Kleiwerks Collaborators
Thailand
Jon Jandai
Peggy Reents
Rachabodin "Dtai" Boonchaiyo
Michel Spaan
Saowanee "Nao" Sangkara
Jim Connor

Through this work relationships evolve and new projects are born. From each new project, more relationships grow and the cycle continues. It is wonderful to imagine (and hard to keep track of) how the family tree multiplies. We are part of a worldwide movement of Natural Builders and Permaculturists, people and organizations working with each other on the ground for social justice, collective wellness, and an obvious love of our beautiful living planet.

Kleiwerks International Collaborators are people and organizations with whom Janell Kapoor has worked with through the years. Collaborators play a core part of event teams, whether as coordinators, instructors, designers and/or general support. Some collaborators are previous participants who've continued the cycle by initiating their own projects, others connect with Kleiwerks International through years of their own involvement in the field. All Kleiwerks International and affiliated events include one, if not more of us.

Jon Jandai is the most widely know earthen builder in Thailand. In 1997, he began experimenting with earthen building on his family land, where he has been organic farming and seed-saving all his life. When Kleiwerks International was invited to work in Thailand in 2002, Jon was there from day one. He has since been teaching villagers and farmers, activists and architects, and consortiums of NGOs. Jon is one of the main sparks of what is now a widespread earthen building movement throughout his country. He has even become somewhat of a celebrity after appearing in over 20 magazines, on the Oprah-version of Thai TV, in videos, newspapers, and radio-- impressive testimony for a humble farmer. Jon is Co-Founding Director of Pun Pun-- Thailand's leading demonstration and education center for earthen building, sustainable living, organic farming, and seed-saving. He is an avid seed-saver, educator by example, and emperimenter extraordinaire. He is also one of the most selfless and dedicated people one could ever meet. Jon has been Kleiwerks International Southeast Asian Liaison, Affiliate Instructor, and an alumni since 2002.

Peggy Reents is Co-Founding Director of Pun Pun-- Thailand's leading demonstration and education center for earthen building, sustainable living, organic farming, and seed-saving. Before this, Peggy worked in Northeast Thailand with local community development projects, activist organizing, and advocacy for sustainable agriculture. She helped start ENGAGE (Educational Network for Global and Grassroots Exchange)-- a student-based coalition involving people in cross-cultural communication, resulting in grassroots action in support of global social justice. Peggy is deeply dedicated to working with farmers and villagers, activists, and NGO's. She is also mother of the newest member of Pun Pun- her and Jo's baby, Tahn. Peggy is originally from Colorado in the United States. Peggy has been a kleiwerks Affiliate and alumni since 2002.

All it took was one time in the mud for architect, Rachabodin "Dtai" Boonchaiyo, to leave his private company and devote himself fully to the earthen building movement. Dai was one of the selfless founders of Thailand's Baan Din 'Earth House' Team- the group that brought earthen building to tens of thousands of villagers and farmers. Dai has since taught in India, along with his ongoing non-stop Natural Building work throughout Thailand. Since 2003, he has been one the lead instructors at Pun Pun-- Thailand's leading demonstration and education center for earthen building, sustainable living, organic farming, and seed saving. Dai is from Khon Kaen Province. He has been an Affiliate Instructor with Kleiwerks International since 2002.

Michel Spaan is a seed collector and has come to Pun Pun from the Court of Eden seed center in Holland. He has extensive experience in building both with mud and bamboo and has lived in various parts of Thailand for many years. Michel has been living at Pun Pun since 2003.

Saowanee "Nao" Sangkara is Co-Founding Director of Whispering Seed-- a village-based sustainable learning center and home for orphaned and abused children. At the Whispering Seed, they focus on finding the joy in serving others through cross-cultural exchanges and sustainable living practices. Nao is Co-Program Coordinator and Facilitator for the Permaculture and Natural Building Programs that take place at The Whispering Seed, and was the co-organizer of the first international Permaculture Certification Course to ever happen in Thailand. Nao has worked internationally with children and adults from 20 countries. She builds her own dwellings: grows her own food: translates alternative education books from English to Thai: teaches art, Thai culture and awareness: and is developing a program called Living and Learning in Community for students to have cross-cultural life experiences through intensive internships in Thailand. Nao has completed the Teacher Education Program of the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools (NCACS). Nao has been a Kleiwerks International Affiliate and alumni since 2002.

Jim Connor is Co-Founding Director of Whispering Seed-- a village-based sustainable learning center and home for orphaned and abused children. At the Whispering Seed, they focus on finding the joy in serving others through cross-cultural exchanges and sustainable living practices. Jim is Co-Program Coordinator and Facilitator for the Permaculture and Natural Building Programs that take place at the Whispering Seed. He was the co-organizer of the first international Permaculture Certification Course to ever happen in Thailand. Jim has worked with children of all ages from over 20 countries: has taught at The Evergreen State College in the USA: been a long-time board member of the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools (NCACS). He is an international organizer and social visionary: and avid believer in learning through play: and dedicated to incorporating principles of non-violence into his work with children. Jim has been a Kleiwerks International Affiliate since 2002.

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