17/11/2008 - AFS-THA Volunteers Meeting 2008

AFS Thailand : Volunteers National Meeting 2008

was held on 8-11 November. The meeting taking place in
three provinces; Bangkok, Kamphangphet and Tak; was
organized under the theme “AFS Volunteers: The Power of
Unsurpassed Dedication.” About 200 volunteers
participated in this event.
The function started with the speech from Dr.
Punya Kaewkeeyoon, Director of General Administration for
the Office of Basic Education Commission, and the
welcome speech from AFS Thailand Chairman, Mr. Sanan
Angubolkul. The opening ceremony finished
with AFS Thailand presentation.
The afternoon program began with “Talk with Returnees”
session. AFS-THA invited 3 outstanding returnees together
with their AFS advisors (volunteers) on stage. This
interview session was hosted by Mr. Surawat
Chompoopong , an AFS Board member and also a famous
speaker.
The 3 returnees were:
Ms. Pattriya Srisak AFS participant of 2004-05 to
Missouri USA. During the program, she received Star
Award from the host school for Academic Outstanding.
Pattriya is now a junior of Medical Science, Khon Kaen
University.
Mr. Suriyakul Wongsue, a Financial Aid
Scholarship student, to Bolivia in 2006-07. During
his AFS year, he received the bronze medal in Chemistry
andMathematic competition. He is currently studying in the
Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, with highest
entrance score of the country.
Last, Mr. Jakkri Taejawaree, also a Financial Aid
Scholarship student, joiningAFS in 1995-96 to USA. After
completing the program, he attended Chiangmai University
in Faculty of Economic with 1st honor (Gold Medal), and
later received the Monbukagakusho, Japanese government
scholarship, to study Master Degree in Economic Science
at Nagoya University.
Dr. Pailin Kanchanaphanuphan was Jakkri’s
advisor. She encouraged him to participate
in AFS program. Jakkri was reluctant because of his
financial difficulty, she had raised the money starting from
her own pocket for Jakkri’s pocket money while
participating with the program. Now, Jakkri was a university
instructor and became a good support for his teachers and his fellow school students. Ms. Phannee Chokchai-u-saha was Suriyakul’s
advisor. She encouraged Suriyakul to participate in AFS program and organized the fundraising project for her students to be able to go
abroad. After the program, Suriyakul became a role model for his fellow students and always helped his teacher with the AFS and school
activities. Ms. Noree Kraphuchai had always been a good supportive with her students not only for Pattriya.
All three returnees had shared their AFS experience and the success in their lives after the program. They all stated that their
success came from being anAFS participant and the good support as well as encouragement from their teachers (AFS volunteers).
The interview session was followed by the fundraising presentations from three chapters; Udonthani, Ratchaburi and
Chiangmai. They presented the way they conducted the fundraising projects, the obstructions they had conquered and the achievement
they received at the end. The money received will be used to support the AFS Financial Aid Scholarship students of the respective
chapters in the following AFS program cycle.
In the evening, AFS Thailand organized a memorable ceremony for 22 chapter presidents and volunteers who retired from their work in
2008. The function was fulfilled with good memories and smiles.
The representatives from the retirees affirmed that despite the retirement of their career age, their voluntary support
to AFS continued.