BENEFITS:
 
i). Basic Literacy- Due to Huay Chompoo Village’s isolated location on a remote mountain in northern Thailand; the community has suffered neglect from the state-run education system. Through initial efforts within the scope of our Rotary Centennial Community project, villagers have received assistance to build a library (among other buildings and services). The Huay Champoo Village library will service 345 local students and 4 other schools in the area with approximately the same number of students. The library will be also used by public health personal and 23,456 villagers.
 
This project will follow-up and broaden Rotary’s commitment to this village by specifically aiming to raise basic literacy rates and attitudes through the establishment of a fully-functional library staffed by trained teaching personnel. Rotarian Kornkamon Ramabutra of Rotary Club - Chiang Mai Thin Thai Ngam (Deputy Director of Chiang Mai University Library) and Rotary Volunteer Arunrat Wongchaya (Librarian of the Chiang Mai University Demonstration School) will set up a training program for teachers who will take charge of the library and its activities. The teachers will come to Chiang Mai University and other school libraries for training and familiarization in librarian skills. Once trained, the teachers will return to “Huay Chompoo Village” school to manage the library functions, and will be assisted to acquire recommended books, magazines, newspapers and all related necessities.

ii). English Literacy - Recognizing English as an essential tool for development of human resources, there is an intense and urgent need within communities in Rotary District 3360 to promote children’s long-term interest in, and practical usage of, the language. Although English is taught in Thailand’s schools, those efforts suffer from outdated techniques, ill-trained instructors, and inadequate contact hours. A series of two consecutive, 5-day “Active English Camps” would bring together groups of up to 60 children and 4 observation teachers from Rotary District 3360 for intensive coaching in English for communication. The Camp will show children how to use English in real-life situations through a combination of modern teaching techniques delivered by native-speaking instructors as well as field-trips for observation and practice. All campers will have extended opportunities for fellowship and language practice since board and lodging would be provided for the duration. The learning experience will be supplemented by extra materials, field-trips/excursions, and E(Emotional) Q (Intelligence)-development exercises. Experienced Camp counsellors will take care of the children throughout the Camp.

PARTICIPANTS:
 
Primary host – Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Thin Thai Ngam, District 3360, Thailand
International host – Rotary Club of West Raleigh, District 7710, USA
Co-sponsor – Rotary Club of Kuching Central, District 3310, Malaysia
Other organisations – Chiang Mai University Library
Co-ordinator – PP Rtn Dr. Busabong Jamroendararasame, Professor at Pharmacology Department, Chiang Mai University

THE HOST:

The Host will coordinate the efforts of Rotarians and other parties, such as librarians and educational professionals, trainers and counselors. The Host will further oversee issues dealing with vendors, suppliers and logistics to ensure smooth progress in this project. International partners will work together with the Host on technical and financial issues by providing input or expert knowledge, including regular visits to the project site for progress assessment and consultation.

BUDGET: