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A Picnic for the English Teachers – Deshi Style!

Posted by on December 30th, 2012

A few weeks ago, our students did something unexpectedly delightful; they took it upon themselves to plan a picnic for us!

Now, picnics in Bangladesh are quite different from picnics back home. From the activities to the food to the clothing, it was a whole new experience for me, and so much fun!

Mostly, though, I was impressed by all the thought and organization our students put into the event. They took the initiative and planned every detail, including a colorful tent, music, lovely tableware, delicious food and a cricket match. Honestly, it was more like a catered garden party than a picnic.

The best part: We really got to see our students shine and put their English and hospitality training to use. I can’t wait to see how they perform when they interact with Panigram’s guests!

What celebration would be complete without a silly group photo?

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, Food, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , | Comments: Be the first to comment..

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“You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!”

Posted by on November 11th, 2012

As a teacher, when you’re with your students, experiencing their growth as it happens, sometimes it’s difficult to realize how far they’ve come. Sometimes you need a little perspective.

Well that’s exactly what happened when our new students arrived.

As I sat giving the new students their preliminary speaking evaluations, I was reminded of the original students (whom we have lovingly named our “Pioneers”). Back in June, the Pioneers were awkward and confused. They either quickly blurted out whatever English they had memorized or sat looking at me blankly, answering every question with, “Yes.”

“Ma’am. Panigram Resort is very, very wonderful. I love Panigram Resort.”

“Oh, thank you. That’s nice. Now, what do you see in the picture?”

“Yes.”

“What is the boy doing?”

“Yes.”

“How is the weather?”

Silence.

Over the past few months, I’ve been so focused on our goal ahead and all the work required to reach it that I had forgotten where we started.

Meeting the new students, I was reminded. Reminded of my first few lessons back in June, when I was still figuring out how much English skill the students really had. Reminded of the patience and repetition required to explain seemingly simple tasks. Reminded how overwhelming it all seemed.

Now, when I teach a class to the Pioneer students, they’re no longer awkward. It’s no longer laborious to give instructions. They no longer stare at me blankly and answer every question with, “Yes.” They do still tell me how much they love Panigram Resort, though. (Smile.)

So, as we begin again with the new students, who are still in their awkward phase, I am able to appreciate the progress we’ve made so far and feel even more excited about the progress I know we’ll continue to make.

We still have a long way to go, but there’s no doubt we’re getting there, one English class at a time.

Nazmeen (far left) and Angela (far right) with one of their "Pioneer" classes. (We are still working on breaking them of the Bangladeshi habit of frowning in photos!)

Categories: Community Outreach, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments: 4

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British Invasion! Our Second English Trainer Arrives

Posted by on November 9th, 2012

We are really gearing up our village training programs now. About 100 new students joined our classes on November 1st, so we had to import another native speaker to help train them in English. Nazmeen Green is the latest addition to the Panigram team. She will be working with Angela to develop our English curriculum. Nazmeen and Angela are also teaming up with our hospitality experts to teach our students how to book spa treatments, make beds, and properly clean rooms. Most of our village staff will have had one year of training (6 classes a week) by the time Panigram opens its doors.

Nazmeen Green

Nazmeen Green Headshot

Nazmeen Green

Assalam alaikum! I’m Nazmeen Green and I have been working alongside Angela as an English trainer at Panigram for the last month.

I was born and raised in England, where I decided at quite a young age that I wanted to teach English in either France or Germany. However, after graduating with a degree in languages from the University of Wales, Swansea, I realized that I needed a short break from studying in which to travel.

I set off for a one-year teaching contract in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I eventually stayed for eight years. While visiting some friends in Dhaka earlier this year, I was struck with a feeling of belonging. The warmth of the local people and their acceptance of me made me feel instantly at home, especially when they heard that I was a recent convert to Islam.

I started looking for work in Bangladesh and struck gold with Panigram. I am really excited to be part of such an interesting project and to be working with some wonderful people. I have been delighted to see the eagerness of the students and the way Panigram is contributing in a positive way to the local community. I look forward to seeing both the students and the resort develop over the next year.

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It’s Time for English Class!

Posted by on July 30th, 2012

Angela teaching a class on timeAt the Union Council building, it isn’t difficult to find where the English class is. Out in the courtyard, I only had to follow where the loud, excited voices were coming from. Not to mention that the groups of children and adults peering into one of the rooms was a good giveaway that there was something interesting going on inside or perhaps that a foreigner was present—or maybe both!

Last month, Panigram Resort started its English classes to increase the language skills of those interested in becoming a Panigram employee.  All of these students are currently from the surrounding villages near the resort. They come to class eager to participate and learn. In fact, students usually rush to answer the questions if not shout them out. It’s probably every teacher’s dream to have such eager students. Read the rest of this entry »

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments: Be the first to comment..

