NIST sees learning opportunity in floods

As an educational institute, New International School of Thailand (NIST) took the flood as another learning opportunity for staff and students.

\ During the flooding period, the school raised more than Bt1 million to buy 100 boats and 1,500 relief bags. Like any other institution, the school learnt that among flood victims were its own staff. Thirty-seven staff were provided with shelter and Bt8,000 each.

"Our long-term plan is to help our staff repair, rebuild and replace what was lost. We are asking staff or student volunteers to help repair and clean up the houses of those staff affected by the floods. In the long run, NIST will provide loans for six months at zero interest to the value of the staff's salary as well, to replace what they lost. We believe that in order to be a strong school, we need to be strong from within," said Simon Leslie, the headmaster.

Students also had an opportunity to learn from the unfortunate events that affected some of the school's staff. As part of the school's House programme, all students in years 7, 8 and 9 engage with Community and Service through APS - Action, Performance, and Service. Originally, the Year-8s were going to inquire into the role of elephants in Thai culture and how they could raise awareness of the issues surrounding their declining population and mistreatment. When the flooding began, it was clear that the focus of the programme had to be redirected to address immediate needs.

It is important for students to understand that a critical part of meaningful community and service is readjusting to address immediate and pressing issues.

To the school, it was also important to teach the students that even without direct impact, they should learn that other community members were affected. Students need to recognise that community and service requires one to, "think global, act local".

"We have learned the process that we need to go through to help people. It's not always just to give money. By talking to our staff and going shopping with them, we gained knowledge on what they really needed. I'm really happy that I could help the flood victims because it feels good to know that you are helping someone in need that is in your community," said Grade 8 student, Samantha Drew.

"I have also gained personally. I started to appreciate what we have, and don't take things for granted so much anymore. I feel thankful for what I have," added her schoolmate, Aishah Ariffin.

"It was a great opportunity to help the flood victims and get their input and ideas to help widen the range of improvement and support. I gained knowledge on the situation and tried to make others knowledgeable so that in any time if they don't know what to do, they can use their knowledge to get somewhere," said another student, Rosna Sachdev.