Bodhi's Big News - Wedding Bells and Baby Boon
 As you may know, my personal creed is "Surf the Chaos." It's something I started saying in the early days of post-tsunami disaster relief, and has served as a pretty accurate summary of keeping up with all the amazing things Andaman Discoveries is doing. In the last few months, I've also been doing some pretty amazing things in my personal life, like marrying my long-term partner, Chittri, and welcoming our new baby boy, Vajra Lovell Garrett, into the world. Spending time with my wife and this wonderful little being has given me a whole new appreciation of the importance of connection. It is our connections to each other and the world around us that define who we are, that give meaning to our lives. Enjoy the update and we look forward to our continued connection with you. There are plenty of ways to get involved, so just let us know when you are interested... Read on for details about how Andaman Discoveries has been connecting local communities to a sustainable future - attending the Asia Society Young Leaders Summit ; linking a service-minded family to a local orphanage; winning awards for responsible tourism and the soap group; and providing children with education, conservation , summer camps, and general fun. |
Wild Asia - We Win!
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Now in their fifth year, Wild Asia's Responsible Tourism Awards promote sustainability through tourism. With one billion tourists expected to hit the road by 2010, the tourism industry's impact on environment and communities around the world is immense. The judging panel has selected Andaman Discoveries as Best Tour Operator, surpassing judges' expectations for their high standards of environmental protection and social responsibility.
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Village update - Women's Soap Group Cleans Up at Craft Award
| Recently, Ban Ta lae Nok was awarded with the 5 stars from the Thailand's national craft authority, meaning Ban Talae Nok handmade soap is recognized as among the region´s best products. Andaman Discoveries feels fortunate to collaborate with such a nice community. Congratulations for the excellence award!
In other news, the village youth group recently had a "junior guide" training and took a study trip to improve their already popular puppet show. All of this makes this young people from Ban Talae Nok highly enthusiastic, prepared, and full of new and exciting ideas.
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Summer Camp for Burmese Kids
| This month saw the first ever 'Summer Camp' held for the students of the Kuraburi Burmese Learning Center. This three day was important to help improve the lives of the children through fun activities and experiential education.
The weekend of activities for the children include d sports and games, singing and dancing, along with overnight camping; a rare opportunity for these children, as most of these students do not get the opportunity to go on excursions and spend overnight away from their village.
Through the support of the lunch program funds, Andaman Discoveries helped to provide dinner for the 50 children and staff on the first evening; cooking chicken and noodles as a special treat for the children.
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Children's Day - Jeanine at the Pier
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On Saturday me and two other volunteers were invited to attend 'Children's Day' Celebrations at Kuraburi Pier; we teach at the local Burmese learning center when volunteering with Andaman Discoveries. I am lucky enough to have had this experience 18 months ago when I first volunteered and having enjoyed it so much I have just returned for a second stint and what a way to begin with children's day!
When we arrived at the school, which is harder to find now as it is more surrounded by extra housing, we were greeted by the girls all dressed up in their amazing pink sequenced dancing costumes. The children played tug of war for the boys, and carrying various items from one end of the stage to the other using chopsticks, there were also blind fold games for the children and much fun was had. Rewards were given at the end which included snacks, fruits and drinks, fruit is not normally part of their everyday diet, but was donated by Andaman Discoveries.
The children obviously enjoyed the events if those big smiley faces were anything to go by. This day was all about the children and it was obviously a very special and enjoyable time for them, and so nice to see all the children of the area, all races and religions sharing in such a happy, fun and festive occasion.
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Children's day in Tung Dap
| Andaman Discoveries staff was really pleased to attend th e Children's Day celebration in Tung Dap; a beautiful village in the island of Kho Phratong. This amazing island is situated just in front of the coast of Kuraburi and it has its own unique wildlife and landscapes.
The Children prepared dance performances and had tonnes of fun watching their friends perform on stage. The villagers kindly prepared delicious lunch for everybody and we all enjoyed a day of happiness and joy.
Andaman Discoveries contributed to the party with funding and provided toothbrushes and toothpaste for all the children in the village. We all want to see their shining smiles sparkle even more brightly. Lot's of thanks for the hospitality and kindness of all the villagers.
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Building the Future - Asia Society Young Leaders Summit
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Bodhi Garrett, f ounder of Andaman Discoveries, was selected to participate in the fifth annual Asia Society Young Leaders Summit, in Jakarta from December 3-5. Bodhi joined 150 other young leaders, all under age 40, to engage in discussions about "Unity in Diversity: Responsible Leadership in the Asia-Pacific."
The Asia 21 Summit is the pre-eminent gathering of Asia's most dynamic young leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, from every sector including businessmen, documentary filmmakers, environmental activists, human rights advocates, members of parliament, military personnel, performance artists, and social entrepreneurs.
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From Catalonia to Kuraburi - Gloria´s Experience
| Even though I was looking forward to start my new experience as an English teacher at the Kuraburi High and Middle School, it was the first time I was going to teach teenagers and I felt quite scared. But Ajan Arunee - Ajan means teacher in Thai language- received me with a big and large smile. "We are very happy to have you here"- she sai d.
During the student´s morning assembly Arunee introduced me in front of all the students of the school. As I was talking to them I could notice 800 curious faces looking at me and all the fear disappeared. Then I did my first class with the eldest students of the school - 18 years old. The main aim - Arunee told me- was to make pupils talk in English because most of them are really shy to speak another language. That´s what I did: I tried to talk them about my life in Spain and I ask them to talk me about their life in Thailand. It was a successful icebreaker. My experience had starded!
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Smith Family Robinson - Helping at Home and Life
| The Smith family, while on vacation in Phuket, decided to spend time helping out and donating essential items to children in need. They met us at a local orphanage, where we helped the family to volunteer and provide supplies.
As Allyson, the mother of the family, said 'We have had the most amazing 2 days wit the orphanage, it could not have been better. My children have LOVED playing and working with the children. We went shopping with them yesterday for food items they needed and then we went back to help paint the new bathrooms and work in the garden, then had a wonderful dinner with everyone. We will go back next week. Thank you so much for setting this up!'
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Request for Support - Pink and the Village Group
| Many thanks to Leslie, a much beloved member of the AD family, for helping with the first two month´s of Pink´s salary.
Now, we need to raise the remainder of the funds she needs to accomplish her inspiring goals.
Pink is the all-star leader of the village youth and conservation group - over the last year they have restored a former shrimp pond, performed educational puppet shows about global warming, and hosted an international seminar with youth from six other countries.
Please consider sponsoring Pink´s monthly salary ($230) and project costs ($140) so she can continue in her role as a community leader while raising a family.
During a community assessment, WildAsia took note of her work: "You have a phenomenal leader in Pink. Her work with the youth group is inspiring. With her as a role model, the youth will be become effective community leaders"
Read more to find out about Pink´s ongoing projects.
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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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"It is exciting to see local dishes being prepared, playing with the children in the village, learn the art of tie dye, fishing with the sea gypsies and conversing with warm hearted people who take you into their homes without reservations."
Hien Tran, Homestay in Ban Lion, January 2011
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"Our Andaman Discoveries guide Awe was a fantastic interpreter and guide. She made us feel very comfortable. We had an amazing trip. Wish we could stay longer"
Josh Metzler, Homestay in Ban Talae Nok, January 2011
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