R35 School : Khao Lak, Phang Nga

GVI Thailand has a standing relationship with the Rajanaprugroh 35 School located in Khao Lak, Phang Nga. Khao Lak is a small beach resort town located on the Andaman Sea. It is a popular stop for western tourists and is a common stopover on the way to the world famous Similan and Surin Islands. This community was also greatly affected by the 2004 Tsunami and although houses and bungalows have been rebuilt locals are still talking about the loss that they were struck by. One example of this loss is the R35 School located just outside of the main tourist center. Pre-tsunami this school was a small local school located across the main beach road. The tsunami destroyed the school leaving on the flag pole standing. Following the tsunami funding came in from several large corporations as well as independent means. The King of Thailand also sponsored the school and it became the 35th school under his care (hence the R35) and was designed to house and educate the region's poorest students. Still growing, the boarding school supports over 1,000 students of primary and secondary age. Teachers and many students live at the school 24 hours a day during school semesters. Approximately 300 students lost one or both parents in the tsunami while a number of others have been moved from the deep south where civil unrest continues to put locals in danger.

Each 5 week expedition, GVI Thailand makes a Friday afternoon visit to this school and leads a series of simple and fun English activities and games for some of the children aged 8-12 years old. The children love the opportunity to talk with native speakers and spend a fun afternoon outside of their normal school routine. It also gives Expedition Members the opportunity to experience a school and environment where they can pursue volunteer or paid workd once they have completed their TEFL qualification. As usual it was good fun and the GVI teachers left the school exhausted and happy!

R35 School : Khao Lak, Phang Nga