Rural Development Muslim Volunteer Camp

Mr. Somphop Petcharat, vice president of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) said that 11th Rural Development Muslim Volunteer Camp of the academic year 2010 is set up to have collaboration with local people to build the building for the education and religious activities for them. Students and youths in the community gain knowledge and understanding in Islam doctrines correctly causing the good interaction between students and local people, and promote welfare of them. Besides, the students have self-confidence and public minds to devote themselves for society. The camp occurs at Nururohem Mosque Tumbon Bankong Amphoe Nongrue, Khon Kaen Province.

Mr. Anon Upawan, the Konmong municipality leader, the imam of Nurulohem Mosque, said there are 7 families about 30-40 people immigrating to be butchers. Initially, his family was the first family coming here, and became a community later. United Arab Emirates built them a mosque with 2 rooms for ceremonies. The bathroom is very old. They want 10 rooms in the mosque. Muslim Club of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) had come and built for them and after that RMUTT will build them the other multi-purpose building for community activities. He feels so good that the club built a building for conducting activities for them.

“Padil” Mr. Anon Wongsa-Ngium, 2nd year student (continuing program) department of electricity-electric power, Faculty of Engineering said this project is the 11th time but for the Muslim Club it’s the 5th time that builds buildings for Muslim community. Their task in this camp is to build bathrooms and a multi-purpose building for ceremonies such as wedding. The Muslim Club will tour around every region that Muslim people live. Apart from building, they also teach about religion to children communities. 90 members who have volunteer minds joined in this camp

“Jay” Miss Waraporn Saetan, 2nd year student (continuing program) majoring in accounting, Faculty of Business Administration said she is a Bhuddhist bus she decided to join Muslim Club is because she wanted to learn the way of life of Muslim friends. So she wore the hood to be concordant and did everything like Muslim friends except Islam prayer. She felt that there is no discrimination for Thai people. This camp taught her about being patient and adjusting herself to the environment. Even though she was not born a man, she doesn’t want people think that building is men’s tasks because she can be an important part by cooking.

“Lu-Ee” Mr. Lu-Ee Daoh, 4th year student from department of Mechanical Engineering, Facculty of Engineering said he wanted to go for a building camp since he was in the 1st year because, being a student, camping is the best cost of life. Each place is different so he must adjust himself and learn. His senior who has experience in building planning came to help.”

“Fatimah” Miss Nopsawan Sanrak, 2nd year student (continuing program) from department of accounting, Faculty of Business Administration said she couldn’t come to this camp at first because her family worried about her. But after she told her parents the reason, so she was allowed. Last year she didn’t go to the camp too, so this year she wished to achieve it. This camp made a turning point to her; she would wear the hood from that time on. She learned the culture from the community and local people. Her task was painting steel structure of the building. She wanted her friends to join camping to learn hands-on experience.

The 11th Rural Development Muslim Volunteer Camp is successful. Their obstacle is rain, but it can’t bar their volunteer mind. The courtesy of Muslim people made the impressing atmosphere. Imam told who want to restore the environment around Nurulohem Mosque can contact Imam at Tel: 086-22050962

Translated by Mr. Amondech Inkaew