Dr Namfa Benjalug, Senior Specialist in Academic Affairs and Learning Development and Consultant to the Secretary General of the Education Commission (OBEC), addressed the Assembly. Her presentation, "Educating for the Future We Want" outlined the history and structure of education in Thailand, as well as the laws and policies. Dr Benjalug spoke of her admiration for Montessori education, how it fits with 'following the Middle Path' and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. She paid tribute to the Australian Montessori Curriculum and spoke of the need to change teacher practice in Thailand from passive teaching to a culture of active learning.
Kannekar Butt gave the Australian Thai Montessori history and it is a testament to Kannekar, her husband John Butt and their daughter, that Thailand now has over 300 Montessori schools. The audience agreed that Kannekar is indeed a warrior hero to whom it is impossible to say No! Dr Benjalug confirmed that the entire Thai Education Commission is in awe of this great woman and there is collective concern about what she may be about to ask for next!
Kannekar spoke of Dr Kasemar's commitment to Montessori and how the pilot programme in Nathorn Pathom began in 2004 with 6 schools. The first teacher was applauded by the Assembly. It was a good solution for the Thai government as it could not reach it's commitment to 1 teacher for every class in a third of schools in small remote areas. Tusanee Sakamit works harder for MTA in retirement than before when she was teaching.
The Khon Kaen Area 3 Research study has shown great improvement in the intellectual domain for 600 five year olds. Administrators have worked with Christine Harrison and Bill Conway on School Improvement and now there is an urgent need for Adolescent programme training. It is crucial to understand the strengths and to keep all stakeholders informed.
Lynne Lawrence outlined the way forward with information from the working groups and Michelle Graham shared the work done by the group on EsF Values. Cassella Slater reported on what makes an EsF project and the agreed criteria for the way forward.
Megan Tyne shared the work on a new AMI-EsF website hosted on Drupal. Key data from the Assembly proceedings will be stored on the new website. Megan thanked those who worked on the arduous tasks of labelling every photo and recording session transcripts. The new website will have English, Thai and Chinese translations and MVA have offered to help with the latter. Tagging of interests, information and inspiration will be a feature of the new website.
Philip O'Brien, AMI President, shared with the Assembly through the medium of Skype and thanked participants for the work completed.
Kay Boulden shared the work done by the group on the role of EsF, Using SWOT analysis. Hilary Korir explained the LOGIC model for the way forward, with the next steps and strategic plan.
Lynne Lawrence encouraged Assembly participants to think about people who could contribute financially to the work in a major way and give that information to Fay Hendriksen.
The students from the Sufficiency school in an underprivileged area shared a dance to farewell Assembly members. The dancers were dressed in national costumes from ASEAN countries and performed an intricate dance with grace and dexterity.
Participants shared reflections on the 4th EsF Assembly and a deep sense of gratitude pervaded the gathering. Lynne Lawrence concluded with inspirational quotes and the 4th Assembly stood to dance together to the the very apt clip of 'Stand By Me'.
The Farewell Dinner was a brilliant sharing and thanks were extended to the organising committee and all who contributed to the smooth running of the 4th Assembly. The Thai contingent chose some participants to be "models" and the gathering was treated to Karaoke throughout the night. It was a night of frivolity, fun and friendship with participants knowing they had shared a unique and precious time. They had cemented relationships and would continue to work at bringing about peace and social change in Montessori environments throughout the world. They would continue to "step out of the box" and "dance in the rain".
