She’ll jet off to Thailand to help young people
A selfless Paisley student is looking forward to spending her summer helping others in Southeast Asia.
Audrey Duff, a second year University of the West of Scotland BA ( Hons) Community Education student, is heading to Thailand as part of a Global Citizenship Programme run by the Challenges Abroad organisation.
The 54-year-old will be part of a team of two that will work in Mae Sariang, which is a small rural community that is typical of Thailand’s disadvantaged communities.
She will help repair the school building that will aid the regeneration of village.
And Audrey is also clear that the special visit to Thailand from August 2 to 23 will help her studies at UWS.
She said: “I decided to sign up for Global Citizenship Programme as I was keen to continue challenging myself academically and practically throughout the summer.
“I believe this experience will support and enhance my future studies.”
Bosses at UWS say its BA Community Education degree is for those already involved or interested in working with people in communities to help their education.
They say community education is an expanding professional area that contributes to youth and community practices.
Audrey’s course, which is approved by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland, is aimed at current or aspiring community education practitioners.
Audrey said: “I have always dreamt of doing a challenge like this but at 54 years of age I thought the opportunity had passed me by.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the locals, understanding their culture and engaging in activities that supports the regeneration of their community.
“I will also have the opportunity to work in local schools supporting individuals with their literacy and numeracy skills as a way of empowering them to live a better quality of life.
“I hope that my contribution will help to build the capacity of the young people in Mae Sariang with the view of them continuing to develop the quality of education within the local schools and the wider community.”