Baan Unrak Children Shine at Mahidol University’s Peace Festival
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
On August 18, 2026, Baan Unrak Foundation was honored to be invited by Mahidol University to bring a group of children to participate in a fashion show as part of “Peace Festival Week: The Spirit of Mahidol.”
This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to broaden their horizons, experience a new environment, and take part in a meaningful activity outside the Foundation. A total of 35 children and 6 staff members participated in the event.
It was a significant trip for the children, and they were extremely excited and enthusiastic about having the opportunity to take part in the fashion show. This event was also especially meaningful because, for the first time, some of the younger children from Baan Unrak were able to participate in a fashion show alongside the older children.
We began our journey on Sunday, August 16, 2026, traveling from Sangkhlaburi to Bangkok, where we stayed overnight in preparation for the event. The children worked together to prepare everything they needed for the trip and were very excited about the journey ahead.
Throughout the trip, the older children kindly helped take care of the younger ones, showing great responsibility and cooperation.
We made several stops along the way so the children could use the restroom, have lunch, and take short breaks. We also stopped periodically to buy snacks and drinks for everyone. The children were clearly very happy and enjoyed the journey together. We would also like to sincerely thank the supporters who helped provide snacks and refreshments for the children.
The journey from Sangkhlaburi to Bangkok is more than 400 kilometers, which is a considerable distance, especially for young children. Despite the long journey, everyone remained enthusiastic, cheerful, and excited about the experience ahead.
On August 17, the children had a day to rest and relax before the performance day. A kind supporter generously sponsored lunch for all the children at a beautiful Indian restaurant. The children were delighted to have the opportunity to enjoy a meal together outside the Foundation. It was a lovely and memorable experience for everyone, as they shared a delicious meal and enjoyed spending time together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
On the day of the performance, we departed early in the morning from Bangkok and traveled to Mahidol University. The journey took approximately two hours. Upon arrival, we made sure the children had breakfast to recharge their energy and prepare for the performance.
While waiting for the performance, which was scheduled for 1:00 p.m., everyone began preparing for the event. The children had their hair and makeup done, with several University students kindly helping to look after and prepare the younger children for their performance.
Everything went smoothly and according to plan. The children worked well together, helped one another, and managed their time effectively. With everyone’s cooperation and support, all preparations were completed on time, allowing the children to be fully ready and confident for their performance.
At around noon, the children were given a short time to familiarize themselves with the performance area and the venue before the show began. As the time approached, the younger children told us that they were very nervous and excited.
Despite their nervousness, everyone did an excellent job on the runway. Both the younger and older children walked confidently and beautifully, making everyone very proud.
Theme: Handwoven Textiles and Tailoring
Baan Unrak began its weaving and tailoring project in 1995 with the vision of creating stable and meaningful employment opportunities for women in the community, particularly single mothers.
The project preserves traditional Burmese weaving while combining it with contemporary design to create clothing, household items, and accessories. More than a source of income, it provides women with opportunities to learn, grow, gain independence, and support their families with dignity.
Through this project, Baan Unrak continues to preserve traditional weaving knowledge and pass it on to younger generations, allowing cultural heritage and the community to grow together.
Chapter 1: From Roots to Bloom
Celebrates childhood, growth, and the journey of becoming.
Inspired by the Nymphaea Blue Lotus and Higanbana Red Spider Lily, the fashion show follows children through different stages of life, from innocence and curiosity to self-discovery, resilience, and independence.
Chapter 2: The Art of Nymphaea
The Blossoming of Wisdom and Inner Strength
Inspired by the blue water lily (Nymphaea), a symbol of purity, awakening, and inner strength, this collection tells the story of women who grow through challenges and discover their own value and inner power.
The concept combines traditional handwoven textiles with contemporary fashion, reflecting beauty, elegance, confidence, and the inner strength that comes from life experience and accumulated wisdom.
Chapter 3: Higanbana no Yume
A Dream of Transformation and Courage
Inspired by the Higanbana, or red spider lily, this collection represents transformation, courage, and the beginning of a new chapter in life. It tells the story of women who face and overcome challenges, rise again with strength, and choose to shape their own paths.
The concept combines traditional kimono-inspired design with contemporary fashion, using red to symbolize strength, determination, courage, and the will to move forward.
Together, these two chapters reflect women's journey as they grow, transform, and discover their inner strength. Through the connection between cultural heritage and traditional wisdom, the collections celebrate beauty, creativity, and femininity within the context of the modern world.
After the performance, the children enjoyed pizza and drinks together, generously sponsored by a kind supporter. They were delighted to have a special meal after their big performance, and their happy smiles showed just how much they enjoyed it.
After the meal, we packed up our belongings and began our journey back to Baan Unrak Foundation. Along the way, we made a few stops to allow the children to stretch, relax, and refresh themselves. At one of the stops, the children had fun running and playing in the grassy area at a service station, giving them a chance to release their energy after the long journey.
Although it was a long and tiring trip, it was filled with happiness, excitement, and wonderful memories.
Everyone arrived safely back at the Foundation, bringing home not only their belongings but also a meaningful experience that the children will remember for a long time.
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