Hill Tribe Education Volunteer Project

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

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

Description: By traveler and travel agency alike, Thailand has been touted for its diversity of hill tribes. Despite their rich cultural background and contribution to Thailand's thriving tourism industry, hill tribes are regularly faced with government policies that are detrimental to their way of life. As a result, members of hill tribes are relocating to the cities where they are impoverished and exploited

If lending a hand to hill tribe people living interests you, check out Cultural Canvas Thailand's volunteer program at Wat Don Jan, a school set up for hill tribe children located at a wat, or Buddhist temple. This notable program provides schooling to hill tribe children who would otherwise have little chance of formal education. The temple takes in children from six different minority groups, some of whom are orphans, offering them education, food and accommodation. The government-employed teachers follow a curriculum at Wat Don Jan that reflects that of mainstream Thai schools. All of the children's living costs are covered by donations collected by the monks. Approximately 130 girls and over 200 boys between the ages of 7 and 18 attend the school at Wat Don Jan.

Highlights: All of Cultural Canvas Thailand's volunteer placements deal with social issues such as discrimination and the abuse of basic human rights. You will be learning about the lives of people from another culture and the problems they face such as poverty, hunger, disease, prejudice and many others. You will build relationships and gain an understanding of the issues confronting Thailand and many other parts of the world.

Qualifications: We welcome service from all walks of life and levels of experience. No specific training is required but becoming acquainted with the issues pertaining to your placement prior to arrival in Chiang Mai is a good idea. If you have an interest or background in a related area, for example we are always interested in people with an art background for our Canvas program, that is a double bonus for us.

Volunteers should be self-motivated, patient, team-oriented, compassionate, independent and respectful. Remember that the issues you will be dealing can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Please read carefully through our website to be sure that you are up to the task.

Cost in US$: Varies based on program length

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone over the age of eighteen who wants to broaden their horizons, see new and different places and people, face fresh challenges with a sense of adventure, and can give a minimum of three weeks volunteer time is right for Cultural Canvas.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Cultural Canvas Thailand's Mission Statement: The mission of Cultural Canvas Thailand is to generate awareness and volunteer support of the current social issues facing Chiang Mai, Thailand. We promote equality, community interaction, and social change through artistic outreach and volunteer services in conjunction with local organizations. Culural Canvas Thailand and our partner organizations focus on education and assistance in the following areas: HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, and sex workers.

Year Founded: 2005