Learning to Lead | How Peer Teaching is Transforming Girls’ Education in Rural Thailand

by William Aura

Just outside the quiet village of Don Hai Sok, nestled deep in the Isaan region of northeastern Thailand, a remarkable transformation is taking place. At the heart of this change is the Ban Kung Learning Center (BKLC), a humble yet impactful space where young students, particularly girls, are rewriting their futures.

Directed by Mai Wilachai and supported by ASHA Foundation for Humanity, BKLC has become a cornerstone of hope, nurturing young minds in a rural area where resources are scarce, and opportunities for formal education are often limited.

As we join the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child, it’s important to spotlight the unique methods we are using to uplift and empower girls here in Isaan. October 11th is the day dedicated to recognizing the challenges girls face around the world - especially in rural and economically disadvantaged regions - and the untapped potential they hold when given the chance to learn and grow.

One of the greatest successes we’ve seen at BKLC is the power of peer teaching, where students like ‘Eye’ - once a student herself - now take on the vital role of assisting the teacher. It’s a method born of necessity, as resources in our village are limited, and we don’t always have access to trained educators. But what started as a practical solution has blossomed into something much deeper - a tool for leadership development and community growth.

Eye’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and blossoming leadership. When she first joined BKLC at its inception, her family faced significant economic challenges, like many in the community. Education wasn’t always a given. But over time, Eye excelled, and her natural curiosity and dedication stood out. She began assisting with lessons, first hesitantly, then with growing confidence. Today, Eye is not only one of our top students but also a leader, taking the reins to teach younger children, passing on the skills she’s learned to the next generation.

This approach - where older students help guide and teach younger ones - has proven incredibly effective, especially in rural areas like ours where there are few formal educational resources. Peer teaching encourages responsibility and leadership in our brightest students, helping them to mature while reinforcing their own understanding of the material. In return, the younger students feel more comfortable learning from someone closer to their age, creating a community of support and shared growth. It’s a dynamic that lifts everyone involved.

At BKLC, we believe that education is not just about facts and figures - it’s about instilling confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. The girls in our program, like Eye, are showing us that they can lead their peers, organize lessons, and become role models in their own right. They are learning valuable life skills - how to group people, how to explain complex ideas in simple terms, how to take ownership of their learning. These are skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our journey has been Eye’s participation in a Playing For Change project, where she briefly appeared as a dancer in the video for "Waiting on the World to Change." Through this collaboration, Eye and other students at BKLC were able to connect with a global community, learning English and other subjects through music. Playing For Change has not only provided a platform for our students to express themselves but has also made learning fun and engaging, offering a different way to connect with the world beyond our village.

Music has always played a role at BKLC. We use it as a tool to help our students develop language and dancing skills and as a way to instill hope and joy in their lives. Music can make our challenges a little more manageable. Our students feel they are a part of something much bigger, learning that they are connected to a global movement of empowerment and positive change.

But the journey here in Isaan is not without its challenges. Drug use, poverty, and limited access to healthcare are pervasive in the community, creating an environment where children are often at risk. These challenges make our work at BKLC all the more vital. Our focus is not just on learning but on creating a safe, nurturing space where children can thrive despite the difficulties they face. The support we receive from ASHA enables us to provide nutritious meals, emotional support, and a stable environment.

Eye’s story is a powerful example of what is possible when we invest in girls and their potential. From student to teacher, she embodies the hope and promise of what peer teaching can achieve. She is not just learning - she’s leading, and her impact on the younger children at BKLC is immeasurable. Her journey reflects the power of education in changing lives, and it shows how, even in the most challenging circumstances, young girls can rise to become leaders in their community.

As we continue to learn and grow, we recognize that our peer-teaching model could serve as an inspiration for other regions facing similar challenges. It’s a method that works not only because it addresses the lack of formal teaching resources but because it empowers students to take ownership of their education and their community.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate Eye and all the girls of Isaan who are defying the odds. We celebrate the role of education in their lives, the power of peer teaching, and the incredible impact of global movements like ASHA partnering with Playing For Change. Together, we are working to create a brighter future, one child at a time.

We look forward to learning from others around the world who are also dedicated to empowering girls. And we hope to continue sharing our successes and challenges as we refine our approach and explore new ways to support the children of Isaan.

One Love,
Playing For Change

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