Volunteer Helping tsunami victims - OpenmindProjects Community:OC

After volunteering as a computer and English teacher at a temple in Nongkhai, I now am in Satun; a small town in southwest Thailand. It’s a nice place with friendly people. I see few foreigners. I get a lot of attention; sometimes a little too much. But I’m getting used to it. Satun is also safe, in contrast to Yala and Pattani, which are experiencing violent tensions between Muslim and non-Muslim groups.

I teach basic computer and English at a school with about 950, mostly poor pupils. I would describe it as a noisy place, filled with curious, nice pupils and helpful teachers. The school has no suitable books. The various software editions are in Thai, or in very easy English. Since I can’t teach the Thai edition of, for example, MS Excel, I write bilingual texts and exercises - with assistance from the Thai teachers. The lessons become a fruitful combination of computer and English training.

It’s an experience to be the only volunteer at a school and staying with a host family. It’s very different from being a tourist. Language and cultural issues become very important in the daily life of a volunteer. This is mostly an inspiring challenge, but sometimes the barriers get high. This is only natural. To overcome and learn from obstacles is very rewarding. To volunteer with an open mind and patience is something that can lead to the best experience in your life.’

Chris' (another volunteer) Experience

"‘I taught daily at the Computer Center in Satun. Buses shuttled the children from their respective schools. I worked with students, who learned basic Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. I would lead the class or assist by walking around the room and helping small groups or individuals. Either I would have lunch with a school representative or with the women at the Center. My stay in Satun was split between two host families. Living in this town rather than a village came with increased independence or what my parents called "adult responsibility". Naturally, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. I stayed with a radio DJ and his brother and the brother’s wife for 2 weeks. This arrangement was a stark contrast from my previous Openmind placement. The house was very luxurious: Cable TV, computer, Internet, hot shower and even air con.

During my final two weeks I stayed in an apartment attached to a tourism office. Often, all of us would eat dinner together, chat and then all would go home and I'd have the place to myself.I got along very well with all the women and enjoyed the arrangement greatly."

Written by Thaweesilp L.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
By Reidar ‘Ray’ from Sweden: After volunteering as a computer and English teacher at a temple in Nongkhai, I now am in Satun; a small town in southwest Thailand. It’s a nice place with friendly people. I see few foreigners. I get a lot of attention; sometimes a little too much. But I’m getting used to it. Satun is also safe, in contrast to Yala and Pattani, which are experiencing violent tensions between Muslim and non-Muslim groups. I teach basic computer and English at a school with about 950, mostly poor pupils. I would describe it as a noisy place, filled with curious, nice pupils and helpful teachers. The school has no suitable books. The various software editions are in Thai, or in very easy English. Since I can’t teach the Thai edition of, for example, MS Excel, I write bilingual texts and exercises - with assistance from the Thai teachers. The lessons become a fruitful combination of computer and English training. It’s an experience to be the only volunteer at a school and staying with a host family. It’s very different from being a tourist. Language and cultural issues become very important in the daily life of a volunteer. This is mostly an inspiring challenge, but sometimes the barriers get high. This is only natural. To overcome and learn from obstacles is very rewarding. To volunteer with an open mind and patience is something that can lead to the best experience in your life.’ Chris' (another volunteer) Experience "‘I taught daily at the Computer Center in Satun. Buses shuttled the children from their respective schools. I worked with students, who learned basic Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. I would lead the class or assist by walking around the room and helping small groups or individuals. Either I would have lunch with a school representative or with the women at the Center. My stay in Satun was split between two host families. Living in this town rather than a village came with increased independence or what my parents called "adult responsibility". Naturally, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. I stayed with a radio DJ and his brother and the brother’s wife for 2 weeks. This arrangement was a stark contrast from my previous Openmind placement. The house was very luxurious: Cable TV, computer, Internet, hot shower and even air con. During my final two weeks I stayed in an apartment attached to a tourism office. Often, all of us would eat dinner together, chat and then all would go home and I'd have the place to myself.I got along very well with all the women and enjoyed the arrangement greatly." Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Hits: 110 Trackback(0) TrackBack URI for this entry 0 Comments Show/Hide comments Write comment Show/Hide comment form You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 June 2008 )