Tsunami Volunteers to Thailand

  Thailand

• Phuket: 
Phuket

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Support to Primary and Secondary schools, Vocational Colleges, Orphan Schools, Camps for Homeless, and Non Formal Education Centers.

Tsunami Schools:
Teach our "normal" subjects; English, Computers or Science, Sports
- at primary schools that are capable of receiving volunteers (school
   repaired or rebuilt). Volunteers must be prepared to teach alone.
- At secondary schools where life is more normal like in our school projects elsewhere   
in Thailand.
- At two orphan schools in Pang Nga and Krabi

The Regional Vocational Colleges in Phuket, Pang Nga, Krabi:
Teach English and IT, also vocational subjects such as mechanical, electrical engineering, hotel and tourism management. The reconstruction work that colleges were involved in is over, though we see a lot of need to have fishing equipment, houses etc repaired, rebuilt!

Camp Work (Camps for Homeless):
Activating distressed camp children, teaching, games, sports etc.
- Computer Training for young and old
We have agreed with the Bang Muong Camp to try to find sponsors to set up a Computer Learning Center at the camp, for young people and old too if they like! Many organizations are helping this camp and work is difficult to coordinate. So we agreed that the computer training is a worthwhile effort and easy to transfer to Nam Kaem town or elsewhere later when people can resettle.
Our Isan schools - information on our website! Go to Projects.

Volunteer Coordinators:
- Help to set up computer Training in the Bang Muong Camp
- Coordinate volunteer work with schools and institutions
- Help identify re/training needs for jobless, income less together with
the Non Formal Education Centers and to help initiate this training.
- Help to create external/international networks of teachers and other
possible professional support groups, authorities; aid organizations,
media, NGOs etc.

The Orientation covers:
- Regional and Tsunami information including visit to some of the severely
Tsunami affected places
- Thai language, country and culture introduction.
- Working and teaching information (tips and tools)
- Meeting some school representatives
- Practical information about accommodation, transport etc.

Qualifications: Desired (but not required) experience and background of volunteers to the Tsunami regions

General
Experience from volunteer work and work in developing country

Particular experience
- Teaching
- Working with young people (if you want to work at a school, camp or orphanage)
- Social work
- Reconstruction/repair work (if you want to volunteer at a vocational college helping students/teachers with reconstruction work)
- Project work/management (if you want to help as a coordinator)

Cost in US$: 630 first month then reduced fee

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Tsunami Volunteers are: - Highly flexible and independent, adapting to the local situation and needs. - Take initiatives on their own. - Demanding work and living conditions. - Like/be able to work in teams together with people from different backgrounds.

Age Range: 20 years plus

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Open mind projects's Mission Statement: Open Mind Projects is a bridge to knowledge and cross-cultural understanding, bridging digital and knowledge divides between rich and poor. Open Mind Projects arranges placements for international volunteers to schools, Orphan Homes, other institutions and projects, in Thailand and Laos. Open Mind Projects cooperates with these schools and institutions with learning ideas, technology and international volunteers. Schools and other learning/youth institutions in developing nations are understaffed and under resources. New information technology and international volunteers help offset this advantage. Open Mind Projects wants to facilitate valuable cross-cultural experience, personal development, for volunteers and local childeren and students. An opportunity to learn about other cultures while making local and international friends, within an affordable backpacker budget.

Year Founded: 2001