January 22nd, 2009

Over the past three years, the English language program at R35 has been steadily improving the level of English spoken by the students on campus. The presence of native English speakers at the school is a much needed complement to the efforts made by the Thai staff. The foreign teachers provide oversight for the English program in general and provide guidance for the Thai English teachers. Access to native English speakers, particularly those like the energetic and driven ESL teachers at R35, allow students to become comfortable speaking with and relating on a personal level to foreigners.

During the last semester the ESL program offered an extra class called "Round the Clock English "(20hours), the students enjoyed it so much so they requested to continue it in the next semester. They also started an English Club on Fridays where the students play games in English and practice English conversation.

Our students have achieved somewhat of a reputation in Phang Nga for their English skills and have been asked by the governor to represent the province and greet foreign guests. In a world economy where the value on English language proficiency is rapidly increasing, the ESL program at R35 is delivering an incredibly important skill to these students. Tourism is a thriving industry in the south of Thailand and our efforts allow students to secure jobs that provide for them and their families. Many of our students have yet higher aspirations and the English learned here at R35 benefits them in their university studies.

• As of January 2009, the number of students at R35 is 936.
   
• The garbage house completed last year allows students to collect and sort scrap plastics and metal for resale. Students earn supplementary income while cleaning and beautifying the school.
   
• ISB Tsunami Relief Fund donated 22 sewing machines for Home Economics almost 2 years ago. The students are now receiving many orders for carpet slippers. They also are making curtains for the school hotel rooms and in the production of flip flops and pillowcases which the students sell at local festivals or other occasions.
   
• During the Tourist Festival Week in December 2008, which promotes tourism in the south of Thailand, R35 had a booth to represent the school and Phang-nga. (There were many booths from hotels, schools and other tourist related industries). R35’s students did an excellent job. They approached and communicated with foreigners, showed them around, and suggested places to visit. Middle school and high school students also did an excellent job as “Little Tour Guides”. Phang-Nga governor asked R35 students to help greet foreigners for the upcoming projects.
   
• The ESL program will arrange an English Camp during 13-14 February 2009. One hundred high school students will be chosen to participate. During that time, students will play games, read, write, and be involved in interactive activities; all in an effort to practice English. They also will have an English Speech Contest.
   
• On Christmas Day the ISB volunteers from the ESL program took part in the Christmas celebrations at the school.

New plans are underway for constructing a student council room, where the students can have their meetings and plan their activities and also plans for setting up a CCTV system around the school to increase safety and security. We'll let you know more about this in our next news from R35.