By Pongsatorn Kaewngam
Grade 7 is participating in a read-a-thon from November 8-20 to raise funds for the Ban Thamin School which is a school they will visit during the February class trip. This is a school for children kindergarten to grade 6. The nationalities of the students are Thai, Burmese, Lao, and Karen (hilltribe group). Many of these students are stateless people. There are two boarding houses for students from refugee camps and remote areas.
The relationship between ISB and the Ban Thamin School is one that we have been cultivating over the past few years. In 2015, grade 7 students raised money to donate to the school for their boarding house needs at the time. During last year’s trip to the school, grade 7 students participated in action research to find out about the assets and needs of the school. Through interviewing students, teachers, and administrators at the school, they were able to determine the schools assets, determine ideas that could be implemented at ISB, and areas of need for the school. Out of this action research, students found out that the school needed bunkbeds and wardrobes for the dorms. Through the fundraiser, we will help purchase these items for the school.
Lastly, in January during Advisory, students will create lessons to teach English to the students when we are there in February.
This read-a-thon is not mandatory although we hope students will participate to support Ban Thamin School.