Our first visit to Free Schools - December 2006

Firstly let us begin by saying that our trip to Fang in preparation for our relocation there next year as Free Schools field workers was exceedingly valuable, enjoyable and fruitful. During our stay in the area Mark introduced us to 5 schools during class time where we were able to meet the teachers and children and we also visited several more locations when not in use. Furthermore Mark introduced us to his vital support network consisting of government teachers and other relevant contacts whose support has been instrumental in growing the project to its current level and whose continued assistance will be required into 2007 and beyond.

Even from our brief orientation it is clear to us both that the Free Schools program in this area is providing an invaluable service to children who would otherwise be left with little or no real education. From the children of Burmese refugees on the orange farms to the Lahu villages and the children at the government schools that FSWL supports, we saw a wide ranging and adaptable system that is well managed and that is truly changing lives. We were both particularly impressed with the level of professionalism of the teachers and the willingness to learn of the children.

We are also pleased to see the level of cooperation that has been achieved between the project and the local education authorities. It is clear that the project has benefited greatly from and enjoys growing support from the local teachers and government agencies. It is our desire to continue to foster these relationships.

Another aspect that was made clear to us was the total vulnerability of the children that FSWL is supporting here in Thailand. We were informed by different sources that because these children have no legal status in Thailand that they are particularly susceptible to abuse by people in authority and we heard several truly awful accounts of systemic abuse by the local police and military personal of the Burmese refugees and hill tribe people. There is no doubt that by receiving even an elementary education these children will have far greater opportunity to develop themselves, boost their self confidence and enter into society.

From our point of view we are both quietly determined to nurture this project to the best of our ability. Mark and the FSWL team have done a remarkable job in developing this project to it's current status and it is with a great sense of responsibility that we will take the reins next March. Jildou with herbackground in education is very keen now to help develop the syllabus and to fine tune the Free Schools program and we are both wanting to be involved in fundraising efforts in Europe and Australia.

We do have other ideas and desires for where we may be able to take this project that Mark has so diligently and effectively created, though we are also aware that our first step will be to learn the basics of the operation and to settle in to our new role. We are also conscious that the direction of the project will be ultimately be decided by the FSWL board and it is our desire to maintain the efficiency and adaptability of the operation so as to be ready in 2007 and beyond for whatever direction the board may see fit to take.

Finally as neither of us had ever visited Thailand before this entire visit was one of great excitement for us both. Understanding the possibility that we may not have felt comfortable with either the country or the project it is with great enthusiasm that we can say we feel very much at home with both.

Ben and Jildou

Map of North Thailand

Area north of Chiang Mai with Fang 3 hours further north.
Fang (look for green circle) is about 15 km from the Burmese border.

Map of Thailand

Thailand