©Per Arne Kvamsø
Noh Bo Academy School there aren’t many decent jobs in the villages. “Many young fathers move to Bangkok or other big cities, get separated from wives or abandon them. The young mothers then find a new husband and perhaps the new husband doesn’t want the kids who are then thrown out.”
Next plan: a youth centre Being familiar with the big picture of the village life gives Ole-Jørgen ideas how to try to help break this vicious circle. The idea is to start a Youth Centre for children after they leave the compulsory primary school or middle school to lead semi-autonomous existence as young adults pursuing vocational or university education in secure environment. The planned youth centre in Mae Sot will help kids who finish grade 10 to get them further education and job skill if that is what they op for. “Most people in the village had 3-4 years of schooling before going to work in the fields be-
cause they didn’t see opportunities. At least for my kids they should know that at least they have the opportunity. If they choose to they can continue with education and go as far as they could.” “At least we can give them job training. Vocational training. So they won’t be pushed around too easily in the Thai job market. The youth centre is more of a transition place from orphanage to adulthood and independence to being in charge of one’s own life.
Why do you do it? Starting an orphanage is not something that most people would think of when they are in their early twenties. “I’m aware that many people would find what I do a little bit strange,” said Ole-Jørgen, a committed Christian. The orphanages were shaped by his Christian belief. “When you see something wrong in this world, like children suffering or mistreated. It’s not
©Per Arne Kvamsø Dancing in Noh Bo 26 ScandAsia.Thailand • April 2014
because they have done something wrong. What it means is the world we live in is broken,” OleJørgen said. “That gives me the responsibility to do what I can to make it right. I don’t do this because I need to be better but because of the love God has for the children.” “My core belief says every child is unique and every child has a purpose and that they are loved.” The contrast between Norway, one of the wealthiest countries on earth, and Burma, at the bottom rungs of the world’s poorest, gives Ole-Jørgen a rare glimpse into the gap between the have and the have-not. “But I never stay because of guilt. But because I met and got to know children I do care about. Whom I couldn’t just leave and not know what was going to happen to them.” The orphanages are fully funded by donations from Norway, including from members of church in the small Norwegian town of Levanger, 600 kilometres north of Oslo where Ole-Jørgen came from. Many sponsors of the orphanages are nonbelievers. But some corporations or organizations that want to be apolitical baulk at providing support for Christian organizations like Blessed Homes. Ole-Jørgen doesn’t find that reasonable. “You bring your value system, worldviews, ideals of life to what you do, religious or secular.”
A meaningful life Many of Ole-Jørgen’s friends from back home have come out to visit him. “Some of them left with an understanding that their lives too could be much more meaningful than the current life they live back in Norway,” he said. Then he quickly corrects himself. “Of course I’m not saying it’s not meaningful to have a good job and to lead that kind of a normal Norwegian life. But for me I can just say that I would certainly not exchange this life for anything else.” “Sometimes people ask me how long I am going to stay. Some even ask if I am going to stay here for the rest of your life. That’s a long time.” He said he didn’t feel the needed to give an answer. “But if children ask me that I will stay, if I’m going to move. I would say I’m not leaving. I’m staying. For children I’m dedicated as long as they need me and as long as I’m useful being a symbol, a father figure. I don’t see myself going anywhere.” “But how I’m to be involved [with children’s home] may change. Even now, the children don’t need me at an orphanage all the time. Now I’m moving between orphanages. I go back to Norway 6-7 weeks a year.” Ole-Jørgen attributes the well-run children’s homes to well-trained staff who care about the kids. “I’m not the only one that kids rely on. Like in this place [Mae Oo Ho], Mary is the big mother to them all. Way more important to the kids than I am. Of course I have a role to play here too but it’s good to see that. Not everything depends on you. It’s a humbling thought. It’s also liberating in some way.”