Geotourism Challenge - One Day Left Comment
Comment Online before May 20 to spur AD to Greater Heights!
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 Thank you to everyone who has commented on our application for the National Geographic "Geotourism Awards." The response has been overwhelming, and we thank you for supporting of Andaman Discoveries. If you haven't had a chance yet, you still have one day left to comment on our entry -- the deadline is May 20.
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Touched by Angels
The Return of Kelly May and Karen Spackman
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 Kelly May was christened "The Angel of the Andaman" in 2005 for her heroic relief work in the turbulent days following the tsunami. She joined Andaman Discoveries while the organization was still in its infancy, and led the charge in cultivating North Andaman community-based tourism from a concept into an Internationally-lauded reality. The team said a difficult farewell to their matron saint in late 2008; hungry for new challenges, Kelly then went on to manage an eco-resort in Koh Lanta for the high season, and is now focusing her long-term sights on teaching English.
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Scholarship Interviews -- Keeping Kids in School
Sponsor a Child Today
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Students have a lot on their minds: mathematics, history, language, and science, to name a few. Wondering how to pay for a school uniform or transportation to school should not be among those concerns. That's why Andaman Discoveries started a scholarship program as part of its initial tsunami relief work. "The scholarship helps me achieve my dreams," said scholarship recipient Chanthip Sunsab of Tung Dap (pictured). Andaman Discoveries scholarships provide financial support for 129 underprivileged in the region children like Chanthip, allowing them to complete high school.
Because of the positive impact of this program, we hope to offer to up to ten more scholarships focused on conservation and sustainability this year. But we need your help in sponsoring more youth. If you're interested in sponsoring the education of a student in the North Andaman region, please contact Andaman Discoveries to learn how you can become a donor, and read the full article for more details about scholarships and the recent round of interviews.
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Out to Sea - Turtles Clearing Hurdles
Thai New Year celebrated with turtle release event
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 A new year symbolically marks a fresh start, and that was the hope for some critically endangered giant leatherback turtle hatchlings this Songkran (the Thai New Year). Every Songkran the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation sponsors a turtle release event at Mai Khao Beach on Phuket Island with sponsorship form the Marriott Phuket Resort. This year Andaman Discoveries' team member Leslie Welshimer had the opportunity to release a baby turtle on behalf of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
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Photographic Memories
Italian Shutterbugs click with Andaman Discoveries
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 Francesco and Darinka (Italy) are self described "land gypsies" who have been traveling throughout Southeast Asia volunteering their photographic, video editing, and web development talents to worthwhile causes like the Tambun Farmstay program in Malaysia. They'd just directed and edited a short video to promote baskets made by disadvantaged women in Malaysia when they heard about the work of Andaman Discoveries from our friends at ThaiCraft. "It seems the job is tailored made for us!" said Darinka.
Check out our video page as well as the Month in Pictures feature (below) to appreciate their work for yourself.
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Responsible Tourism Guide to the Mekong
Andaman Discoveries is first Thailand-based operator featured
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 Traveling to an unfamiliar place can be daunting, especially for people who aspire to do so ethically. Fortunately the Responsible Tourism Guide to the Mekong helps light the way for travelers visiting Southeast Asia and parts of China. The site includes details on places and activities that will bring life to ones travels while leaving the smallest possible footprint. Andaman Discoveries became their first Thailand entry this month.
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Team Andaman Gets in "Gear"
U.S. Volunteer Fixes Bicycles
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 There are many inspired ways to support Andaman Discoveries in addition to participating in a cultural tour, volunteering in the office, or sponsoring youth activities. Jesse Holgate of Seattle, USA, recently reminded us of this by donating his time and mechanical aptitude to fixing our fleet of bicycles!
Armed with an arsenal of tools, basic parts, and cleaning supplies, Jesse utilized his handyman skills over several days with some basic bicycle cleaning and repair. "A bicycle is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. It's good for the environment and the cyclist's health as well. I enjoy supporting groups like Andaman Discoveries that are making a difference in lives of local people," said Tyler Welshimer of Welshimer Wheels, who kindly donated the parts.
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Copyright
2009 Andaman Discoveries
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Why Us?
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Andaman Discoveries' internationally recognized community development and tourism projects make a real difference. Our International and bilingual staff have extensive knowledge, allowing guests to enjoy a true cultural exchange.
We have developed comprehensive teaching materials for those planning to volunteer in a school. And for folks new to Thailand we can arrange regional transport and accommodations, and even offer advice on traveling (our staff loves to explore the country, too!).
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Stay Connected!
Join our mailing list, become a friend on Facebook, follow our moves on Twitter, or join our LinkedIn group!
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"It was
a beautiful location with lots to keep the kids (and grown-ups) busy and
enchanted. No doubt that this segment of our trip has produced memories that
will be remembered for a long time! Thanks especially to Tui for such a
dedicated and enthusiastic approach"
Hannam
family, UK
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"Our
whole family -- but especially the children -- are taking home some wonderful
memories of 'real' life in Thailand. The villagers were friendly and I admire Pink for all her hard word for the community"
Joanne, UK
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"The
children immediately accepted each other and had a fun time playing simple
games -- there was a lot of giggling and smiles all around."
Peach
family, UK
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"Our
hosts and all the villagers went to a great deal of effort to make us feel
welcome and at home. We had a wonderful and unforgettable experience."
Jeffery
family, UK
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