Students visit Mechai Pattana Bamboo School in northeast Thailand to learn about sustainable community development.

In a powerful example of learning beyond the classroom, nine students from Year 11 and Year 12 recently participated in a service trip to the Mechai Pattana Bamboo School, located in Mai Lam Plat near Buriram. Known for its innovative model, the Mechai Pattana Bamboo School not only teaches traditional subjects such as Science, Maths, Thai, and English, but also equips students with agricultural skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and a deeper understanding of community development.

During their visit, St Andrews students had the opportunity to interact with 142 student boarders and experience firsthand the school’s unique blend of education, sustainability, and social responsibility. Through hands-on activities and meaningful cultural exchanges, this service trip offered profound learning opportunities that left a lasting impact on the students.

Student Reflections

"This experience gave me a chance to connect with students outside of Bangkok and learn valuable life skills. My favourite activity was eco-printing—collecting leaves and flowers to make personalized nature prints. What stood out most was the school's strong sense of community. Their nightly meetings to share news, discuss assignments, and celebrate birthdays were heartwarming. I’ve come away from this trip more grateful, and I hope to initiate a CAS project or even an exchange program to build a closer relationship between our school and the Bamboo School, allowing other St Andrews students the opportunity to have this experience."

Sharanya in Year 11

"Some of the most memorable moments were unscheduled, like playing Uno with the Bamboo School students in the evening. But what surprised me the most was their level of innovation and sustainability. From farming methods for the visually impaired to tissue culture labs, the school is a hub of creativity. I learned to value the process over the outcome and now hope to develop a CAS project around smart farming, and help foster a learning environment focused on collaboration and purpose."

Pita in Year 11

"Gardening at the hospital pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I gained knowledge about agriculture and witnessed how students at the Bamboo School manage their campus with such independence and discipline. Seeing how effectively they reduce waste and use resources has inspired me to be more conscious. I’d love to start environmental projects at our school and also work with elderly communities in Thailand as we move toward an aging society."

Anjana in Year 11

"Helping elderly women at the temple and working on sustainable farming at the hospital were both meaningful and educational. I was particularly inspired by how inclusive the Bamboo School is, even offering programs like 'agriculture for the blind.' The biggest takeaway for me was the importance of community. When people unite with a shared purpose, they create real change. I hope to start sustainability projects at school and involve younger students so the learning continues to spread."

Taiyara in Year 12

"My favourite activities were the eco-printing and the school tour, especially seeing the agricultural programs for the blind. What really stayed with me was the positivity and interconnectedness of the Bamboo School community. I learned that helping others can be deeply rewarding. Moving forward, I want to carry that positivity with me and share what I’ve learned with others interested in community service and sustainability."

Caption: students experiencing the ‘Agriculture for the Blind’ program.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Mechai Pattana Bamboo School through future service trips, joint projects, and perhaps even student exchanges. Together, we can learn from one another and continue building a more sustainable and compassionate future.