The Global Innovation and Education Fund

Dear Supporter, 

The National Scholarship Program has been supporting a local Thai resident at our Chiang Mai project since February. He will be with GVI- Chiang Mai for a 6 month scholarship. 

The goal is to support local partners in developing aspects of the Thai Elephant project, which aims to create a viable model for ethical elephant tourism. In addition, the goal is to provide support to local Thai nationals to develop skills involved in running the GVI Thai Elephant Project and therefore, benefit the scholar in future endeavors in the field.

The scholarship program aims to include:

• developmental training in English
• scientific research skills
• presentation skills
• project management.

The scholar benefits from direct interaction with English speakers thereby increasing their colloquial skills and fluency. Scientific studies carried out by the project add support for the legitimacy of the project to a wider community. Staff will work in direct contact with the scholar to teach them all the scientific skills related to research and analysis carried out by the project. The scholar will be given the opportunity to apply their management and leadership skills with the support of the staff through the development of their own project. This project will require the understanding of health and safety on an international scale, training other individuals, management and organization of community activities and detailed understanding of GVI’s long term goals.

The overall goal of the scholarship program at the Chiang Mai base is to provide an opportunity for a local individual to develop skills of their own interest that relates to the overriding goals of the project with the ultimate aim of sharing knowledge and skills between both parties.

One of the community goals is that the scholar will help us to bridge the gap between GVI and the local community so that we can foster more involvement and understanding. 

Watch out for our next report which will give you more details about the scholar and his personal experinces on the project and working for and with GVI. 

Thank you for your continued and generous support. 

Best Wishes, 

GVI-Thailand

Links:

• The Charitable Trust

Dear Supporter,

Recently, Fred, a recipient of the National Scholarship Program, left GVI Seychelles to continue his work with the Save Our Seas Foundation. Here is what he had to say about his time on the program:

My National Schlorship Journey

"Here at GVI there are many opportunities and knowledge to be gained from the different aspects of marine life and conservation.

As a "juvenile fish" things were very challenging, I had thought many times that I wasn't going to be able to fulfil the task given, but the staff were always reassuring me and helping me to meet my goals.I had the opportunity to gain my PADI Advanced Divers course and I am proud to say I completed the course!

In the beginning, I was given a group of fish to learn and later survey. At first, it was very hard to remember everything, but over time I started to remember more and more of what I had learnt. Those names were quite a headache to learn, but if you ever dive or snorkel with me now I'll easily be able to tell you everything I know about that fish!

Filling up tanks and using the compressor was never something I thought I would learn how to do, but with the patience of Andy, I can now manage and operate the compressor and fill out the tanks for the next group of divers - another new skill I can use in the future!

GVI is not only about conservation and preserving marine life, but the awareness of reaching out to the less fortunate. As a Seychellois, I salute and deeply appreciate this generosity of what you are doing. The other part that I will salute you is the educational part of conservation. Spreading the message to the younger generation is the pillar to safeguard what we have today so that others may continue to value, appreciate and conserve for generation after generation.

I may not be the first Seychellois to follow the GVI journey, but I have made History in within my family. I personally believe that all Seychellois should take the opportunity to join GVI and learn about what they have to offer. "

Thank you for all your hard work Frank and all the best for your future career in marine conservation!

All the best

GVI Seychelles

Links:

• www.gvi.org