The small boy bobbed up and down with excitement as a young vendor carefully packed the Tuk Tuk-shaped cookie he’d convinced his mom to buy for him into a specially designed box. The whole process took just a few minutes but it was immediately obvious that the vendor and her pal were new to both baking and trading.

But then, this wasn’t a conventional pastry shop but an exhibition area within the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. The cookies being sold, known as Survive! cookies, were part of an exhibition titled “Bangkok 242: a (S)pace f(O)r (S)haring,” organized by Design for Disasters (D4D).

“The ‘Survive! cookies’ project is an experiment for young people to learn new skills,” explained Vipavee Kunavichayanont, the founder of D4D, who was behind the ‘Lom Tai Peek’ (wind beneath the wings) project initiated about two years ago to increase job opportunities for vulnerable children residing in the Tai Saphan (under the bridges) community in Thung Khru district.

Established in 2010, D4D is a non-profit research and design initiative dedicated to enhancing disaster risk management through innovative approaches.

Over 14 years, D4D has undertaken more than 40 projects aimed at assisting communities in coping with disasters, such as providing assistance during the 2011 floods and raising funds to rebuild schools after the 2014 earthquake in Chiang Rai.

Realising that infrastructure investments might not always be sustainable, Vipavee shifted her focus to investing in children like Tawan Bunphun, 19, and Atitaya Chuenchit, 15, through the Lom Tai Peek project.

These children, who come from families who once lived beneath the city’s bridges, face significant disadvantages, including limited access to education.

The pandemic exacerbated their situation, leading to increased school dropouts and a prevalence of drug use. Given their upbringing, many are predisposed to entering low-paying jobs that barely suffice to meet their needs.

Tawan and Atitaya found themselves unable to escape their circumstances but are now dedicated to their studies under the Department of Learning Encouragement.

Their first encounter with D4D was around two years ago and since then, they have been given opportunities to learn bookkeeping and basic management, and attend a workshop, all sponsored by D4D.

Since January of this year, they’ve been able to apply their newfound skills to a cookie project, where they also earn a daily wage.

Tawan, who recently took on a part-time position at a fast-food chain, says she has gained valuable insights from the cookie project, spanning from baking and selling to time management and accountability.

In order to showcase cookies at the exhibition, both she and Atitaya had to assist with the baking process and present products to visitors. This meant Tawan had to juggle her evening shifts, studies, and the demands of the cookie project simultaneously.

Atitaya’s journey has been equally transformative, if not more so. Initially grappling with low self-esteem, her involvement with D4D has helped her recognise her own value.

“There are people [like Vipavee] who invested in us.” Atitaya reflected. “They dedicate their time to providing lessons and enrolled us in a workshop.”

Vipavee expressed her commitment to the community, promising to bring new activities and hoping for increased participation from children in the future.

She aims to empower them to chase their aspirations and improve their lives. “I only want to show them that opportunities exist,” Vipavee stressed, “but they must actively pursue them.”

The Survive! cookies come in 12 designs inspired by the creative adaptations of Thai people during the 2011 flood. However, only five designs are available at the exhibition.

“Bangkok 242: a (S)pace f(O)r (S)haring” will be on display on the eighth floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre until May 19. In addition to the experimental cookies available on weekends, other activities for children by various exhibitors, such as sand drawing and painting, are also offered.

Thai PBS World Feature Desk//Photo by Design for Disasters Foundation