I volunteered at Koh Tao International Primary during my time in Thailand and kept finding myself returning again and again in between other travel plans. I love this school and the teachers so much and I have built relationships there that will last a life time. The balance between island life and study life is truly something beautiful and something I’ve never seen anywhere else. The quality of educators and this school managing to keep its “family feel” as it has grown throughout the years. The children are evidence of their amazing school ethos as I’ve watched them grow into intelligent and compassionate young adults. The sky is the limit for the children at Koh Tao International all thanks to Claire and the rest of the team.
I had my girls going to Koh Tao International Primary for several years and was really grateful we had that school on our little island. They put a lot of energy and dedication into it and the kids received lots of attention along with a good level of education. Thank you.
I travelled to Koh Tao, Thailand at the beginning of 2019 with the intention of spending 3-6 months volunteering at Koh Tao international School. I had no idea when I got on that first plane, exactly how much of an impact the island, the children and the community would have on my life. I ended up staying for 21 months and I am 99% sure that if not for COVID 19, I would still be there doing whatever Claire and the team needed from me with my heart on my sleeve.
The whole team at Right to Learn Foundation are amazing humans. There are honestly not enough words to express the passion, compassion and dedication expressed on a daily basis by everyone involved. Food drops, school sponsorships, health care and support are just the tip of the iceberg.
Claire leads her team with love and it shows in every decision she makes, every plan she creates and every hug she gives. I am so proud to say that I was a small part of it all and I can not wait for the world to open up so I can go back and catch up with all of my wonderful, talented students and the now life long friends who made my time on Koh Tao amazing.
Claire shared so much touching information on the kids and families they were helping through donations. You can tell that everyone involved put in more than is given, they are just truly caring and courageous human beings helping the community. Such an incredible charity!
I’ve been enjoying helping this charity for a couple of years now. I’ve always been worried about donating to charities. But not this one , they are the most humble and compassionate people I’ve met ❤️. They are transparent and very active in helping these beautiful children and families . I am honored and happy to see how wonderful they truly are. Claire and the team are true Heroes !
RTLFoundation 08/23/2021
Thank you so much for the feedback! We really enjoy sharing the progress your donations allow for the community and children in Thailand. It means a great deal to hear you have been able to follow so easily. We look forward to being able to share our new projects with you all very soon!
Back in 2018, I discovered RTL on social media, and after following for a few months, decided to volunteer in person. In August of 2018, I made my first trip to Koh Tao, Thailand. I was so impressed with RTL's work, and its people, that I returned two more times, and am awaiting Covid travel bans to lift before my next trip.
Every day since I first landed on Koh Tao, whether on the island or in the States volunteering/donating for RTL, I've fallen more in love with the children of the school and its mission--to educate the forgotten, left behind, and neglected. Each day we fight against a caste and racist cultural system of Thai versus Burmese, of which many locals aren't even aware exists, because it's so engrained in their lives. We educate and provide nourishment, clothing, and housing to families, to fight against disease, militants, child trafficking, slave labor, and a never-ending cycle of poverty. RTL allows me to be hands-on or off, and follow every dollar I've donated, as its spent, day-by-day, on social media. When I'm on Koh Tao, I have the privilege of giving back with my time, and making lifelong memories that drive me to continue to volunteer and donate. This tiny island community in the middle of nowhere has my heart, and I know RTL has changed, and will continue to better, the lives on these children. -G
RTLFoundation 08/23/2021
Volunteer, donor and sponsor extraordinaire! It is always our pleasure to have any supporters visit. We love our extended international family. It is one of the many things that make this charity so unique. Thank you for this beautiful review Gina x
An inspiration of what of what can be achieved when working from a grassroots level. Providing education to children who would otherwise never attend school changes lives. All achieved on a shoestring budget and made possible because of the commitment and support of some amazing people. Proud to be a sponsor, proud to be involved.
RTLFoundation 08/23/2021
It is always wonderful to hear feedback like this to keep us motivated to continue our work. Thank you so much for your support!
