Our family's #WorldschoolingQuest often takes us to unexpected places, teaching us lessons far beyond any textbook. Recently, that journey led us to Mae Sot, Thailand, and the incredible Mudita Foundation, a learning center providing vital education for Burmese refugee and migrant children. Stepping onto their grounds, we knew we were somewhere special, but we couldn't have predicted how profoundly the experience would shape us.
While our goal was to contribute in various ways, one major project was tackling the school's computer lab. It was equipped with 27 older PCs, struggling under the weight of outdated operating systems. Access to digital tools is crucial for modern education, and we wanted to help bridge that gap. Enter Google's free ChromeOS Flex. 💻
For those unfamiliar, ChromeOS Flex is designed specifically to revitalize older hardware. It's lightweight, cloud-centric, secure, and remarkably easy to install. Over several days, we carefully wiped the old systems and installed ChromeOS Flex on each of the 27 machines. Seeing the lab transform from sluggish relics to a fleet of snappy, functional computers ready for learning was incredibly rewarding. It felt like we weren't just installing software; we were unlocking potential.
Of course, technology in the field always comes with adventures! During one of our first tech lessons in the newly revamped lab, the power for the entire region suddenly cut out! 💡 After the initial groans (mostly from me!), it turned into an unexpectedly valuable lesson. We couldn't use the computers, so we gathered everyone and had an "unplugged" discussion about how computers work, the importance of saving work, and even brainstormed alternative ways to learn and communicate when technology fails. It was a funny, memorable reminder that adaptability is key, and learning happens with or without electricity!
Our contributions weren't limited to the computer lab. We had the immense joy of engaging students through other avenues as well. We led sessions on Design Thinking, US History, played chess and dove into Readers' Theatre. 🎭 📚 And perhaps most energetically, James led PE classes with all of the students.
Working alongside the dedicated staff and incredibly resilient students at Mudita was truly transformative for our whole family. Witnessing their eagerness to learn, their warmth despite facing immense challenges, and the strong sense of community fostered by the foundation was humbling and deeply inspiring. This experience was a powerful reminder that education is a beacon of hope, and connection transcends borders and backgrounds.
This journey wouldn't have been possible without the support of so many people, both near and far. Thank you to everyone who offered encouragement, resources, and well wishes. A huge thank you to the leadership, staff, and especially the students of the Mudita Foundation for welcoming our family with open arms and sharing their world with us. 🙏
As we reflect on our time there, we also want to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by communities connected to the families Mudita serves, particularly in light of recent events. Many have been impacted by the recent earthquake. If you feel moved to contribute to the relief efforts, you can find more information and donate via this link: https://gofund.me/1b399389 🌍
Our time in Mae Sot was more than just a volunteering stint; it was a profound exchange of knowledge, culture, and humanity. We left a part of our hearts there and carry invaluable lessons forward on our #WorldschoolingQuest.
This journey wouldn't have been possible without the support of so many people, both near and far. Thank you to everyone who offered encouragement, resources, and well wishes. A huge thank you to the leadership, staff, and especially the students of the Mudita Foundation for welcoming our family with open arms and sharing their world with us. 🙏
As we reflect on our time there, we also want to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by communities connected to the families Mudita serves, particularly in light of recent events. Many have been impacted by the recent earthquake. If you feel moved to contribute to the relief efforts, you can find more information and donate via this link: https://gofund.me/1b399389 🌍
Our time in Mae Sot was more than just a volunteering stint; it was a profound exchange of knowledge, culture, and humanity. We left a part of our hearts there and carry invaluable lessons forward on our #WorldschoolingQuest.
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