Nissan Provides Thai Youth With Learning Opportunity Through The Donation Of 'Nissan Mobile Library' To Sikkha Asia Foundation

BANGKOK, Thailand – December 18, 2008: Siam Nissan Automobile is providing underprivileged children in Thailand with an educational learning opportunity through the donation of a Nissan Urvan Mobile Library to the Sikkha Asia Foundation. Nissan’s vision is to enrich people’s lives. To make this possible, the company believes in contributing some of its profits into building a better and sustainable society. Nissan’s past involvements have included several welfare projects, including the Sikkha Asia Foundation.

Thierry Viadieu, President of Siam Nissan Automobile said, “In 2006, our company donated the Nissan Urvan to the Sikkha Asia Foundation, which turned the vehicle into a mobile library to reach out to the children affected by the Tsunami disaster. This mobile library also visited children in remote areas nationwide. Furthermore, the company supported the maintenance and fuel charges of the vehicle, as well as providing the library with educational books. We have had positive feedback from the children who have used this service nationwide.

“Nissan realized that one vehicle is not enough to support these projects and activities so we decided to donate another vehicle to the Sikkha Asia Foundation. The company is hopeful that the Nissan Mobile Library will be able to travel to 45 villages in remote areas nationwide, providing children with the opportunity to study and read books,” said Viadieu.

Arunee Phromma, secretary general of the Sikkha Asia Foundation, pointed out that the foundation’s mission was to provide an opportunity to those living in poverty –particularly the children and youth – so they may build a better life for themselves. Most of the foundation’s projects is focused on education, preserving traditional culture and customs, vocational training, community development and environment. The areas of operation revolve around urban slums, poor rural villages and tsunami-affected communities. The foundation has a strong focus on education, believing that education enables poor children to reach beyond their poverty and climb to their true potential, so that they become participants in the development of their society.

“We believe that a library is like a taproot, providing a solid foundation in building knowledge. We have set up seven libraries in various communities nationwide. These include three in Bangkok: Baan Ni Than Library in Klong Toey, Suan Plu Community Library in Sathorn and Chua Plerng Pattana Community Library in Yannawa. Others include Ban Chiang Kan Library in Chiang Kan district of Loei; Ban Sawai Library in Muang district of Surin; Pru Tiew Children and Book House in Takuapa district of Pang-Nga and Kuraburi Children and Book House in Pang-Nga. There are still many underprivileged children who do not have access to educational materials and this is why we strongly support mobile libraries, which provide accessibility to these children nationwide in all areas,” explained Arunee.

Arunee applauds Nissan’s second donation of the mobile library, pointing out that such a contribution from a private company is a testimony to their mission in providing education opportunities to the children and youth. The foundation hopes that in 2009, the Nissan Mobile Library will provide educational activities to the hilltribe children in Tak and in other communities in Bangkok and other provinces. This project has been established for more than 20 years. Every year, over 100,000 children nationwide participate in activities organized by this mobile library. The library visits each area for two hours. The youngsters, parents and teachers are introduced to interesting books and materials. The staff of the mobile library reads stories, performs puppet shows, and organizes various activities. These events reinforce parents and teachers the importance of encouraging youngsters to develop healthy reading habits.