The following story reveals how fantastic and giving students and staff from Bewegte School in Austria. Together they helped Thai children by raising fund for needed school supplies, shoes, clothing, and bicycles. Petra Pfann, a Mundo Exchange volunteer, collaborated with the Bewegte staff and students to collect money for children in Isaan Thailand who Petra worked with during her volunteer service. In a world of woe it is important to commend exceptional people such as these Austrian and Thailand volunteers and students. All in Thailand thank Petra and the Austrian students and staff at Bewegte. We also thank all of the other donors and friends who gave and continue to give to and volunteer with the Thai children of Isaan.
Thai Students Receive New School Clothes and Bikes from Austrian Students
A special group of Austrian students from Bewegte Volksschule have helped many Thai rural farm students over the last few years. Bewegte School Director, Ingrid Mader, along with school’s staff and students collected donations for the Thai children where Petra volunteered. The Austrian elementary school students hosted a Christmas bazaar and a theatre presentation to collect money. The Director, staff and children of Bewegte volunteered to donate all of the proceeds from the student’s Christmas Bazaar to the Thai children.
Bewegte Students Give to Thai Isaan Students
Petra volunteered with Mundo Exchange in the heart of Isaan in Northeastern Thailand. She was asked by herThai school’s Director, Khamdi, to come help his students and the teachers who are teaching English. Khamdi is one of the most progressive Thai school directors Mundo has met. Together with the students and teachers they have created organic gardens, fish ponds, and art and recycle programs. The Thai school children also plant and sell Thai herbs, flowers and trees to the local community. They raise farm animals including cows, goats, chickens. Khamdi knows the importance of having his students learn about other cultures through cross cultural exchanges. Mundo thanks Khamdi and his students and staff for enhancing cross cultural exchanges and providing volunteer opportunities like Petra.
Thailand director Khamdii helping award winning students
When Petra decided that she would volunteer at this small Thai rural school (400 students and 20+ staff ) the English teacher, Supapon, was very excited to have help in her classroom. Supapon and her family along with Khamdi made a downstairs room for Petra for her home stay. This Thai family had never had a volunteer from Austria and were very excited, if not a bit nervous for her to come. After meeting Petra, all were put at ease and they began sharing stories of their family life and cross cultural ways. Petra and Supapon team taught which allowed the Thai students to hear English words pronounced by Petra. In a very short time the Thai students were enamored by volunteer Petra. Her kindness and dedication was noticed and valued by the Thai community.
Thai home stay bedroom in Isaan Thailand
Thais and global volunteers working together
Petra volunteered to help students from economically challenged Thai farming families. When Petra shared details about the challenges these Thai children and their families face on a daily basis, the students at Bewegte developed a plan to raise money. Their donations supplied the Thai students with bicycles, school and scout uniforms, shoes, English-Thai dictionaries and other English reading materials. Additional funds were raised by Mundo Exchange and other volunteers. Many Thai students walk a long distance to and from school. Bicycles transport the students to school as well as to their families rice fields where they help their parents after school.
Bewegte Students Raising Fund for Thailand
The donated items that Petra, Bewegte School children and staff, and Austrian friends gave are still being used and are greatly appreciated by students and also the Thai Isaan community.
Austrians volunteers provided needed educational supplies and bikes to Thai students
The students that the Austrians helped live near Mekong River where they fish and farm.
Thai land and culture
When Petra returned to Austria she wrote radio news travel articles about her experiences as a volunteer in Thailand. You can learn more about her experiences at http://fm4.orf.at/radio. Check out the links below to see her photos and read her thoughts about living and volunteering in Thailand.
Part 1 http://fm4.orf.at/stories/1635630/
Part 2 http://fm4.orf.at/stories/1635933/
Mundo Exchange volunteers have writings that can be used by teachers and students living abroad to study Thai and Guatemalan cultures and people. Also, travelers trying to get an idea of how cultures can connect and how they can help others during their travels and during their gap years can learn more about the world and themselves by reading our volunteer stories. We at Mundo and Global World Exchange thank all who have helped the people of Thailand and Guatemala.
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