Learning from the land, growing through experience.
I did not begin by teaching.
I did not begin by teaching. We walked more than four kilometers from the school to the village, learned from one another along the way, and ended a Mid-Autumn evening with lanterns, wishes, and a guitar. Somewhere between the walk, the lantern light, and the songs, the distance between us no longer felt quite the same.
Getting to know one another
DETAILED CURRICULUM
Why would they ‘fail’ if during the process they have been able to demonstrate their curiosity, grit, and talent to their best?
WHAT THE EXAM COULD NOT TELL ME
The curriculum I arrived with did not survive unchanged.
The curriculum I arrived with did not survive unchanged.
When students hesitated to speak, I used drawings, objects, games, and smaller groups. When I wanted to understand what mattered to them, I stopped asking only for written answers.
OVERALL CONCLUSION AND RESULTS
Some students wanted to keep studying but told me their parents said, “Studying won’t put food on the table.” After several weeks, I understood how difficult it was to change that belief. I saw clearer changes in something closer at hand: about 28 of the 30 students became more willing to present, work together, and speak with someone unfamiliar. Yet only two or three students expressed a wish to continue on to upper secondary school.
Hiking on Doi Mountain • 2021
Getting to know one another
Approximate figures based on my observations and conversations during the project.
Hiking on Doi Mountain • 2023
When I think of the corn we planted, I think of those two or three students who want to continue on to upper secondary school. I hope that wish takes root. Perhaps one day, they will bring what they learn back to their community—and help another child see a reason to stay in school. That is the hope I carry from Ngọc Linh.
I see myself as a counselor, listener and supporter, who is reliable, concerned.
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