GVI

Phang Nga Achievement Report

December 2015

GVI TEFL: Supporting local residents in acquiring and maintaining gainful employment
through higher levels of English.

United Nations Millennium Development Goals:
Eradicate Extreme Poverty & Hunger
Promote Gender Equality & Empower Women

Summary

GVI offers free English classes at the NFE (Non Formal Education) Center in Takua Pa, Phang
Nga, Thailand, and has done so since 2012. Each term, both new and existing students can
benefit from these classes that focus on speaking and listening. One of the ultimate goals is
to help residents find employment in the tourism industry. This month, the report will focus
on the increased need for high level English classes. The content will highlight the
importance of the need to continue growing this program to ensure its ability to positively
impact lives, and prevent poverty and subsequent hunger.

Report

The Non Formal Education Centre (NFE), or Gosonoh in Thai, is one of many education
centres placed around Thailand. The literal translation is education outside the school. Its
purpose is to provide learning opportunities and non-formal education to out-of-school
populations, whether that is people who do not have a formal education or people who
simply want to continue their education. Here in Takua Pa, GVI offers free English classes to
adults in the evening, providing a variety of levels from term to term. The terms are four
weeks in length, with a two week break separating terms.
Level 1 is the training level for GVI TEFL Volunteers and Interns who are receiving their 50-
/120-hour certification. It is also the level where we place students with little to no English
capabilities. Volunteers and interns that have gained their credentials can then teach Levels
2-4 depending of the number of qualified teachers.

The December term, we had no new volunteers or interns, so a full Level 2 course
was offered, as well as a shortened High Level Conversation class. This class was
very popular, and had between 7 and 14 students each of the four evenings it ran.
Students asked for more than the listed four classes, and for another course or
Level 4 to be offered in January. This group of students has been through the
other levels, and are at a stage where they can as they are eager to continue
practicing their English. This demonstrates the strong need for a variety of levels
and the demand of the community. It is important to increase volunteer numbers
to ensure the ability to offer a variety of levels in the future.

During the December term, 43 secondary and adult community members attended
two classes offered for English language teaching from GVI at the NFE. The 22 of
which were female

10 students were new to the program in this term's course offering of level 1

Total number of student hours taught was 30 hours

5 students successfully tested to move up to Level 3 for the January term

The high level conversation students at the NFE come from a variety of backgrounds. The
age range is from 15 up to 61, and we have both genders and all walks of life. We have high
school students, hospitality workers, shopkeepers, business owners, tour operators, and
unemployed students who are looking for work. They are a supportive group and have even
created a social media group where students can ask questions about English content and
support each other. A group often stays in the parking lot after class to discuss the day's
lesson. The high level is a core group that comes regularly and consistently to each and
every class. They are keen to learn and practice, and even will come to Level 1 classes; they
grab any chance to practice and speak English.

The high level conversation class was offered, as the Lead TEFL Trainer did not have any
volunteers to train in TEFL certification, and was needed to assist with other programs, as
well going to Chiang Mai for a work permit. Four classes were offered to fit around the hub
needs, and they were greatly appreciated by the students. Neither the students nor the
TEFL Trainer wanted the classes to end. Class content was as follows:
The First class involved introductions and discussion regarding first impressions and
being open minded. The group played 2 Truths and a Lie with 14 people, this was a
very busy class.
Second class was a field trip to the local market. The students and teacher walked to
the market and perused the stalls. Each student acted as a tour guide to the
remainder of the group for 5 minutes.
The Third class focused on a human rights and peace education game lifeboat
where students in teams acted as administrators at a hospital having to choose 3 of 6
people in need of life support. The 6 people were based on famous people and some
surprises were had at the end with a lot of discussion resulting during and after.
The Fourth class played a lawyer game called Alibi which created a lot of discussion
and creativity. The class ended with making a smoothie. Truthfully the smoothie was
unappetizing and some students ate it, and others threw the strangely textured and
flavoured beverage out.

Having tested in November, most of the students enter the classes due to work reasons or
personal interest. Some of them have gainful employment and use the classes to help with
opportunities to pursue their careers, helps the NFE students eliminate or prevent poverty
and hunger.

Strong employment is crucial in preventing hunger and eliminating poverty. The GVI
English classes at the Non-Formal Education Centre assist in promoting secured
employment and opportunities in many fields, such as education, hospitality and tourism.

You can get firsthand experience in this project, or read more about the amazing work our
volunteers are doing within the local community by visiting our website. Please like our
Facebook page, check out our blog and follow us on twitter for the latest information
straight from the field.