This week was very unexpected but a lot of fun! I was asked to help with the Duang Prateep Foundation’s “Nitan Caravan,” a traveling puppet show (I still can't quite figure out what Nitan Caravan means — if you have ideas, let me know!). The team loads large speakers and a sound system, props, a 10-foot x 10-foot backdrop, a makeshift stage, as well as prizes and fun for the students into a 12-person van and heads to kindergartens and primary schools around Bangkok. The show teaches students about mosquito-transmitted diseases and motorbike/driving safety in an engaging and exciting way. I also had never met any of the staff from this project before, so it was lovely to get to know them.
However, I would be lying if I said that this show was easy! None of the other team members spoke English, so I was working based only on context clues and instinct. When I joined them in the van to head to the first school, I had no idea what was going on. Then, when we arrived at the school and they began pulling things out of the trunk, I was 1) shocked at how much fit in the trunk and 2) even more confused about what was going on. Luckily, I quickly learned to bite my confusion-fueled embarrassment and just lend a hand wherever it seemed like it was needed. Soon enough, we had put together the stage.
As always, the children were super cute. We began by getting their energy out by doing a few songs and dances. I joined in on leading the dances, which was fun and didn’t require speaking any Thai. Then, it was time for the puppet show! I helped assist with some of the props, but I also got to sit in the back and watch portions. Even though I didn’t understand what they were saying, the message about mosquito-borne illnesses was clear. It was really fun to watch the kids scream at the scary parts and laugh at the more lighthearted ones. Afterward, we played a series of games with them that helped reiterate the point (such as a matching game with disease-related terms) and handed out prizes, such as children's helmets for motorbiking.
I helped out with the caravan from Monday to Wednesday, and then Thursday and Friday were back to the normal week. I continued to teach at the kindergarten, help out with documents, and compile the New Life Project records. Even though many of the staff also don’t speak English, it’s been very nice to get to know them through some of the bilingual staff. From the Nitan Caravan to the kindergarten to the International Relations section, it’s been very sweet to become friendly with everyone.
Next week, we will be helping out with a Sport’s Day that the English Coordinator has been organizing, which I’m very excited about. Other than that, I’m hoping to wrap up the New Life Project records and find a new project to start on.