3′ ideas, the final 3 were voted on with a resounding leading idea which will help them implement their project.

Well that was the plan!

In summary, after 4 rounds of discussing the N,E,W & S issues and a ‘pin your sticker on your favourite’ the choice was clear.

A Dodge Ball Tournament.

Now quite how that will get this Hand to Paws project off the ground is a little unclear but we certainly had visions of some fun & exciting games but hoped they wouldn’t involve the dogs!

Good luck to everyone at Prem!