Giving Back to Society in the Best Way Possible

“Teacher Jes, Teacher Jes!” The sound I hear every morning as I arrive at the office, multiplied by 10!

I have been teaching for Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation for a year now. I teach in Rajaprachanugroh 36 (RPG 36) School as the Kindergarten teacher, English teacher for Primary 1 and 2, Science teacher for Primary 1 and 2 (in English), and the Maths teacher for Primary 3 and 4 (also in English). My favourite time of the day is when I am in class with the students. I also coordinate Coconut Club every Thursday, teaching the students cooking in a segment I like to call “Little Chefs Thursdays”. This was a new initiative this term and it was a great success. Every week, we have students lining up outside hoping to be one of the select 15 allowed to participate that week. 

Joining the Foundation has been one step closer to making my dream come true. When I imagined myself as a teacher years ago, I dreamed of not just imparting knowledge but most importantly making a difference, even if that difference what just to one child. The vision of the Foundation is in line with my teaching philosophy: I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.

Despite my short time here with PHBGTU, I have witnessed the joy that the Foundation’s programmes bring to the children, especially the residential students. Almost every day we will have students (especially the little ones) appearing at the door of our office asking “Wan ni Coconut Club tham arai?” We tell them to speak English, prompting “Today Coconut Club what we do?” They may not speak perfect English, but to see them trying their best to communicate with the foreign teachers and to know that their vocabulary improves every day because of it reassures us that we are on the right track. 

We have students as young as 6 years old living at the school. The 200 residential students are here for various reasons. It is one of the best opportunities in life to be able to share these moments with the students.

Students young and old look forward to our Saturday activities which include swimming sessions, birthday parties and incentive trips. Every Friday after class, students will flock to our office to check if their names are included on the Saturday activity. Even I look forward to our Saturday activities, especially swimming days. What better way to unwind after a long week than to hang out and relax in a pool on a hot Saturday afternoon. Seeing the students smile is the most heart-warming moment a teacher can ask for.

I feel like I am making a difference. I am finally fulfilling my destiny. I look forward to accomplishing more alongside the Foundation.

“Follow your heart. Follow your passion. When you do what you LOVE those hard days are manageable.”