Sawadee Kha!

We just spent a week in northern Thailand with the Foundation for Applied Linguistics (FAL). We were able to learn all about their exciting multilingual education (MLE) work being done in minority language groups throughout Thailand. We spent the first part of our week in Chiangmai where we were able to meet and chat with the members of FAL and see many of the materials used in the MLE program.

The library of MLE materials at the FAL office, including Big Books and Big Pictures among other materials. 

During the second half of the week we went up into Chiangrai province where we were able to visit three of the four Hmong schools involved in the MLE program.

This is the Class 1 building at Rak Pen Din Elementary School.

It was amazing to see the enthusiasm these students have for learning. I was able to observe one kindergarten class in which the students chanted their numbers 1-100. They shouted the numbers out the entire time, and when they reached 100, it was almost deafening—they were so proud of themselves!

Students at Rak Pen Din learning about patterns in their math books

Without the MLE program, these students would be in classrooms where only Thai is spoken. It is this way even in small communities where children know little-to-no Thai when they enter school! Many of these children suffer in silence or drop out early, learning neither Thai nor their other subjects. To find a solution to this need, FAL and the Thai government have coordinated to implement the MLE program.

Students in native Northern Thai dress studying outside their classroom at Rak Pen Din

It was so encouraging to see so many students that enjoy school and are excited to learn. Even though the program is still in an experimental phase, the results are encouraging, and there is great potential for the future. Most importantly though, we saw and met adults who are eager to give their students great potential and a hope of a happy future!

We enjoyed time with the older students at Huay Khu school in the afternoon. 

This was a great first stop for us this fall. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Kirstie