Peace Corps Volunteers Organize Youth Theater Festival in Thailand
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![A final performance at the 2011 TYT Festival.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120915122256im_/http://files.peacecorps.gov/images/news/releases/pr_TYT%20wiz%20of%20oz_th.jpg)
The TYT Festival was originally started in 2003 by a group of Peace Corps volunteers and local community members who wanted to help students with their acting and English skills. Today, all of the Festivals performances are completed in English, helping youth participants build confidence in their language abilities. On the last day of the festival, each participant presents a play of their own in English to an audience of their peers.
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![Peace Corps/Thailand volunteer Leanne Klausegger helps prepare a TYT Festival participant for her performance.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120915122256im_/http://files.peacecorps.gov/images/news/releases/pr_TYT%20make%20up_th.jpg)
We aim to provide students with opportunities to foster and improve skills in creative and critical thinking, English language, and presentation while, of course, having fun, said Deborah Ou-Yang of Bethlehem, Pa., who has been working as an education volunteer and organizing this years Festival since she arrived in early 2011. I believe the TYT Festival benefits the youth participants by encouraging creativity and, above all, confidence.
![Magnifying glass icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120915122256im_/http://files.peacecorps.gov/images/main/magnifying_glass.png)
![Participants of the 2011 TYT Festival.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120915122256im_/http://files.peacecorps.gov/images/news/releases/pr_TYT%20group%20photo_th.jpg)
About Peace Corps/Thailand: More than 5,040 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Thailand since the program was established in 1962. Currently, 106 volunteers serve in Thailand. Volunteers work in the areas of education and community development. Volunteers are trained and work in the Thai language.
About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agencys mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.
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