GeoVisions Volunteering and Teaching Makes a Difference - I Saw It

It's always great to see positive results, especially when you're involved in projects that can really help people.  This weekend I returned to Asia and attended an event with some of our teachers and volunteers, and ... even better ... some of the students we work with from the "Children's Village" orphanage in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.  A vanload of children from this unique educational community, complete with their Thai traditional instruments, came to Bangkok and entertained us ... actually wowed us with their self-confidence, their charm, and their English skills.

These are children of poverty, children of neglect, and children of abuse.  They learn from volunteers on our programs.  It is great to have engaging conversations (in English) with 11-14 year olds that many people would have given little chance to develop skills to succeed ... but these students are making giant strides.

Moo Baan Dek ("Children's Village") is a very special place.  The children are active members of the community.  They participate in decision-making, rule-making, even discipline when necessary.  It's self-described as "experimental", and "alternative".  I describe it as "wonderful"!

You don't need to be a specialist, an educator, have teaching credentials to be a successful volunteer on a GeoVisions program like this.  You just need to care, and be ready to give of yourself.  One thing that was all our volunteers agreed on -- you get back a lot more than you give!

GeoVisions has many opportunities in Thailand for you to give of yourself.  You may want to work on one of our Volunteer Projects or teach conversational English to a family or a business or community group on our Conversation Corps and Conversation Partner Programs.

The photos on this page were taken by Phillip Chappell, who coordinates our programs in Thailand.  We thank him for his photos and the help he gives to all of our volunteers and teachers in Thailand.