Further Information
The Great Asian Volunteer Explorer

Thailand, India and Nepal are three magnificent countries in Asia, which are all unique in culture, history and society. They do, however, all share a common requirement. Although each country has gained remarkable progress over recent years, there are still certain regions that remain in need of the necessary education that will allow them to take control of their own inevitable development, instead of being forced to rely on foreign development. By teaching free English classes for the community, GVI volunteers are helping to put English skills in the hands of local people.

Thailand

In Thailand the province of Krabi is known for its stunning scenery. Yet this scenery is increasingly being destroyed by the growth of tourism and natural resource depletion. Several locations in the province and surrounding region were also severely hit by the tsunami of 2004, and are still struggling to recover. The district of Ao Luk in the Krabi Province is in the process of developing a pier that will serve as a port to such tourist spots as Phuket and Ko Phi Phi, in preparation for Ao Luk to become a tourist thoroughfare. GVI work with local organisations the Ao Luk Non-Formal Education Centre and Thailand Wetlands International to provide the community English language lessons, with additional work and time spent on community and tourist environmental awareness.

India

The state of Kerala has huge shortage of skilled teachers, schools and classrooms due to the lack of funding and low salaries of teachers. In addition there is a large drop-out rate from schools amongst those who are from low socio economic backgrounds as there is pressure on them from their families to earn money. Public or government education is also mostly taught in the local language Malayalam, however for most well paid jobs in India English is essential. Tuition in English language and familiarity with it at a young age allows greater access into well paid jobs such as in the tourism sector, call centres, offices etc.

Nepal

The villages of Nepal have a simple way of life. Volunteers can make a difference to these villages’ inhabitants if they are able to pass on their specific (quite basic) practical skills to them. This could include teaching skills in IT, carpentry, catering, simple plumbing or electrics; or miscellaneous talents can be applied too – musical and sporting are just two. Three qualities that volunteers will use and developed are: awareness, common sense and confidence.

The projects not only give you an opportunity to give back to society but also present you with an opportunity to learn a new language, experience a new culture and adopt a new way of life.