Being introduced to the school was such fun!!! Several of the volunteer teachers had been asked to introduce themselves to the children at the Friday morning assembly. I was happy to lurk at the back, chatting to the teachers, watching my colleagues and snapping a few photos. However, my lurking had not gone unnoticed and after the first introductions I was spotted by the headmistress and beckoned forward.
I had to walk through all the lines of children to the dais, I did so to applause from the laughing children. To cap the moment I doffed my hat to the kids, most of them had not seen my bald patch, they loved it…
An amazing sight. Friday is tribal dress day, the children wear their tribal costumes with pride and what a picture. From the formal Chang style jerkins to the bell tinkling waistcoats of the Mong children, the white dresses of the Karen to the striking mauves of the Thai.
We stood whilst the children sang the Thai national anthem and school song. A formal flag raising and prayers finished the ceremonial part of the assembly. The only element similar to the UK was the fidgeting of the teenage boys, only in this case their reward was a good clip round the ear from vigilant teachers.
I said a few words, not in Thai, and suddenly felt very proud to be part of a wonderful movement to improve life for the Thai and Karen children in this area. We adjourned to coffee and cake with the headmistress and to meet the English teachers.
The rest of my day comprised of putting together the bill of quantities for the Ban Mae Ja project, some 90k baht, about 1,500 GBP. Only one and a half grand to finish a nursery school building and dormitory. Mind you it took me a total of 5 hours to translate my needs into an order in Thai.
Feeling good now I have the project underway, Salahae has been a great help getting villagers, finances and materials organised.
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