Child Rights Internship

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available year-round

Description: The Life Skills Development Foundation (Rak Dek) was founded in 1998 as part of the Save the Children USA transition strategy when closing down its operational presence in Thailand. The Foundation works in upper Northern Thailand focusing on early childhood care development, education, life skills curricula and children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV.

TLSDF is working to protect and promote Child Rights in rural areas of northern Thailand in accordance with the four basic pillars of Child Rights: the right to non-discrimination, a focus on the best interests of the child, the right to survival and development, and the right to participation by the child. This is done by supporting and capacitating local agencies that are in contact with children strengthening relationships between stakeholders in the targeted communities. By strengthening networks between schools, communities, government organizations, community-based organizations and other NGOs it is possible collaborate to promote and improve the life quality of children and their families, and make interventions more effective. The Foundation is also producing the "Child Friendly School" magazine which is distributed to more than 1,000 schools throughout Thailand. TLSDF was one of the initiators introducing the successful 'Child Friendly School Programs' in Thailand together with Office of National Primary education Commission, Save the Children, and UNICEF.

Scope of work for Intern:

1. Assisting TLSDF Director in developing program concepts, strategies and approaches; identifying suitable partnering organizations; designing projects and developing grants.

Providing technical assistance through TLSDF programs implementation based on Life Skills Education Concepts and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Upper Northern Thailand.

2. Assisting in coordination with core partners such as UNICEF Thailand Office, Save the Children, Johnson & Johnson Asian Contribution, UNESCO and 'Give2Asia', Asia Foundation etc.

3. Providing technical assistance on the training courses that TLSDF organizes for schoolteachers and educational supervisors, such as: CRC, Active Learning, Self-esteem, Supporting HIV-Affected Children to Deal With Death Situation, Life Skills Education in Thai Primary School Curriculum, Effective Communication with Children, Discovery Learning Approach, School Self-Assessment Process, Partnering and Capacity Building Training Workshop etc.

4. Providing English documentations of all project proposals and reports as required.

Qualifications:
1. Bachelors degree or higher
2. Friendly, culturally sensitive, open minded and able to work in sometimes difficult situations
3. Prior experience in this field is not necessary but would be helpful

Cost in US$: Varies based on program

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.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

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