Support the development of rural communities in Chiang Rai

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Chiang Rai

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: January 10 - January 25, 2009

Description: The Chiang Rai projects are part of a larger campaign and efforts aiming to stimulate rural development with the support of International Voluntary Service. We believe that the impact of the international volunteers in rural communities is an important stimulus to open minds and reduce prejudices.

Cultural exchange is the main activity of the project. The volunteers will discover the Northern culture and traditions, visiting villagers, farmers and local artisans, helping them in their tasks. The volunteers can also hold English teaching workshops for the children of several district villages.

The exact nature of the work will depend of the needs of the village at the time of the project.

The free time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The closest city is far but accessible. The region isn't very tourist attractive as such but the nature is of extraordinary beauty: rice fields, temples and natural parks are all over the region.

Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. It is about 785 km from Bangkok. Mostly mountainous, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders both Myanmar and Laos. About 12.5% of the population belongs to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser.

The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities and evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to several hilltribes who follow fascinating ways of life.

There is an extra fee of 6,500 Thai Baht (about $170 US) for participation in this project, intended to support the local host.

Highlights: The volunteers will learn about the culture of rural Thailand in general and the traditions and specificity of the Northern region. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.

Qualifications: Nature lovers, ethnology fans and human rights activists will be particularly interested in this project. Adaptability is required from the participants.

Cost in US$: $290 US

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.