January
We learned how to make EM (Effective Micro-organisms). EM is completely biodegradable; it is made from yeast, sugar cane and vegetables. We use it to clean wastewater, to treat skin diseases of animals, and as an insect repellent for the crops. It is also mixed into the formula for pig feed. EM can be used in organic fertilizer to aid decomposition as well as reduce odors from pig waste.

OPC and volunteers from Trent University (Canada) and Chiang Mai University started a three month English course, taught by the volunteers. The program was divided into two sections: primary level for OPC full-time students and secondary level for students attending Thai schools.

OPC organized mobile medical treatment assisting Dr. Tun, a Shan doctor residing in Germany for more than twenty years. Medical service was provided for more than 130 Burmese migrant worker families in five communities in Thailand.

February
We conducted a Tofu and Soya Bean Milk Production training by inviting a local resource person to teach children at OPC and four other trainees from three different communities. The tofu and soy milk are now used daily by the OPC staff and students. The project was supported by WEB based in Canada. WEB supports programs that generate income with local NGO's along the Thai-Burma border.

OPC began raising scholarship funds for Burmese migrant children attending Thai schools. We were able to support twenty-one students at nursery and primary school levels. The scholarships were funded by the John P. Hussman Foundation, which is based in the USA.

March
OPC conducted a mushroom growing course by inviting a local expert to lecture. The training lasted three days. After training we immediately started our own mushroom farm.

Following the training the Chairperson of the Mae Hong Son Development Foundation provided instruction on HIV/AIDS and prevention in the Mae Hong Son area. Another resource person from the Thai Drug Enforcement Agency lectured on the drug situation, especially concerning youth, in the border areas.

Another activity in March was preparing for a summer English and computer training course. Mobile counseling was given to migrant parents on the importance of children's education, the responsibility of the parents in supporting and helping to prepare their children, as well as awareness of the dangers of child trafficking.

April
We started teaching summer English and computer courses by recruiting eight Lisu and five Shan youth from three communities along the Thai-Burma border.

We fund raised for and implemented a water tank and pipe project in a Lisu village. Local youth were taught community development and how to manage a project's finances.

May
The summer English and computer training continued.

The Bi-Annual Report was prepared.

June
OPC started a new set of three-month morning and evening English courses. The volunteer teacher also began teaching three days per week at a local Thai school for select higher level primary students. By providing a volunteer teacher to the local school we help build a better community relationship between Burmese and Thai people. The OPC volunteer teacher is sponsored by the Burma Volunteer Program based in Mae Sot.

We provided a bamboo shelter and school materials for a new migrant community, which includes eighteen children who are unable to attend school due to lack of funding. The shelter was donated by the parent of our volunteer teacher, Ashlee Allen, from Trent University of Canada.

July
OPC began the creation of its first Internet web site. Later in the month the site www.opportunityforpoorchildren.org had its debut.

August
OPC conducted a three-day training session on the use of organic fertilizer.

September
OPC distributed food and materials to poor HIV orphaned children in two villages along the Thai-Burmese border. This project was sponsored by visitors from the United Kingdom, Jo and Tina.

Tony Stokle and his wife from the Karen Education Partnership, based in the U.K, provided medical checkups for our OPC children.

October
A new volunteer from BVP began teaching morning and evening English courses for OPC students and the surrounding community. In addition, she began teaching English to novices and monks at a local Buddhist monastery that provides education for young Burmese migrants.
November
OPC hosted a visit from the staff of Microsoft Corporation who took OPC students on excursions to a Thai Royal crafts and cloth project, the Mae Hong Son Zoo, and Fish Cave National Park, which included lunch and play activities. In the evening they also took all students to a local festival with a Ferris wheel and other amusements.

OPC assisted in raising funds for a pig farming project in a border village called Mae Aw.

December
We evaluated our current programs for the year of 2005, prepared annual reports and grant proposals, as well as updated the web site.