The experience that we have learned from working here.

By Volunteers Khun Da and Khun Mint

Have you ever considered volunteering full-time? Volunteerism is an important part of civil society. It brings to life the deepest goals of humanity: the quest of peace, opportunity, safety, and justice for everyone. In our world, there are a lot of volunteers. First and foremost, I had never considered myself capable of serving as a volunteer. I am an introvert who was always preoccupied with my studies and my family's business. Volunteering has had a significant impact on me and my outlook on life.

 

First things first, I would like to introduce myself. I am Mint. I am a fresh graduate. I come to volunteering with another generous person named Da. We're mainly volunteering with Phuket Has Been Good To Us teaching English and helping to run activities at Coconut Club. Equally important, I would like to discuss about my experience of being the volunteer. There are three main things change in my behavior and my attitude after volunteering for a few months.

First, I'm a shy person that has a hard time meeting new people. Through my job teaching English to my students. I have become more confident though the time I spent with the students. They are selfless and adorable. They are always excited to do an activity with me every day. They love to talk and learn a short new vocabulary by asking me and my coworker to explain it. Moreover, working with Phuket Has Been Good To Us, it leads me to do many projects with people in the community along with working with both Thai and foreigners. It assists me in making new acquaintances, expanding my network, and improving my social abilities. Therefore, volunteering allows me to put my social skills to the test and improve them.

Secondly, volunteering make me a more organized person. We have a set amount of time to work with the students at the school, such as one hour per day. We must prepare material before beginning the activity, plan for the time spent on each activity session, and consider additional activities for the future. In addition, I always devote my full attention to my students. In a word, it allows me to keep track of my own tasks and be more organized.

After all, after only a few months as a volunteer, my life and outlook have changed dramatically. It provides me with a lot of positive experiences and allows me to do good in the world and make a difference. To summarize, I have committed to two key goals: developing meaningful relationships with students and the community, and being more organized.

If talking about doing activities or volunteering, I'm the one who loves to participate in those events. My name is Da. I adore doing various activities and doing new things that I haven't done yet or challenging things. Every time I do something new, it makes me feel energized, happy, and positive. I became fascinated with activities since I was in high school. Until now, I just graduated 2 years ago. Now I'm a volunteer in Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation. I have gained a lot of experience from here.

The first thing is an adjustment. At the beginning of working, everything is new for me especially working in an environment with 100% foreigners and other organizations. My weakness is language communication. Sometimes I misunderstand when communicating. At first, I was embarrassed to communicate because of some words I didn't know and I was afraid that other people didn't understand what I was saying. But after a while, I began to dare to communicate, no matter how wrong it was. I'm not ashamed. I have opened up a wide world of working such as project meetings. It made me learn new ideas and hear great opinions from others. Including working with colleagues in the foundation, they are very kind and friendly. I feel warm and happy to work with them.

Moreover, I learned about coordination between the foundation and other organizations. It made me know more about new Thai and foreign organizations in Phuket.

In addition, I have been doing environmental conservation activities, especially making people in the community and children aware of loving nature. Let them know how to recycle their waste.

The important thing is teaching English through activities to children in the Coconut Club. When they do activities together, we always teach them the language and manners. Teaching these things is the basis for their responsibility as they grow up. For example, when they have finished playing an activity, they need to clean up. The kids in the Coconut Club are so cute. Each person has different skills. They enjoy the activities that they love. Some people like handicrafts & art, some like sport, some like to cook. I was very impressed and enjoyed every activity with them.

 

 

 

 

Teacher Yulya’s reflections at the start of a new school year

As a teacher, I believe students learn best when learning is fun as well as exciting and stimulating.

Many students think of their school life as something boring where they have to do what they do not like. However, most kindergarten kids cannot wait to go back to their class every morning and learn something new. How did this happen? The answer is the learning process stopped being fun!

As a teacher, I try to show students that learning English is not only about grammar, reading, and memorizing unfamiliar words. But, by implementing topics through fun activities and interesting assignments, students realize that learning a language can be enjoyable. This is a why I plan fun activities to help students absorb the lesson better.

At the beginning of every school year, I start by reflecting on the previous academic years and contemplate changes, I want to make for the new academic year. I am looking for ways to improve my teaching techniques and make the learning process more fun and engaging. As I set achievable goals for myself I ask my students to do the same. What topics they think are important for them? And why? What activities do they like the most? How do they like to learn? Do they want to focus/master a particular skill?

Asking my students these questions is extremely important, as it helps me learn a lot about their personalities and different learning styles, which in turn enables me to provide valuable engaging lessons. Learning should be exciting and my mission is to make the teaching-learning experience fun and enjoyable for the students as well as for myself.

Yulya’s teaching position is kindly sponsored by Blue Horizon Developments.  We are deeply grateful that their continued support enables Teacher Yulya to provide a targeted English education for free to disadvantaged children in Kamala School.

 

 

 

 

 

2020, What A Year!

The year 2020. How do we describe it? The Washington Post recently asked its readers, and the top 3 words given were: “exhausting”, “lost”, and “chaotic”. These are relatable for everyone, everywhere else in the world. Amid this chaos and feeling lost and exhausted, we often forget the little ones, the children who are suddenly faced with ‘quarantine’, ‘restrictions’, ‘online learning’ and many more stress factors.

