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Abstract: This proposal is based on the premises
that we will be providing several forms of services
in an underserved region of Thailand, specifically Khao
Lak. One of the key forms of services that we intend
to offer at the center will be vocational training and
vocational education. Included with this proposal is
our outline for services which follows several American
models such as the the Japanese American Cultural Community
Center of Los Angeles and the Community College Community
Services programs. A detailed justification for each
of these programs are documented below with a focus
on educational solutions for industries that were destroyed
by the Tsunami of 2004. We believe that our overall
project proposal will be stable and long term since
the long term goal is to create a sustainable solution
to the problems resulting from the disaster and other
preexisting community issues.
Initial project proposal outline.
Our goal is to offer the following services and
resources:
1. Vocational Training Programs
a. Culinary Arts
Program
b. Organic Farming
Program
c. Hotel/Resort
Hospitality Training Program
2. English as a Second Language
Program
a. Reading program
b. Conversational English
3. Computer Skills Training
Classes
a. Introduction to Computers
i.
Basics
ii.
E-Mail
iii.
Internet
b. Introduction to Windows
c. Introduction to Mac OS
d. Introduction to Microsoft
Office
4. Child Development Center
a. PreK and School Age Students
b. Teen Center
c. Tutorial programs
5. Community Library
a. Children and Adult Collections
b. Access to Thai literature
and World Literature.
c. Access to the World Wide
Web
6. Additional services
a. Sports programs
b. Cultural programs
Vocational Training Program summaries.
- The Culinary Arts Program. This is designed to retrain
people who wish to transition from previous careers
heavily disrupted by the disaster. Under the management
of Tommy Tang, this program will train each participant
to work in the Hotel and Tourist Industry. Once certified,
graduates can be placed in various hotels and restaurants
within the region. Certification in Thai Cuisine will
also be offered, but emphasis will be placed on a
more global overview of cuisines in order to allow
easy placement in Tourism focused industries.
- The Organic Farming Program: This is designed to
retrain people who wish to leave the fishing industry
into the farm industry. Because of the sensitive ecological
issues surrounding farming and deforestation, we will
emphasize environmentally sensitive forms of farming
which can maximize yields but also maintain the ecological
longevity of the region. Multiple crop usage and chemical
free fertilizers (composting) are several issues to
be resolved as well. We intend to bring volunteers
from various universities to help train the people
to farm.
- · The Hotel/Resort Hospitality Program: This
is designed to help people obtain jobs in the area
hotels and resort facilities. Cultural awareness training
will be offered in order for the participants to become
familiar with various internationals. Various requirements
of the regional hotels will be outlined and defined
for the participants long before they attempt to apply
for a position. The purpose of the program is to offer
another income base possibility, and the tourist industry
is one of the largest employers in the region.
English as a Second Language
- The Reading Program: We will create a program using
the current pedagogical practices in the USA. The
goal of this program is to familiarize and to strengthen
their comprehension and understanding of the English
language and other aspects of the written form. Appropriate
student learning outcomes have been created, and we
will implement the appropriate. This program will
be an adjunct to existing instruction already being
instituted in the school system.
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- We currently are designing a program which will
follow ESL program structures for Conversational English
in the United States. This program is specifically
designed to help participants in the Vocational Training
Programs. Our goal is to create a pool of employees
and a general population fluent in the English language
which should be a significant asset for the job market
in the region which is heavily biased towards the
tourist industry. Additional job opportunities would
be available to individuals who have a bilingual capability.
A sequenced program is what we would like to institute
with a heavy emphasis on both conversational and writing.
Student learning outcomes will be designated.
Computer Skills Training Program
- Introduction to Computers: This class is designed
to introduce the basics of using a computer. It is
our belief that an understanding of computers is a
necessary component in terms of improving their ability
to be placed in new vocational areas. A review of
the basics of computer knowledge will be provided
both to children and adults. Student learning outcomes
will be designated and a certificate will be issued.
- Introduction to Windows: This class is designed
to fully familiarize the student with the Windows
operating system. Student learning outcomes will be
designated and a certificate will be issued.
- Introduction to Mac OS: This class is designed
to fully familiarize the student with the Mac OS.
Student learning outcomes will be designated and a
certificate will be issued.
- Introduction to Microsoft Office: This class is
designed to familiarize the student with the Microsoft
Office program suite. It is an industry standard program,
and the student learning outcomes will be defined
by an ability to use all of the components of the
program such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook Express.
- This program is dependent upon the creation of
a smart classroom with fully functional computers
with current software.
Child Development Center
- PreK and School Age Students will be provided various
afterschool activities in order to enhance their regular
school experience. Access to various cultural activities
and therapy programs will be fully integrated into
the program. The model for this program would be similar
to various structured programs used throughout the
USA including the Head Start program.
- A teen center program will be created in order
to give teenagers access to programming that fits
their interests and needs. Access to more sophisticated
activities and trips will be a integral part of the
overall program.
- All participants will have access to extra tutorial
help. This program will be augmented by volunteers
from several universities both from Thailand and the
USA.
Community Library
- It is our belief that a resource library is needed
in the community. Much of the community resources
have been eliminated by the tsunami, so it is imperative
that everyone have access to such forms of knowledge.
- The library should contain materials in Thai and
in other languages, specifically English. Other self
study materials can also be placed in the holdings
and a computerized holdings system should be employed
in order to track materials.
· Access to information on the World Wide Web
is also going to be developed.
Cultural and Community Center
- Once the center is constructed, we will give the
community access to a multipurpose gym. This gym can
be configured for volleyball, basketball and other
sports, but it can also be used as a town meeting
hall.
- We are developing a pool of volunteers to visit
the center and to offer workshops in a number of areas:
fruit carving, wood carving, flower arrangement, Thai
dance workshops, acting workshops, and storytelling.
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