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Published: June 10th 2009
I wanna go here!
Nicest school in ThailandI know that everyone is wondering if I’ve been doing anything constructive since arriving in Thailand. First let me repeat my mantra…“I’m a volunteer, I’m a volunteer, I’m a volunteer!” So that being said, I feel comfortable telling you that I often get pedicures and manicures. You'd know that's pretty constructive if you've ever seen my feet!
Those who know me, understand that I have no academic background. As I was attempting to explain this to my Nyoke (something like a mayor) in my best Thai, he was telling me to visit the three daycare centers in the Tambon, and based on my observations, write up a report on how I felt they could be improved to enhance the children's learning experience. I have to mention that the teaching methods and the schools are about 30-40 years behind western standards...they are drab and boring and everything is taught by rote. Part of my 'report' explained that it would be helpful to make the buildings brighter and livelier, perhaps painting the inside, with colors like green and white with murals on the walls, etc, etc. There is a new school being built behind my office and I've been watching construction for
Outside mural
Thai characters brighten the walls the past two months. It's just finished being painted... check out the pictures!!! Maybe I am making a difference. Now we are talking about a pilot program the next school term...new teaching methods! I'll organize a teachers workshop with the help of my volunteer teaching friends to teach the teachers.
To keep me busy and off the soi's (streets), I've got a little recycle program going...brochure attached. This country must have the market on plastic bags and they end up everywhere. Starting with my moo, we are introducing cloth shopping bags. We have a weaving group in moo8 and a sewing group in another, so I'm trying to have the bags made locally. I am also trying to work with a handicap group who makes handcrafted plastic baskets. They need to enlarge their market and make more of a profit to be sustainable. That's what I'm here for...to make everything I do or teach sustainable.
Had an opportunity to visit Phitsanulok, a bustling city of approx 100,300, on a direct route to Chiang Mai. Visited the famous Phra Chinnarat Buddha at Wat Yai and then headed to the Buddha casting foundry and folk Museum founded by Sergeant Major
Inside of new school
Check out the green and white walls! Thawee (just love that name). Fascinating little museum contained within five traditional Thai buildings and houses a collection of items that are no longer found useful in the changing Thai cultural. Suppose we should have gone to another wat or two for protection but headed for the swimming pool at the hotel instead. Next day my friend ended up with Dengue fever and I spent three days in a Thai hospital with her. I got an infection in the hospital and had to go to the emergency room when I got back to my village. There are some advantages to being a 'farang'...you get to see a doctor almost right away. We were treated very well and for the most part, everything appeared clean and sterile. Of course we were both in private facilities, not public.
So there you have it...knowing that I'm trying to be useful but also taking the opportunity to learn and have some fun while I'm here. Next time I'll explain a little about the silk weaving that is done here.
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