Written by Victoria, GMPI in Thailand
As I neared the end of my International Relations degree back in 2023, I wasn’t just counting down the days, I was sprinting to the finish line. So much so that I handed in my final assessment three weeks early, although this was fuelled more by my thirst for adventure than academic diligence. From there, the airport was my first stop.
What followed were a few unforgettable months of camping and overlanding through Africa. Then came the breath taking (literally) Himalayas in Nepal and the colourful chaos and sensory overload of India’s streets. A little over a year later, I found myself in Chiang Mai. This time not just looking for my next destination, but for something more. I was searching for a way to blend my love for cultures, connection, and development into something meaningful that could challenge me both personally and professionally.
A multitude of Google tabs and late-night searches later, I came across an opportunity with FutureSense Foundation as a Group Mentor and Project Implementor. It brought together everything I was craving – collaboration, culture, and commitment to community-driven sustainable initiatives. It felt like a natural next step, and I leapt at it. A few months later I was in Chiang Mai once again but this time en route to Mae Sariang to begin my role here as a GMPI.
Having lived here for over three months now, what I love most about Thailand is the Sabai Sabai lifestyle. Life isn’t always easy, but there’s a calm, laid-back way of approaching each day that really resonates with me. Sabai Sabai is that easygoing, go-with-the-flow attitude that reminds me of the Aussie ‘She’ll be right’ mindset. It’s a sense of trust that things will work out, even if you’re not sure how. That feeling of calm, and not needing to rush or force things, is a big part of why Thailand feels like home.
Coming from a big city, I’ve always been drawn to the strength and deep sense of connection that runs through the small villages and communities I’ve had the chance to venture through. Back home, the fast-paced, individualistic culture often felt a little disconnected, like something was missing. Here in Mae Sariang, I’ve witnessed something different. The strong, genuine partnerships I’ve observed in this community have been inspiring, and nowhere is that more evident than in the connections and growth I’ve seen in the learners at our local partner schools.
As part of my role, I’ve made numerous visits to partner locations alongside our participants, supporting them as they deliver English language workshops. Over the course of these sessions, I’ve watched the learners gain immense confidence. In just a short time, their English abilities have improved, and their personalities and cheekiness have begun to shine through. It’s been incredible to see how the workshops here have not only helped them academically but have given them the confidence to express themselves more freely, both in the classroom and in their interactions with our participants.
Earlier in the programme I had the privilege to get back to my camping roots, spending a week with some Australian participants off the grid in one of our hill tribe partner schools. Cut off from connection, we found our entertainment in the peaceful beauty of the village, with its gorgeous mountains, serene streams running through the school grounds, and vibrant murals coloring the walls. The days were filled with chaos, kids pulling us into games be it braiding, volleyball, or soccer, while the cool, slow nights were spent lounging around, debating over the ideal number of teaspoons of Ovaltine for the perfect cup of hot chocolate. But what truly made the week unforgettable was seeing the learners transform before our eyes, watching them gain confidence, form deep connections with the participants, and rapidly absorb new vocabulary.
Being part of the programmes at the hill tribe school gave me a real, up-close look at the challenges these communities face when it comes to education. The distance, the isolation, the lack of resources, and the language barriers all add up. But even with all that, the students’ resilience stood out. Their curiosity, passion, their willingness to engage, and their excitement to learn was clear. It really hit me how important FutureSense Foundation’s support is in these spaces. Ongoing, consistent work with these communities has the power to open doors to opportunity and make sure no learner is left behind.
Our workshops usually take place during school hours, however, my most recent group of participants delivered a series of storytelling and song-based English workshops during the school holidays. One participant didn’t realise this until our end-of-week reflection.
When I mentioned it, she was genuinely surprised. I told her that the fact we still averaged 62 learners each day was a testament not only to the quality and energy she and her peers brought to the sessions, but also to FutureSense Foundation’s strong relationship with the community. It struck a chord with her. She said knowing that, was the highlight of her week. The idea that the workshops were so educational and enjoyable that learners chose to walk to school during their holidays, just to join a one-hour session, showed just how meaningful these experiences can be for both learners and participants.
Moments like these and seeing the passion, resilience, and strength of the local community make me feel proud to be a part of an organisation like FutureSense Foundation, where every effort helps shape a larger, transformative impact. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and playing my part in supporting the next generation of global citizens. Looking ahead, I feel nothing but gratitude for the memories I’ve made, the impact that’s already unfolding, and all the meaningful moments to come.
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