Board Member, Development and Communications Coordinator
jallore@roomtogrowfoundation.org
I was teaching English in Japan, boring myself to tears teaching bored language learners with disposable cash. I wanted to teach people who actually needed to learn English to improve their life. In short, I wanted to teach adverbial clauses meaningfully.
Since I had already been intrigued with Burma and its long term civil unrest, and also interested in working with refugees, when I saw an advert for a job actually living in a refugee camp teaching young adults, I nearly shrieked with excitement. Since I was in an internet cafe at the time, I quietly let my eyes well over with a sense of soon-to-be fulfilled contentment.This was my destiny. So, after some interviews and busying myself with my backpack for six months around Southeast Asia, I moved into my new life.
I learned a lot during my time in camp – not only about the ins and outs of baby rats and deep-fried doughy snacks – but also about the limitations that refugees face in the camps, particularly the marginalized groups such as orphans and displaced youth. I learned just what people would do for a chance to study, a chance to get an education, something that our own youth take for granted in the West. I’ve never seen so many aspiring teachers, doctors, community leaders, all with the common goal of educating andraising the living standards of their people.
Although I taught there for only 1 year, I stayed here in Thailand not to teach, but to make use of those 4 years of experience for other endeavors, such as managing a non-formal educational English program in all the camps for a large international non-governmental organization here, and then using those skills to get involved with Room to Grow Foundation.
My time is again up,and I have moved onto different pastures for the most part, but luckily I will always have the privilege to come back to my home in Mae Sot and continue working on this foundation with my incredible partners, Jen and Su-Ann.
Jennifer Jones (BA)
Board Member, Project Coordinator
jjones@roomtogrowfoundation.org
I came to the Thai-Burmese border on a six-month contract with the idea that I would have an interesting experience, learn a lot and then move on to other, exciting, international venues. Eating rice and boiled turnips in the first few days that I stayed in Umpium Mai refugee camp, I could never have foreseen that I would still be there, three years on.
I draw my inspiration from the stories of the people around me. From hearing about the incredible obstacles young people have faced, the trials they have endured and the long journeys they have made just to get to a place they can get an education. I believe that all children deserve a safe and comfortable place to live and time to play. I believe that all children should go to school with a full belly and room for some laughter. The more stories I hear, the more I want to make that happen.
Su-Ann Oh (BSc, MSc, PhD)
Board Member, Administrative and Fundraising Coordinator
su-ann@roomtogrowfoundation.org
A friend once asked me what I stand for. I thought about it for a while and realized that I am passionate about fighting for the underdog. My interests and work have revolved around working with marginalized and vulnerable groups – refugees, separated children and young people at risk of social exclusion – to understand and to help them to improve their daily lives and future prospects.
I believe firmly in quality education that is relevant and engaging, and that enables people to question their own assumptions, to approach challenges positively and creatively, and to pursue social and economic goals which fulfill them. I hope to help others to achieve this through our foundation.
I am an independent researcher specializing on the education of refugees along the Thai-Burmese border. My work to date has examined the educational experience of Burmese and Palestinian refugees and the needs of marginalized students in England and Singapore. I have published papers and reports on the education of Palestinians in Lebanon, the education of Burmese refugees in Thai refugee camps and separated children in Thai refugee camps.
Sandra and Graham Jones
Board Members
sgjones@roomtogrowfoundation.org
Born in Australia, Sandra Jones has lived in Canada for the past 33 years and recently moved to British Columbia to live in a log cabin in the mountains. As an Occupational Therapist, she promotes self care, productivity and leisure for all her clients. For the children she works with, productivity means playing. Sandra feels that through play, children learn the skills they need to become independent. Education also plays a crucial role for children, allowing them to fulfill their potential and inspiring them to be curious about the world.
Graham Jones recently retired from his position as Sales Manager for a timber frame company in Golden, British Colombia. As an MBA graduate, Graham has been involved with various companies and financial projects over the years and is now happy to sit back, enjoy the mountains. Having always believed in the importance of family, he now spends his time working towards improving the lives of children who have become separated from theirs.
Sandra and Graham have three children, each of whom has been able to attend post secondary education and travel the world. They believe that all people have the right to participate in educational opportunities, as well as have fun, relax, play and be children.
Camp-Based Coordinator
Project Staff
We are currently recruiting for a new camp-based coordinator as our current member of staff will be resettling soon to a third country.
