Nai Soi Community Learning Center- Thailand

 Mae Hong Son     Thailand

http://www.naisoi.org     << Visit Website

Categories:  Community Service, Educational, [ View All ]

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Nai Soi Community Learning Center- Thailand Charity Profile

The primary goal of the Nai Soi Community Learning Center(NSCLC) is to provide a high school level education to the refugee and migrant children from Burma(Myanmar) currently living in the Nai Soi and Mae Hong Son areas. The school’s curiculum focuses on English language skills, Burmese language skills, Thai language skills, organic farming, science, computer and math skills. It is our hope that this education will give the students the opportunity to become valuable and successful leaders and educators within their community.
One of the main reasons that the NSCLC was created was to give the refugee and migrant communities a chance to send their children to study at the university level. Through the cooperation of the Thai Gaw Saw Naw program students that complete the three years of study at the NSCLC will have a Thai high school certificate that will allow them to attend university within the Thai system. The Royal Thai Government allows these children to attend Thai primary schools but has been unable to afford letting them attend Thai high schools.

Students are accepted into the school depending on need, merit, and willingness to work hard. In order for students to attend the school they must work on the ongoing construction of the buildings or tending of the gardens. In addition a parent of each student must contribute one day of labor per month. This ongoing contribution by both students and parents builds the sense of this school not only being for the Nai Soi community but of the Nai Soi community.

Speaking English will be an immense asset to the students. First it mayl allow them to pursue a university education within Thailand and perhaps scholarships opportunities abroad. Second, with the two nearby refugee camps and nearly 21,000 refugees within those camps, there are many job opportunities for multi-lingual people with the many non-government organizations.

While there is not an anticipated change regarding the horrible political and violent situation in Burma, the students are learning the Burmese language in the hope that one day they will not only be allowed to return to their ancestor's lands but they will be able to participate in a democratic national government.

The organic farming study at the NSCLC was limited in its first year because of a lack of funding for the purchase of surrounding lands. It is hoped that with more funding and the purchase of land the school will begin to become more self sufficient as it begins to grow more of its own food and perhaps food for sale. As the farming lands grow the students will become involved in the planning of the crop life-cycles, projecting of harvests, and the distribution and sale of excess crops. In addition to crop farming the school will raise animals for food, income, and natural fertilizers.

Nai Soi Community Learning Center- Thailand Volunteer Information

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals that wish to volunteer their time and effort to make a positive contribution to the students at the Nai Soi Community Learning Center.

Unlike many volunteer positions found on the internet today there is NO COST to volunteer at the NSCLC. Upon arrival volunteers are given housing and food. Volunteers are responsible for paying for travel to and from the NSCLC.

While we don't have any specific requirements regarding your qualifications we are hoping to attract qualified teachers of ESL. Still.
We are seeking volunteers willing to stay for at least three months but preferably willing to stay from an entire school year! Our year runs from late May to mid-March. In our first two school years (2005-6 and 2006-7) we have had many great volunteers, but unfortunately most have only been able to stay for a month or two. This of course makes the learning more difficult for the students as they are passed from teacher to teacher and their instruction lacks continuity.

Currently we have enough volunteers to finish our 2007-2008 school year. Our next school year will begin in late May of 2008 and we are still looking for qualified volunteers!
Volunteers are expected to teach a minimum about 5 hours per day of English. You may also be asked to teach at a nearby Thai government school.

Nai Soi Community Learning Center- Thailand Donation Information

NSCLC is in great need of outside support. We are still purchasing land for farming and materials for buildings so any financial assistance is greatly appreciated. In addition to our fiscal needs NSCLC is also in need of materials such as basic school supplies and ESL materials.

Donation Options:

Online, Justgiving