ER sponsors their Supply Teacher Tanya Fiford to prepare for her Nepal and Thailand missions
Tanya has two trips planned, the first in October of this year. She will be living in a Monastery teaching the Buddhist Monks, as well as the children. She will get to ride elephants, see tigers and experience a whole new way of life, Tanya said “I am so exited!”
Then In February 2011 she is off to Thailand to teach orphans.
A little piece written by Tanya:
Hello Everyone,
I am about to begin the first of many great adventures as a dedicated member of Education Resourcing and would like to share this with you all. Since I was child I have always liked to learn new and interesting things. With a continuous drive to better myself. I would read anything I could get my hands on. As I grew I researched on the internet and took on new courses. I studied Art, English, I took on courses such as Bricklaying [don’t ask!], Horse Riding and am now due to finish my Psychology Degree in 10 months. I am a Mother, Painter, Writer, Dog Breeder and organise a Language School for French Students during the holidays. But mostly, I love to share the knowledge that I have gained.
As with many like minded staff at Education resourcing I have found myself supply teaching. I have always tried to help those around me even if I haven’t succeeded. Again a trait we all share. I remember a time when I lived in Kent and I had a woman come to the door she couldn’t speak English and had a baby on her hip. She handed me a letter that read ‘ need food or money, please help’. I gave her nappies, bread and tinned food. Of course it wasn’t until she left that I wondered if she had a tin opener and had a horrible image of an episode of southpark. Kenny and his family around the table staring at a tin of baked beans, no tin opener!
Trying I am, but smart not always. The reason I am sharing this with you is so that you get to know the type of person I am before I leave and can be a part of what I am doing. My boyfriend always tells me that I’m the dumbest smart person he has ever met. For instance, when Nicky told me that ER would like to sponsor me to teach abroad my first thought was; ‘why would a medical soap opera sponsor me to teach poorer communities’. Two seconds later the light bulb went on, duh!
Anyway, after seeing how Nicky has kept raising money for various charities and helping others each year I decided it was about time I did the one thing I’ve always wanted to do. After a few month of investigation I booked the flights. In an effort to improve my confidence, my teaching ability, my knowledge, world awareness and most importantly, to help where I can, I am setting off to Nepal for two weeks.
From the 1st October – 15th October I will be living, eating, sleeping in a Monastery with Buddhist Monks. During the day I will teach them English and of an evening I will help with a variety of community projects. The money paid to them goes straight into the community so I feel I am helping in many ways.
I will be donating a copy of each of my children’s books and am happy if any staff want me to take books, pencils, pens, other resources etc. Please be aware that I cannot take too much with me.
I am happy that I have the support of staff from ER, many of which I have met and shown that they are not only talented, but resourceful, passionate and unique teachers.
WISH ME LUCK.
And watch this space for pictures and dairy entries.
Thank you, Tanya Fiford
(Photo courtesy of the Boston Glove)