In Thailand, the Academic Year 2020-2021 started in July postponed from May. The previous school year ended in early March when the virus began to spread in Thailand, so the students had about 3 months of school break. When they came back, the children were all very excited to be in school, albeit with the new teaching and learning set-ups to ensure their safety.

There were certain limits on what we could do in class, but the students learned to appreciate and utilize their time in school more efficiently. They became more attentive and self-aware. They learned to value the time with their classmates and friends in school and showed more empathy, kindness and compassion. They were concerned if one of them was absent, reminded each other of their homework and projects, volunteered for in class activities, did peer tutorials in and outside the class and became more engaged in class discussions. We observed this across Primary 1-6 classes.

One of our greatest joys was seeing that the students remembered most of the things they learned from the previous years. They would share their thoughts in class, relating them to the lessons we had years ago. Looking back, these are the students who came to our EIS programme with no or very little English language skills. They still have a lot to learn, but seeing their confidence in communicating their ideas and asking more relevant questions is awe-inspiring.

At the end of the academic year in March 2021 the Primary 1-6 EIS class garnered an overall average of 84.36%, 1.04% higher than the pre-pandemic year average. Not just that, our first class of students in the EIS programme also graduated with flying colours and achieved phenomenal English results in the Primary Year 6 national (ONET) exam.

I have been in the teaching profession for 2 decades now, and this is my 6th year working with Phuket Has Been Good To Us. Every year comes with new challenges, and for me, each of them is an opportunity to learn, give back, and make a positive change. If I described my 2020 with the foundation, it would be “impactful”.

I am more than grateful to be with the PHBGTU team, for what we were able to achieve together in 2020. To ensure the children would continue to have their learning routines, their education, and their chance to dream bigger dreams- is beyond all of us. It’s a miracle, and we all know it would not be possible for us to continue doing it without the help of the people who believe in our cause. A huge THANK YOU to all our supporters for helping us impact these disadvantaged children’s lives, most especially in these difficult times.

Senior Teacher Jerlin Balais

 

My Journey to becoming Teacher S

“How do you want kids to call you?”

“Teacher Esra”

“Thai kids will have a problem pronouncing your name… think of a shorter name”

“Perhaps I will use one letter... Teacher S, is that okay?”

And that is how I became ‘Teacher S’ in Thailand folks! I would have never thought that I would get a ‘rebranding’ after leaving the Philippines for the Land of Smiles. Just like our names that vary, they say that a teacher wears different hats in school - friend, cheerleader, and counselor to name a few. We can be all these things in a day, three years into teaching and I am convinced. Teachers take on different characters because we have big responsibilities. Some may say that teaching is an easy job. If that is the case, then anyone could do it. Real teaching calls for someone who has a brave heart to educate a group of kids with different backgrounds; likes, dislikes and opinions - and not lose him/her self in the process. Ergo, who can keep a SANE mind at the end of every school day. 

Sandwiched between two of the best teachers in the world, my Mama (mom) and Lola (grandmom) | May 2015

Group photo with Pre-service teachers Majoring in Special Education, UST | March 2015

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for kids. From an early age I was already exposed to this field of educating. My Mom, who teaches in a government school used to bring me along to her classes. I just sat quietly in the back and listened as she taught the parts of our digestive system. At age 8 I knew that apart from the stomach, we have small and large intestines which aid in digesting food. My Mom answered questions and explained things in ways her students and my young brain could absorb. My Grandmother and some of my Aunts are equally amazing teachers just like my Mom. This may sound too uncool, but I am one of the few people who enjoys going to school, likes learning new things and loves taking exams. I owe my love of learning to my Mom, Grandmom and all my great teachers. Hence, when I had to choose a course in university, a degree in Education was my first choice. I love learning and I want to inspire students with my passion for education. Consequently, I got a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education and Majored in Special Education from the University of Santo Tomas. A couple of months after graduation, I took and passed the licensure exam for teachers.

Proud smiles ‘cos we got our teacher’s license | Dec 2015

In my first teaching job I handled students with autism, learning disabilities, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. As their special education teacher, I made IEP (Individualized Education Program) for each student; considering their respective developmental pediatrician’s recommendations as well as their parents’ views. I worked with other specialists (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, etc.) and have learned so much from them. My greatest take away from working with a dynamic team was that no man is an island. Although I wanted to do things on my own for my students, I realised that I may be shortchanging them because I may not be exceptionally well in doing some things. Hence, I learned to ask for help. To outsource and find other people (e.g. therapists) who can do better. Teaching kids with special needs is very challenging and very fulfilling at the same time. Whether big or small milestones, all are equally celebrated by parents and teachers.

