Community Service - Soi Clean Up

My 8-student Block E Upper School Chemistry class participated in a soi (street) clean up today. We were part of about 5 other middle school and upper school classes who volunteered to join the event organized by one of our fellow teachers. We started out by cleaning/picking up non-biodegradable materials that were just thrown on the sides of the soi outside our school. The students were focused in their task and I am amazed, again, to see these students deliver really well in this particular activity. Even though some of them weren’t in “street clothes” (many were still weaing their school uniform) still they were conscientious about picking up trash and cleaning the streets. The first 45 minutes of the block were spent cleaning one street then we took a break for lunch then the next 45 minutes were spent cleaning the other part of the soi leading to our school. It was a very good experience especially for the students. Inspite of the heat, dust, and sweat, everybody enjoyed. It was also an opportunity, on top of everything, to get to know some of my students. I had a conversation with one of them while we were walking on our way back to school. I asked the student how the experience of cleaning the soi was for him and whether it was his first time to have such an experience. He gave an interesting answer, “Well Ms., if you don’t count my house, yes, it’s my first time to clean the streets.” Which led me to ask him whether he has chores at home and then came the reply, “Before my parents had money, they cannot afford hired help to do the household chores so we have to divide the work among us but now that they do, I no longer help in the chores.” Hmmm, a very straightforward and honest answer. Also, I learned that before his parents sent him to an international school, he used to study in a local Thai school which only asked for 5,000 baht/semester as tuition (roughly 150 USD) but now that he is in an international school, that amount has increased to 20 times. That got me into thinking, “Wow, all that expense just so their son can learn English.” But that’s not actually just it, though. Students in international schools get a lot out of the experience. My current school may not be that diverse when it comes to nationality (it caters primarily to Thai and Chinese nationals) still, they are getting more out of this experience. Hmmm, funny what a soi clean up can do to my train of thought. :-)

Cleaning the soi

Thirsty, sweaty, and dusty

still at it

the opportunity provider: Khap khun kha, Jalal!