GVI

Phang Nga Achievement Report

August 2015

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

United Nations Millennium Development Goal: Eradicate Extreme Poverty & Hunger

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
include statistics and information of the impact on the community of Takua Pa, as well as
focus on two students, Student A and Student S. Taking a look at these two students will
highlight the importance of this program and 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 generally 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 teach Levels 2-
4 depending of the number of qualified teachers.

The August-September term offered only Level 1, due to a lack of volunteers. However,
Level 2 and 3 students attended 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. We
will strive to increase volunteer numbers to ensure the ability to offer a variety of levels in
the future.

During the August -September term, 32 secondary and adult community members
attended the Level 1 English language teaching from GVI at the NFE, 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 22.5 hours

4 students successfully tested to move up to Level 2 for the September-October
term

The students at the NFE come from a variety of backgrounds. The age range is from 14 up
to 70+, and we have both genders and all walks of life. We have high school students,
shopkeepers, business owners, 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.

In particular, Student A is a strong supporter in the program and has invited and encouraged
the attendance of his co-worker, Student S. Student A and S work at a school. They feel
the classes are advantageous as they are taught by native speakers. They attend faithfully
when work permits, and the attendance certificates given at the end of term are important
to ensure they can continue to attend, as they leave their jobs early to attend class.
Student A is very active in the social group, and often initiates the group of students that
remain in the parking lot following class. The class has clearly had a positive impact on his
life, and he values the class.

Having gainful employment, as well as opportunities to pursue their careers, helps the NFE
students eliminate or prevent poverty and hunger. It seems that Student A also runs his
own educational business and often will ask GVI teachers for assistance with grammar
English documents and signs. The class has helped him pursue this additional business,
ensuring financial stability and supporting his own students in the community. Student S is
a teacher and seems very grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn English. It helps
with her job as well. She is nervous about speaking English and avoids coming for the end of
term tests, but with each class gains confidence in her speaking ability, which will also help
with her career and future employment.

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.