Having worked at Koh Tao International Primary for 2 and a half years I have seen first hand the amazing opportunity this school offers those in the local community. I loved every second of teaching children from such vast and varied backgrounds and circumstances. Claire’s passion and drive have allowed the school to flourish and grow from strength to strength. Working at this school changed my outlook and approaches as a teacher and I was heart broken to have to leave to sit COVID one year ago. I can’t wait to go back and see how all the children are progressing and see all the new things they have learnt. The next chapter will be an exciting one for sure!
RTLFoundation 08/23/2021
The children and team miss you sooo much! Thank you for your care and dedication to the charity for so many years. Your ongoing support means the world to us X
When I was travelling in Asia, I found a school online which was Koh tao primary school. I had contact by email with Claire who came across so lovely that I decided to go there. When I arrived at the school, I got the warmest welcome from Claire, the teachers, volunteers and kids. Everyone made me feel at home right away. That, together with the amazing work that Claire and her team are doing, made me stay longer on the island.
Seeing the kids and the teacher every day, made me so grateful for being there. The school, kids and everyone at the school, have a big place in my heart.
During my time on the island, I really felt at home. I cannot wait to go back for Right To Learn Foundation and see the amazing work Claire and the team have done. I'm forever grateful that I got to spent time on the island and at the school and whenever it is possible, I'm flying to Koh Tao to spent time at the Right To Learn foundation and see everyone again!
RTLFoundation 08/23/2021
Thank you for this awesome review! It is volunteers and supporters like yourself, that have helped to build this international community of support for these children xx
Spotted a little video about Koh Tao school in Thailand and the children. Contacted the charity on their Facebook page for a chat. Sadly I was out of work for a short while but as soo as I got a job, I clicked on the website address and sponsored my first child Swe Ta and later Polestar and chu chu. Never thought I would be apart of a charity let alone sponsor 3 children but as I have had the experience and blessing of an education why not give that opportunity to others? Looking forward to helping in anyway to get a proper school built specifically for the needs of these children and future endeavours that help both them and the communities around and nearby.
RTLFoundation 08/14/2021
Your support for these children and Right To Learn has been so important to our cause. We love having close friendships with our donors, and reviews like this help us continue working for the children and families that need us most. Thank you, as always Rach X
My son Vincent was a long-time participant of the Koh Tao International Primary School and then later the Right to Learn Foundation. Ever since he was born. Claire was instrumental in organising the first-ever sponsorship program when I suffered a massive stroke. Since then she's helped countless kids break the cycle of poverty. We're anxiously waiting for Right to Learn and 100% behind this program. Vincent can't wait!
RTLFoundation 08/13/2021
Vincent is an extraordinary sponsored child. He was the first. Some of his supporters have continued to support him even outside of school! Vincent is the perfect example of how a child sponsorship program can work and its impact on many lives. Right To Learn can't wait to get him back into school! Thank you for the beautiful review X
Volunteering at Koh Tao International Primary is one of the greatest experiences of my life to date!
Upon arriving to Koh Tao I heard through locals about the amazing work Claire and her team were doing at the school and was eager to reach out hoping I could get on board, I immediately felt at home with the wonderful team of teachers and volunteers at the school and that I was a part of something that was truly making a difference.
I cherish my memories of my time in Koh Tao and will always admire Claire and her team for their undying commitment to these incredible kids and their education.
I can’t wait to return to Koh Tao and visit the Right to Learn Foundation again ASAP!
RTLFoundation 08/13/2021
Bec, you were such a wonderful addition to our school family! Right To Learn is making sure we get KTP open as soon as possible. Thank you for taking the time to review your experience. We miss you!! XX
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RTLFoundation 08/13/2021 Thank You, Aimee! Right To Learn looks forward to opening more schools like KTP and re-opening Koh Tao International Primary as soon as Covid-19 makes things easier again. You were a star volunteer and teacher. We will be forever grateful for your time with us and miss you terribly!