PUBLISHED: June 10, 2022 AT 8:30

2 volunteer siblings led by a 15-year-old boy, Mark Assavaniwej, together with his 10-year-old sister, Proud Assavaniwej, have designed biodegradable face mask that specially made from eco friendly plastic on the center of the lips to support the deaf and hard of hearing community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"We are honored to be the very first group of people to support this eco friendly mask and provide relief to people with disabilities. This mask will enable them to see and read each other lips, and help them live better lives," Mark said.

This community is located under the bridge in Rama 9 area. There are a total of 90 deaf people from 180 residents. Most of these people are maids, gardeners, garbage men, etc. and they are currently affected by the COVID-19 since they could not continue their jobs as usual.

On May 26, 2020 – I am honored that my "Sharing to the deaf" project during Covid-19 was published in PlewSeeGern page, one the famous columnist in economics and society in Thailand. My hard work is paid off and I feel proud of myself and my sister. I hope that my work could be an inspiration to other kids who would like to share their sharing thought to the society.

Bangkok--28 May-- Noticing that surrounded people are facing trouble during the Covid-19 pandemic, two siblings led by a 15-year-old boy, Mark Assavaniwej, together with his 10-year-old sister, Proud Assavaniwej, have come up with an idea to make homemade face masks to support healthcare workers and people in need. Mark took care of the design and pattern while Proud was responsible for sewing. It can be said that this is their first experience using a sewing machine. Their idea took place when, one day, Proud and Mark saw from the news that people with disabilities (especially those deaf and mute) had been encountering difficulties during this pandemic. They, therefore, decided to create masks particularly designed for the disabled by using EVA plastic, which is eco-friendly and biodegradable, to cover a tiny hole at the center of the mask. This is to ensure that the mask will not obstruct their mouths and lips. Physically, this group of people is not capable of speaking or uttering their voice, but they will only communicate with each other by reading their lips and using hands as symbolic gestures. The first community these two siblings visited was the deaf community under the bridge in Rama 9 area. There are a total of 90 deaf people from 180 residents. Most of these people are maids, gardeners, garbage men, etc. and they are currently affected by the COVID-19 since they could not continue their jobs as usual. This has taken a significant toll on their income -- they could only rely on government allowance to sustain their livelihood. Mark said that this group of  the  deaf   has   never   been   provided  with  this