Community Work with Hill Tribe Children in Northern Thailand

  Thailand

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 4 - 12 week placements throughout the year

Description: See why the hoards descend on Thailand every year without having to put up with them as you blaze a trail out of the tourist spots and into the beautiful northern hills. As you might imagine, resources in the area are limited but one thing they have plenty of is smiles, as you'll see when you lend a helping hand and a warm heart. You'll have to pitch in on a range of jobs, from taking care of the infants, teaching conversational English to a spot of cooking, but there will be plenty of time to discover a Thailand that's a world away from what you might expect.

*Project details:
We are working with a number of homes or shelters for children in Northern Thailand. The children come from a range of disadvantaged backgrounds ranging from Burmese children whose families have to work leaving their children in the centre's care to be looked after, to children from the minority mountain tribes who have been abandoned by their parents and are in danger of being exposed to child labour and the sex trade.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
This project requires our volunteers help to look after the well being of the children. Activities may include general daily activities including taking care of the infants, teaching conversational English and cooking for the children and other activities such as possibly helping to build a shelter and looking after street children. You may also be required to teach English and help with vocational skills with the older children so that they become more independent.

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Highlights:
* Working with the children at the project and knowing you are making a positive difference
* Exploring the local area - trekking is a must!
* Snacking your way through the local markets - all sorts of delicious food awaits

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
To volunteer at this placement you need to love kids and be prepared to really immerse yourself in the project. You will need to use your initiative, be patient, use your imagination and have good communication skills. You will be communicating not only with children during the day but possibly with the older children and women later.

Your role as a volunteer:
At this placement you will play a valuable role in looking after the children in general daily activities and also teaching communication and life skills.

Cost in US$: USD 1975.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This project requires our volunteers help to look after the well being of the children. Activities may include general daily activities including taking care of the infants, teaching conversational English and cooking for the children and other activities such as building a shelter and looking after street children. You may also be required to teach English and socialize with Burmese women and help with vocational skills so that they become more independent.

Age Range: 21 - 35 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: 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