Education - Mae Wang Mountains, Chiang Mai, Thailand
the adventure
"Learning by doing!"
Many Karen, Lisu and Lahu tribal communities have settled in the rugged Mae Wang region of Northern Thailand, comprising rustically beautiful mountains, lush vegetation, undulating jungle trails, scenic waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers and elephant camps.
In this adventure, my primary objective was to first deepen my understanding of the region's human and geographic terrain. This would then allow me to assess the prospects for community development. The best way to achieve my objective was to live in the mountains, enjoy the cool Nov-Dec climate, visit the villages scattered around the area, and engage in activities with the locals. Of course, I also took the opportunity to go jungle trail running every day. There was so much challenging terrain and so many trails to explore!
As always, I found that learning by doing with the locals was still the best way to understand their way of life and to acquire essential skills. It was also the most authentic way to build friendship and trust with the local tribal folks. When we demonstrate sincerely that we are willing to learn from and understand them, rapport, acceptance and mutual respect start to develop.
So, from jungle cooking to bamboo rafting, from shelter construction and farming to children's education and elephant handling, I tried my best to learn the local techniques, and understand the local considerations and how their eco-systems functioned. How I wished I had another four weeks to spend with them!
In sum, this was a rugged and fascinating learning adventure for me, and I also became clearer about how to engage in community development with the tribal folks. Most importantly, I made several new local friends and potential partners in this endeavour.
I'll be back for sure!
