The Return of Kelly May and Karen Spackman

Kelly May was christened “The Angel of the Andaman” in 2005 for her heroic relief work in the turbulent days following the tsunami. She joined Andaman Discoveries while the organization was still in its infancy, and led the charge in cultivating North Andaman community-based tourism from a concept into an Internationally-lauded reality. The team said a difficult farewell to their matron saint in late 2008; hungry for new challenges, Kelly then went on to manage an eco-resort in Koh Lanta for the high season, and is now focusing her long-term sights on teaching English.

In the meantime, Kelly has returned to Andaman Discoveries to facilitate several upcoming study trips and tackle some critical administrative work. “Kelly May is very special to the organization, and to have her back at this important time is like a gift,” said director Thamrong Chomphusri, who had no apparent qualms about sharing some of her responsibilities for a couple months with her former co-director. "It's great to be back. The progress that has been made during the past seven months is a testament to the hard work of staff and the villagers. A truly sustainable project shouldn't be dependent on an individual or outside assistance,” said Kelly of the organization.

We couldn’t be more grateful to Kelly for helping us out and sharing her observations. “During my time with guests in village I witnessed the progress the villagers have made. Hearing the host families welcome guests in English without any prompting and seeing all the homestay houses meeting the standard without AD having to assist is really inspiring. It might seem like little things, but it's taken four years to get here. Well done team, I've missed you!”

Karen Spackman also returned from a two-month leave in her native Scotland this month. Karen joined Andaman Discoveries as a volunteer last year, and quickly ascended to a full-time member of staff. When she’s not illuminating students from the front of a classroom, she’s responsible for volunteer coordination and community relations for Andaman Discoveries. “The Kuraburi community and the AD team made me feel at home from day one. My hope is to stay a year or more. I’d love to become fluent in the Thai language.” Karen said. We’re confident Karen will have little trouble achieving this.

Welcome home, Kelly and Karen! We’re fortunate to have you both.

Labels: Karen Spackman, Kelly May, staff

Karen befriends the local youth in Ban Talae Nok

This month Andaman Discoveries welcomed Karen Spackman, who joins us from Stirlingshire, Scotland, via Andaman Discoveries’ new partner TWIN UK. Karen is currently piloting two new long-term volunteering programs: teaching English at the Temple Kindergarten, and vocational English at the Kuraburi hospital. “This is turning out to be such a fantastic experience for me, I have been made to feel part of the team as well as the community since arriving in Kuraburi. Working with the local children and nurses has really helped transform me from being just another tourist to a valued member of the town,” said Karen.

In November she will be greeted by anxious students at the Kuraburi High School, where she will teach for her remaining two months. “Karen is a brilliant addition to the Andaman Discoveries team,” said Erik Rogers, AD Program Manager. “She has boundless energy and enthusiasm, and is a real self-starter. She felt like part of the gang on her first day.” In her spare time, Karen has generously helped out in the office on various administrative tasks, including our English homestay pack.

Karen went on to comment that, “Integrating with the local people has allowed me to establish relationships I would never have gained if I were merely just visiting the area. Since arriving in Kuraburi I have been supported all the way by Andaman Discoveries, through having access to their online teaching plan for the children, to assistance with the development of my own lesson plans for the adults. The staff at the office has such a vast wealth of knowledge that I’m always able to share ideas and concerns with at any time”.

Labels: Karen Spackman, staff, teaching english, volunteer