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: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Want to see a different side of Thailand?

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 use your included TEFL certification to 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.

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

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"I couldn't actually pin point one thing in particular. The thing from the project that stuck out for me was just the kids faces when you gave them love and attention that they deserved, and how much they appreciated it! Also how much the staff appreciated your input, they were so thankful and they invited us to a party- Thai style which was fun, as we got to experience culture first hand. You couldn't get that experience with normal travelling." (Sarah Lackman)

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.

These projects need extra pairs of hands to help out with a range of care and for the children 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.

Qualifications: 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 from every eventuality!

A CV is required with all applications.

Cost in US$: US$ 1790.00 for 4 weeks, US$ 200.00 for every week thereafter

* Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately US$50 per week)

* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!

* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course

* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

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 Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994