Forefront May 2008 Service Trip

General

A team of 6 people from Virginia spent four days in the Ta Phin schools working on a number of projects described below. All were volunteers who gave their time, money and expertise to help the Red Dao people and all came away with wonderful memories and a sense of accomplishment.


Health Education

A team of two assisted the children in education on a number of topics, particularly dental health and general information on germs and the spreading of germs. All of the children viewed a video on teeth health which included information on the proper care of teeth and instruction on plaque and tooth decay. Also included was information on which foods to avoid or reduce consumption of to insure tooth health. All of the children received a toothbrush.


Water Project

Two water filters were installed and a number of “odd” jobs were completed as the water project moved towards being completed. A trench was dug that carried a pipe from the water tanks on the roof of the school to the holding tank constructed in March. A system to carry drinking water to the school was completed. We were also briefed on the entire water project which when completely finished will carry drinking water to the school (complete) and cooking/bathing water to approx 500 additional people.


English Instruction

A third part of our project was to continue the instruction in English begun by our March team. Classroom instruction included both the alphabet and the linking of words and pictures of common items such as animals, that the children would recognize. Song was incorporated to reinforce the lesson