My experience in Ranong...

Jessica with Bang Klang School Head Teacher and Students

After many long winded emails to various people, I decided to come to Ranong and help teach for a few months as part of my gap year. As a teenager living in England you can imagine settling in to prove a little difficult giving the climate, language barrier and the fishy smell that lurks around Ranong. However thanks to the Marists and many others I was made to feel very welcome immediately.

During my time there, I was based in two schools where I taught four different classes. At first, the thought of teaching such large classes, ranging from a mixture of levels seemed very daunting however thanks to Alice I was rearing to go in no time. Because the kids were so enthusiastic and friendly, this made teaching for the first time seem a lot easier than I had originally anticipated. 

Reflecting on my experience in Ranong, I’m surprised at how much I’ve think I’ve learnt in now what seems such a short space of time. I feel my greatest learning experience occurred in my last few weeks there in Ranong. This is where I and a member of the child protection team visited some of the students and their families who came to the Marist learning centre. I couldn’t believe some of the conditions these families live in. I mean that was a real eye opener with some of the

communities lacking what most people would deem basic facilities such as a toilet. Yet, these kids would come to school with a smile on their face, eager to learn.

Because of this experience, I now realize how privileged I am to receive an education in a free democratic society and I don’t think I will take this for granted. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity to come to Ranong and I would like to thank the Marists and the staff for being so generous and for making my time in Ranong very colourful.

All the best

Jess