Burmese Migrant Learners Volunteer Program

  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: In this program, you will be working in the Chiang Mai Migrant Learner Centre. Here, you will be a member of a team providing training in computer skills, English language, Burmese language and Thai language. This exceptional training is offered free of charge to Burmese migrants, who have fled their country seeking refuge from severe human rights violations. Under the regime in Burma, basic education is unavailable to many ordinary citizens. Often, Burmese people come to Thailand seeking refuge and employment as well as the opportunity to pursue their educational rights. By volunteering at the Migrant Learner Centre you can help make this pursuit a reality for Burmese migrants in Chiang Mai.

Minority groups attending the center include Kachin, Kayah, Karin, Chin, Mon, Burman, Rakai and Shan. While Thailand often serves as a safe asylum from the dangerous and corrupt military junta in Burma, discrimination and exploitation from employers and others in Thailand continues to be a problem. In this program, you will be working towards the empowerment and education of these minority groups to further their chances of fair employment and a better quality of life.

To date nearly 1,000 Burmese workers have completed this training.

Dr. Thein Lwin, an exiled Burma professor, founded the centre.

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.

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

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post 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