Smart Farming Project by GC Enhances Skills of Rayong Child Welfare Center Youth

Rayong: To help ease the burden of daily food expenses for the Rayong Child Welfare Center, GC has implemented the Smart Farming by GC or 'Panrak Vegetable Garden' project. This initiative utilizes GC products to allow young people to practice vocational skills in preparation for their future.

According to Thai News Agency, the Smart Farming by GC project covers an area of 1 rai and 1 ngan, comprising four zones: a greenhouse zone, trellis zone, kitchen garden zone, and leafy vegetable zone. This collaboration between the Rayong Child Welfare Center and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) leverages the expertise of GC's personnel and products to improve community life. For example, greenhouse plastic made from polyethylene plastic pellets enables children to learn to grow vegetables regardless of weather conditions, as they can work under the plastic-covered roof.

Rayong Province serves as a home for GC, and the 'Pan Rak Vegetable Garden' aims to promote knowledge, occupational skills, and social skills among the children, preparing them for the outside world. The project emphasizes a self-sufficient economy, incorporating Smart Farming technologies, such as an automatic watering system. The produce grown supports the center's meals, and any surplus generates income of approximately 3,000 baht per month, which is used to purchase additional food items like pork and chicken. Additionally, GC has introduced personnel from Sampran Garden to teach skills in agricultural product processing, including making mulberry jam, mulberry tea, and instant curry paste.

The Rayong Child Protection Center cares for children facing social challenges, such as those at risk of human trafficking or with parents in prison. Currently, the center supports 101 children from across the country, aged 6-18, providing them with opportunities for education and skill development. If any of these children wish to pursue further education, the center can support them until they achieve vocational qualifications, helping them to lead normal lives.