New Teaching Children Volunteers Arrive

Five new volunteers from Sweden joined the GVI team to help teach children at local schools. They will spend 2 weeks teaching English at Chumchom Ao Luk Nuea, a large primary school at Ao Luk's main junction. They have chose an excellent time to visit as the King's birthday celebration has set a festive atmosphere over the little town of Ao Luk.

We hope they enjoy their stay with GVI in Ao Luk

New Teaching Children Volunteers Arrive

Village Project at Ban Klong Ya School

On Friday, GVI's TEFL volunteers paid a visit to Ban Klong Ya Jalern Samakhee School in the Ban Klong Ya village in the Klong Ya sub district of Ao Luk. The school located deep in the palm groves of inland Ao Luk and is made up of about 140 students in 1st-9th grade.

This Friday the GVI team focused on the 85 primary students in 1st-6th grade. Students rotated through activities about animals, colors, body parts and food as well as a workshop on litter and recycling.

After 2 hours of fun games and activities, the GVI teachers enjoyed a nice lunch at the school.

Village Project at Ban Klong Ya School

Thanksgiving at the GVI Base

To celebrate the American Thanksgiving the GVI Thailand base hosted their own 'Turkey day' minus the turkey! See below for intern, Kristy's description of the day:

"Being a born and bred Aussie, I've never experienced Thanksgiving.
This year I realized how importnat it is.

Emily, our amazing (American) base manager organized a Thanksgiving dinner
that would rival any other! Homemade pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, roast
chicken and gravy were just a few of the uyummy dishes on the menu.

Our awesome GVI family surrounded a long table and in true spirit everyone
had their turn at giving thanks.

With everyone thinking of loved ones at home, the tears were brimming to
the surface.

I think all would agree that Hannah's special words meant a great deal to
us.

All the tasty food eaten, music, wine and games kept the party in full
swing.

I'd like to finish by saying 'Thank you!'. Thank you to my American
friends for sharing this very special day with me. My first Thanksgiving
was one I'll never forget!"

Thanksgiving at the GVI Base

Ban Tha Sanook English Camp

On October 20-21 the GVI Thailand team presence was requested to help with a 2 day English camp in Thap Put, Phang Nga. GVI's TEFL volunteers had the chance to put their newly refined teaching skills to the test through leading an English camp for 120 12-15 year olds. The students came from 3 different schools in the Phang Nga province and the camp was sponsored by the local Rotary Club.

Friday began with 5 groups practicing question and answers through a survey and water balloon throwing. The rest of the day was spent rotating through activities about animals, colors and shapes, directions, foods and body parts.

On Saturday 3 groups rotated through activities about spelling, prepositions and the song, "Country Roads".

It was a busy two days and both students and teachers seemed to have a great time.

Ban Tha Sanook English Camp

Term 20 Classes Begin!

The 20th term of GVI's free classes for the Ao Luk Community began with 85 students. The opening night also brought in some heavy rains so everyone was happy to see so many students venture out.

9 classes in levels 1-6 are on offer for the community this term

Volunteers in their second term of teaching had the opportunity to take over their own class as "Newly Qualified Teachers".

Term 20 Classes Begin!

Opening Ceremony at the NFE Center

On November 15 the Ao Luk Non-Formal Education Center, GVI's local project partners, held an opening ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new Ao Luk Thai sub district NFE Center Office. The office is located in the main building GVI utilizes to teach English classes in the community. The NFE Center requested GVI's volunteer teacher's assistance to help at the ceremony. On request GVI held English activities on the second floor of the building for visitors to enjoy and take part in. Going with the theme of holidays and festivals, GVI's teachers hosted Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and Halloween activities. Activities included songs, games and crafts.

Outside the building was a mass of activity with performances by the local community singing, dancing and even demonstrating Taekwondo. Local foods were available for sale and local crafts people came out to demonstrate glass blowing and traditional leather crafts. A number of people came out to join in the festivities.

And to kick off the event there was a ribbon cutting ceremony in which the mayor of Ao Luk himself did the honors.

It was yet another great opportunity for GVI Thailand's team to get involved with the local community.

Opening Ceremony at the NFE Center

Trip to the Emerald Pond and Hot Spring

See below for a description of the Saturday outing written by 6 month intern, Kristy:

'All of the GVI volunteers and staff set off for a big day of exploring and swimming in Klong Thom- a charming little place housing a beautiful emerald pond and bubbly hot springs.

WE all went to the pool first, some of us lazing in the balmy water, others trekking through the jungle to see the shocking blue sapphire pool.

Our bellies were grumbling with hunger after all the exercise, so we headed off in search of food. We ate a delicious lunch at the hot springs restaurant. We walked along a wooden path through a beautiful forest, which opened up to the hot springs. Amazing 30-40 degree water gushing over the waterfalls makes it a great place to relax.

All in all I think we had a great day in lovely surroundings.'

Trip to the Emerald Pond and Hot Spring