Preserving the Culture of the Hill Tribes in Northern Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Chiang Rai

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: August 30 - September 14

Description: The Akhas are part of the Golden Triangle hill-tribe cultures. Like in the neighboring countries where they also live, they face in Thailand strong difficulties to be recognized and to value their particularities. The AFECT organization contributes since 1981 to the defense of their rights, youth empowerment, elders support and cultural preservation and study. The volunteers will learn about their culture and problematic situation and contribute to AFECT projects and the daily life of the Akha villages.

The main objective of the project is cultural exchange between the volunteers and the local villagers but the participants of the project will also practically work in the communities doing several kinds of support and development works, like renovation of some community spaces or field works and farming with the villagers. The exact nature of the work will depend on the needs of the village at the moment of the project.

Project dates:
August 30 - September 14
November 8 - November 23
December 6 - December 21

Leisure time: The free time will be organized according to the weather and the actuality of the communities but in general it will be essentially spent in the community. The volunteers will have the chance to learn about Akha cuisine, massage and specific handicraft. They might have the opportunity to attend traditional Akha ceremonies and events (like the principal Harvest celebration in March). If the weather permits it, trekking in the hills can also be foreseen.

The project will be held in the Chieng Rai region (North-west Thailand) and the surrounding mountains all the way to the Golden Triangle borders, maybe one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand! The influence of the hill tribes and nearby Burma, Laos and China shapes the culture here.

There is an extra fee of 6,500 Thai Baht (about USD 170) for participation in this project, intended to support the local host.

Highlights: The volunteers will learn about the AFECT campaigns and discover the Akha culture, lifestyle, particularities and problematic situation in Thailand from the inside and from Akha people themselves. An introduction to Akha and Thai language is foreseen.

Qualifications: No special profile is required. Nature lovers, ethnology fans and human rights activists will be particularly interested with this project. Adaptability is required from the participants.

Cost in US$: $290

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.