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Panigram Resort Welcomes Angela!

Posted by on June 9th, 2012

Angela Jacobus

Angela Jacobus is an adventurous, fun-loving English teacher from the United States. She will spend a year with us developing an English training curriculum, teaching the local villagers English, and helping to equip the staff with the skills they need to provide five-star service to our guests.

Angela Jacobus

Hello! My name is Angela Jacobus. As I write this, it’s still my first week in Bangladesh. In my short time here, I’ve already been surprised and charmed and delighted more times than I can count. The people here are so welcoming and friendly!

When people ask me where I’m from, I have a hard time answering the question because I’ve lived in many places throughout my life: Texas, California, New Mexico, Alabama, Japan, Hawaii, Utah, Mexico, Oregon, South Korea. It’s impossible to narrow it down to one location, but when I’m back in the States, I call California home. In my previous life (as I like to call it), I spent many years working as an editor in the corporate world. I also spent a few years in the hospitality industry as the office manager of a boutique hotel – and as a snowboard instructor – in the Sierras. Now, I’m a CELTA-certified English teacher with a strong desire to travel and experience different cultures while also having a positive impact on the people and places I encounter. That’s what drew me to Panigram.

The upcoming year will undoubtedly be filled with numerous challenges, but I’m so excited to work with the local villagers and see their English skills develop and evolve into the conversations they’ll have with Panigram’s guests in the future.

Categories: Community Outreach, Education, Job Opportunities, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments: 1

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Entrepreneurship Internship at an Eco Resort in Bangladesh

Posted by on April 3rd, 2012

Title: Entrepreneurship Intern

Number of Open Positions: 1

Location: Jessore, Bangladesh

Duration: 8 weeks

Salary: 15,000 Tk/ month (room, board, and transportation within Bangladesh are provided; students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Bangladesh)

Job Description:
Panigram Resort will be a socially and environmentally responsible spa resort located in southern Bangladesh. We are developing a luxury boutique resort with a spa and wellness center that protects the natural and cultural heritage of Bangladesh, provides authentic and distinctive travel experiences to discerning travelers, promotes sustainable development, and improves the quality of life in the host community.

As part of our socially responsible initiatives we are helping some of the local entrepreneurs develop small businesses that will cater to the incoming resort industry (i.e. coconut stand by the side of the river, handicraft village, etc.) The local government has given Panigram Resort some land next to a small lake that is currently inhabited by disadvantaged women to use to develop a handicraft village. The entrepreneurship intern will work with Panigram, the government, craftsmen, local entrepreneurs, and the women to design business plans and products for the handicraft village, help them apply for microfinance loans, and, where applicable, will work with the architecture intern to design appropriate buildings for their businesses.  Interns also act as ambassadors for Panigram Resort in our host community and are expected to participate in other activities with the villagers such as Friday English lessons with children and movie night.

Panigram Resort is still under construction, so the interns will be staying in apartments in Jessore City, which is about an hour’s drive from the project site. The accommodation is very basic (no air conditioning, basic furnishings and bathrooms, etc.), but it is a fun environment as all of the interns stay together.

Interns are given some basic Bangla lessons when they arrive so that they can communicate with the villagers. The Bangladeshi people are very warm and hospitable and our past interns have formed some strong bonds with the community.

For logistic reasons, we require all of the interns to arrive on June 1 and complete the full 8 week internship ending on July 30; please only apply if you are able to attend on these dates.

Qualifications:
•    Has completed at least their sophomore year
•    Independent worker
•    Comfortable working in foreign cultures

To Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the internship to hr@panigram.com with the subject “Entrepreneurship Internship” by April 20, 2012. (Applications without cover letters will not be accepted.)

Categories: Internships, Job Opportunities | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments: 1

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Do You Want to Teach English in Bangladesh?

Posted by on July 20th, 2011

Are you an artist who wishes you had more time to hone your craft? Are you sick of the rat race and are looking for a quiet retreat? Have you just finished a career and want to give back? Is the idea of working on a river next to a pottery village appealing to you? Would you like to have mango trees in your office? If so, come to Panigram! We are currently looking for two instructors to teach our villagers English; friends and couples are encouraged to apply. We will host you in our lovely five bedroom house with a private garden, orchard, and pond in Jessore city. A maid will do your laundry, clean your home, make your bed, and cook three meals a day for you. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful countryside each day as your own rickshawala takes you to and from the project site.

While in Bangladesh you can take an excursion to the nearby Sundarban forest, a world heritage site, and local archaeological sites. You will also have ample opportunities to take boat rides on the river, fish, and bicycle. We are looking for native English speakers who will teach classes 4-5 hours a day, five days a week starting in October 2011.

Click here for more information.

Teach English in Bangladesh

This would be your office...

Categories: Community Outreach, Job Opportunities, News, Responsible Hospitality, Social Responsibility | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments: 5

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