To mark the 23^rd anniversary of 9/11, the U.S. Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Gwendolyn Cardno, hosted 17 U.S. Embassy staff and 18 participants, staff, and YES alumni from the YES Thai alumni EDeaf (ed·deaf) initiative. After a welcome speech from Deputy Chief of Mission Cardno, participants took part in various activities. The students taught sign language to U.S. Embassy staff, participants painted U.S. themed tote bags, and the students presented Embassy staff with artwork from their weekly E-deaf art classes. EDeaf founder, Yutthakrit (Nat) Chalermthai (YES ’09) expressed gratitude for the U.S. Embassy’s support of the initiative since its establishment. Everyone involved appreciated the sharing of culture and community.

Via U.S. Embassy Bangkok: September 11 has become a National Day of Service and Remembrance and the largest annual day of charitable service in the United States. This year, more than 200 embassy staff volunteered to participate in some act of community service as a way to celebrate the spirit of unity and service that arose in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Education for the Deaf (Edeaf) is an ongoing project organized by YES alumni and supported by the U.S. Embassy. The program brings together volunteers, teachers and Ministry of Education staff to provide in-class and extracurricular activities supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Edeaf also works with the public and private sectors to advocate for more inclusive policies and build more awareness and recognition of all disabled communities in Thailand. To learn more, follow them here on Facebook.