National Scholarship Program in Australia

Dear Supporters, 

Keely has just returned from a 5-month teaching trip to Phang Nga, Thailand. This trip was made possible by our partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians and, of course, your generous donations. 

The teaching program that is run by GVI in Thailand trains volunteers to teach English in local schools. The aim of the program is to help develop English skills so that students gain skills that will impact their future. The overall aim is to help the community improve their quality of life through education. 

Classrooms are often overcrowded and teachers need enthusiastic volunteers to ease their workload, give the children some extra attention and more exposure to spoken English. Volunteers are also required to practice English with the wider community, providing them with the language skills to be able to take advantage of the increase in tourism in the area.

This is what Keely had to say about her trip:

What did you hope to achieve from this experience?

To feel like I've made a difference and be more aware of other cultures. I already feel like I have made a difference being in the classroom. Also seeing the parents faces seeing us in the classroom teaching their children is amazing! I am much more appreciative of the country we live in for example-work stability, family, health, safety. 

How do you think you have developed?

I have much more appreciation of other cultures. I am thankful for how lucky we are back at home in Australia. I realized that multicultural is important and should be more accepted back at home.

I have learned lots of tips to help communicate and teach people who don't have English as a first language. I’ve loved teaching and getting to know the students and meeting some great volunteers from all over the world.

Thank you so much to you, our donors, who have made this experience possible!

With Gratitude, 

The GVI Trust