Thailand Bakery Project
Thailand Bakery Project March 4-8, 2024
YSP USA has partnered with YSP Thailand to establish a bakery in a local Thai community. The ongoing project focuses on teaching young individuals baking skills, enabling them to generate income by selling baked goods, and thereby support their community. The talented pastry chef from New Jersey, Noriaki To, was sent over to the Surin Province to support the local community with Bakery Training in March (4-8). Hear his testimony and the testimonies of others that were involved in the project.
Noriaki To | Pastry Chef :
Nori, an avid baker who enjoys teaching others, embraced the chance to teach in Thailand, though he hadn't expected such an opportunity to arise so early in his life. Upon arrival, he was struck by the new environment and cultural differences, noting, "I have never been in Thailand, I have never met anyone from this community and did not know anything about the community as well."
Despite initial shocks related to the climate and accommodations, Nori received a warm welcome from the local YSP members and integrated well in their chapter. After purchasing supplies and equipment for the bakery and participating in YSP activities, he went to work. Realizing the rarity of such opportunities in Thailand, he observed that "opportunities like this to be able to learn more about the world of pastry and how to create these sort of products is very rare," and that "making income for them came through mostly fundraising."
The project started with Nori feeling "both nervous and excited," unsure of the students' expectations but uplifted by their enthusiasm. He found the work deeply rewarding, especially as he saw the impact of his teachings, noting, "this was not just about baking, but how this class was able to help others get to know each other." He cherished the community's gratitude, saying, "What really made me the happiest was hearing their testimonies of how grateful they were for this opportunity... Seeing and hearing the joy and laughter really reminded me of why I love pastry and what I do so much."
Yuna Son | Volunteer :
Yuna, accompanying Nori on the mission, initially doubted how she could contribute due to her lack of baking skills, but was determined to support Nori, stating, "I don't know anything about baking, so I decided to do my best to support Nori." She was taken aback by the challenging conditions at the Surin Center, describing it as more difficult than anticipated: "The environment seemed more challenging than I expected. The classroom was too small for 15 students, and it was hard to keep the temperature in the room cold. There were also a lot of bugs too." Despite these hardships, “Nori said that seeing such a difficult environment made him want to help the community even more. He didn't complain and overcame all the external difficulties with a positive mindset."
Yuna was impressed that the “class went smoothly” thanks to Sunny, the interpreter. Despite the language barrier, we were able to accomplish this project together despite the difficult circumstances because we all had the same goal: to build a community where we can harmoniously live. After leaving Thailand, she was happy to see on social media that they are continuing to bake, a testament to the project's success. She concludes with gratitude for the experience, emphasizing, “I received a lot of love from them while I was there, and I could feel God’s love through them.”
Hosanna Nitro | Photographer/Videographer :
After being offered the opportunity by Denthew Learey, YSP USA President, to support YSP Thailand as the photographer and videographer for the Bakery Project, Hosanna initially felt "nervous and hesitant." However, Hosanna explains that she was “only left with gratitude and inspiration" from the experience.
Although joining late due to being in Zambia for 3 weeks to document Generation Peace Academy’s time overseas, Hosanna admired the Thai members' diligence, noting, "it was inspiring to see the Thai members be so diligent and committed to the project." She was impressed by the interactive and eager learning environment, where "everyone was so receptive to feedback, and improvements were made quickly."
Despite the language barriers, the experience was rich with non-verbal communication, "with smiling faces and expressive body language, the environment was so friendly." She also said: “I felt as though there was only encouragement being passed around to be better and to learn more. Everyone was so receptive to feedback, and improvements were made quickly. I have never experienced anything like this. I am only grateful for the opportunity and privilege to not just witness, but also document such an experience. I am hopeful that this project takes off successfully, and that Nori’s impact in Thailand’s community only rises like dough.”