Care for Children on the Southern Thai Coast

  Thailand

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Numerous

Description: You may think you know Thailand but head south and you'll discover a country that's a world away from mad Bangkok. The rest of Thailand runs at a slower pace but wastes no time in winning your heart, and the same could be said of the children at this school for youngsters with learning disabilities. Based in the beautiful coastal resort of Chumpon, you'll help with a range of tasks, from feeding to organising trips out. With ages ranging from aged 5-22 you'll appreciate your weekends off, especially as you can spend them lying on the local beaches or hopping on a ferry to see the stunning selection of islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

*Project details:
This school has been running for 15 years caring for mentally and physically handicapped, autistic and Down syndrome children ranging from 5 to 22 years old. There are currently around 200 children most of whom have parents that visit them whenever they want to. The school is very well equipped and resourced with facilities such as a computer room, basketball/football areas, a library, a medical centre and a physiotherapist.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
These projects need extra pairs of hands to help out with a range of care and for the children's well being. Activities may include helping with the general daily routine, class activites, playing with the children, teaching conversational English, and other ad-hoc activities. The staff would really benefit from the skills and experience of international volunteers to assist with the emotional and educational development of the children.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Helping to look after and care for the children at your project
* Relaxing on the beach in the evening - sampling the best food around
* Exploring the surrounding area in your free time - Koh Tao is a great place to spend a weekend

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You do not need any specific skills to help at the project, although child care experience or experience working with the disabled would be welcomed. You will need patience, imagination and a love of children. You will need to be prepared for the unexpected working with children can be fun and exciting but you never know what they are going to do next so be prepared for every eventuality!

Your role as a volunteer:
As a volunteer you will help the other volunteers and staff with daily activities such as feeding and caring for the children. Volunteers can teach basic life skills and some English to the children, and also help out teaching conversational English to the staff. Volunteers may assist with outings and trips on an ad hoc basis. You can also help with the day to day running of the centre.

Cost in US$: USD 2195.00 for 4 weeks, USD 275.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: These projects need extra pairs of hands to help out with a range of care and for the children's well being. Activities may include helping with the general daily routine, class activities, playing with the children, teaching conversational English, and other ad-hoc activities. The staff would really benefit from the skills and experience of international volunteers to assist with the emotional and educational development of the children.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994