Behavior therapists joined Angels Walk: a walk for autism | Jan 2016

On Thursdays, we (were asked to) wear ‘Thai dress’. | Nov 2017

Aside from teaching, I also trained and worked as a behavioral therapist for a year, following Dr. Lovaas’ Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. Through such training and experiences, I have developed key strengths in handling both kids and adults with behavioral problems. As a behavior therapist, I had to teach students in a one-on-one setting for at least two consecutive hours in a day.  Parents often pressure us therapists to perform well because such therapy sessions are costly in the Philippines. Some would even pull their kids out of the special needs school and just rely on therapy for intervention. This new kind of work environment made me continue to spread awareness and clear SPED misconceptions of families that I have worked with. I had to explain the difference between the two a countless amount of times; why both are essential and one can never compensate the other. Philippines has still a long way to go for special education awareness. I just hope that more laws and bills will be passed to benefit people with special needs in the future.

In 2017, I decided to move to Thailand. During my first year, I taught conversational English to Thai students in a small town located in the northeastern part of Thailand: Sikhiu, Nakhonratchasima. I lived in Manila for 7 years but I never felt safe there. Surprisingly, this small town which some Thais would not even be familiar with, made me feel secure from the very first day. The people there were some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met. Our Thai co-workers tagged us along on their temple visits, brought us to provinces in the north, explained their Thai culture and love for King, and made us eat sticky rice using bare hands. The most important value that Thai people hold to is respect. Respect for the King, respect for elders, parents and government officials. Hence, most of my students in Sikhiu are well-mannered and respectful of teachers. My first year in Thailand was great because of the wonderful memories I have had with them. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. I had to leave them and find a place where I can help more kids and serve a bigger purpose. I found out about PHBGTU through my college friend and colleague - Vezah, who happened to have joined same volunteer work as mine back in the days in Uni.

Volunteers in action: Vezah and I during Starkey Hearing Foundation event and Ursuline Christmas Party | Dec 2013

So far, it has been a pleasure teaching English to Thai kids in Baan Kalim School and RPG 36. I, myself, have also learned so much from them. They taught me how to become a better teacher amidst the language barrier.  I have gained wonderful relationships not only with the students, but also with their Thai teachers. I enjoy after-school coconut club activities and look forward to Saturday swimming just as much as the kids. I feel grateful that I am part of this wonderful organisation that helps underprivileged students. I am very much looking forward to continue inspiring youth through Phuket Has Been Good To Us.

Saturday swimming with Mathayom residential students at Thanyapura | June 2018

-Esra aka Teacher S

 

Teaching Anuban in Baan Kalim School | May 2018

End of first term 2018:

From Teacher Yulya's Perspective  

As the first semester at the Kamala school has come to an end, the students have completed their Thai subjects and English exams and are now enjoying a holiday break.

This academic year, I am teaching Primary 1 to Primary 6 classes. In the first term, we focused on vocabulary building, reading, and communicating skills. At the beginning of the year, all of my students showed great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn English, especially the little ones - my Primary 1 class. However, I must admit that it is still hard for them to get to used to chairs and tables designed for grown kids and keep focused during the lesson. For many of those students it was the first time they practiced English but they bravely paid very close attention in the classroom and actively participated in all classroom activities. I believe students have learnt a lot in this semester as their final grades show. The overall average mark for the class was 80% - yayy!

My primary 5 class is the class with the highest overall result in English amongst all  the classes I teach. They are well-behaved and very helpful students.  This class is always eager to learn and love to participate in classroom activities. For this term we have been working on their reading skills and they have shown great improvements.  The ability for them to read opens many opportunities for children as their vocabulary greatly expands. Each and every one of them is proud of the achievement of being able to read words and especially books in our reading corner.

My primary 5 students

In the past term, I have also focused on teaching grammar and building their vocabulary. We had many vocabulary and reading activities in the classroom and I am glad to say that we really had fun! In this term we have gone above and beyond our learning capacity!  The students have amazed me with their efforts and motivation. Their will to learn has only grown as the term went on and I look forward to this same attitude in the new term after the holidays. 

We have continued our Coconut club sessions (after school activity for residential students).  Every afternoon was always the best part of the day for anyone working or volunteering with Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation. Every week we had regular activities such as guitar sessions, bingo, skateboarding, fun games and outdoor activities with teachers and volunteers. Every Tuesdays I was also able to help to our new volunteer from Australia –teacher Jez. Jez is a talented musician and is able to play different musical instruments.  He joined our Coconut Club to teach children how to play guitar and share his passion of music. Our little “coconuters” absolutely loved it! Even though it is hard for little girls to grip the guitar strings, they were happy to participate and gain new experiences all the same.

Its guitar time in Coconut Club  

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At our lastest fundraising event I had an amazing opportunity to be involved too. Our staff, volunteers and friends of the foundation organized a marvelous event that took place in Café Del Mar in Kamala. My job during the event was to entertain children by painting their cute faces. Our little guests loved it! And so did I. I really get inspired and creative when it comes to arts. I was more than happy to help the foundation and be a part of the fundraising team. Click here to see photos. 

Facepainting at Family Fun Fiesta Charity Event 

As the first semester has come to an end, I wish all the students good luck in their end of term exam grades and I hope they will have a great holiday full of joy and adventures. I look forward to seeing them again in November! 

Thank you Phuket Condos and Homes for sponsoring me this academic year and giving me the opportunity to mould the minds of our young students. 

- Teacher Yulya