Once again we enter a New Year 1997, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and honor your compassion (righteousness in the Buddhist interpretation) and faith. Let us be inspired by all of the support you have provided to orphaned children and those whose mothers and fathers are not well and may pass from us and their children soon. Togehter you have combined your merit and resources to make a postive impact on the lives of children and families impacted by AIDS.

At this point, the Dr. Sem Foundation has assisted in finding scholarships for 264 children. There are still more children who could use a compassionate (loving kindness) hand from society. Together we may work to help the children who may lose their opportunity to study. In helping these children we are helping the future of our society.

Reports this year have revealed that there are 22 million people world wide who are HIV positive (Reported by UNAIDS). In Thailand alone, there are currently 1 million people who are HIV positive and this number will only increase unless we work together. The children left behind by parents who have passed away from AIDS related illnesses are left to care for themselves. Many more will pass away and the children who are not infected need support in order to walk brightly into the future.

As chairman of the Dr. Sem Foundation, I act solely as the middleman to find scholarships and help children who, by themselves, cannot afford to study. This support provides these children with the opportunity to excel in society. Together, the staff and volunteers at the Dr. Sem Foundation meet with the children who receive scholarships regularly and organize workshops for their social development. We work in cooperation with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and government agencies, for example, the provincial public health offices in the northern provinces, which is most impacted by AIDS.

I am very grateful to you for joining us with your support of scholarshiops for orphaned children. This assistance will help the children be strong members of Thai society and will give them a better future.