Village Project MOU 2009

The Ao Luk Village Project started as a collaboration between GVI, the Ao Luk Community Development Office, the mayor of Ao Luk, and the heads of the 52 villages throughout Ao Luk. In December 2007 the original project began as a request from the community development office to help clean up Krabi as part of the big province-wide "Krabi- Big Cleaning Day Project". Through the Ao Luk Village Project, GVI volunteers visited rural villages throughout Ao Luk to assist with projects as decided by the head of that particular village. Projects included planting trees, planting mangroves, picking up trash, weeding, raking leaves, cleaning temples, mosques and schools, and teaching school children. The project days became opportunities for cultural and language exchange between local community members and GVI volunteers. Volunteers had the opportunity to experience "Real Thailand" first hand and the community had the opportunity to show off the highlights of their village.

After over a year of projects and 22 different villages, GVI and the Community Development Office decided to revamp the project to meet the demands of the communities. The main areas of interest were narrowed down to 1)litter and recycling, 2)mangroves, and 3)teaching school children. It was decided that projects for 2009 would combine the 3. GVI volunteers would focus on working with the schools in each village bringing them English activities and environmental education.

After weeks of preparation, Wednesday was the official signing of the MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) for the 2009 Ao Luk Village Projects. 23 villages were chosen and the heads of those villages, the directors of the schools, and the heads of the various sub districts were invited to join the Ao Luk Community Development Office, the mayor and GVI in signing the MOUs at the Ao Luk district office. There was a full house. A slide show provided pictures from past village projects, the mayor and GVI's Thailand Country Director gave speeches, and after the signings refreshments of coffee and cakes were served.

GVI is looking forward to another year of providing educational support for the Ao Luk community.

Village Project MOU 2009