Home for Single Mothers in Crisis

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Dates: Service begins on every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

Description: Our volunteers serve within an organization that helps single mothers (mostly young) in crisis acquire skills and knowledge to obtain independent self sufficiency. Volunteers assist and work alongside the home's staff from 8:30am  4:30 pm (Monday  Friday). There are three tracks of volunteer service in this project.

Track one is a construction / building project. In this track volunteers will assist in the construction of (mostly) bamboo structures that will act as dormitories and work spaces for staff, volunteers and the women and children that reside at the home. Volunteers in this track should have a basic knowledge of building and tools, be between the ages of 20-40 and able to work in the heat.

Track two is a gardening project. In this track volunteers will assist in the creation of new and upkeep of current gardens, plant life and overall grounds of the home. Volunteers in this track will need to have a basic knowledge of gardening and working with plants, be 20 years or older, in good physical condition and able to work in the heat.

Track three is a care giving project. In the caregiver program volunteers will assist in the day to day care of children at the home, along with assisting in the needs of the women residing at the home. Volunteers in this track must be 20 years old or older, have experience and a love for young children. Considering many of the women and children at the home have recently suffered due to the mistreatment or abuse of men, the home requests that all volunteers serving in this track be female.

Please note that volunteers are able to serve in all three tracks within this project, so long as they spend at least the minimum of four weeks in each one. Although one chooses a specific track in which they wish to serve, they may pick up secondary service roles (organizing activities for the children, organizing exercise opportunities for the women, health and nutrition training, teaching ESL, etc.) during their time as a volunteer at the home.

Highlights: Volunteers in all three tracks within the Single mother's home project will serve under the direction of the director and volunteer coordinator at the home.

In track one (Construction and building) volunteers will work alongside the construction workers at the home in building (mostly) bamboo structures. The single mother's home has recently moved to a new location in a rural area surrounded by rice paddies. The construction of dormitories (for the women and their children, staff and volunteers) and training and office space is essential. Volunteers will be working outside (weather permitting) assisting in all phases of the construction (the treatment and sealing of the bamboo, laying the cement foundation, assembling the frame and walls, etc.). Due to having to work outside and spend a lot of time in the heat, the home requests for volunteers to be in good physical condition. Although volunteers will have to work in the sun and heat, they will be more than welcome to take breaks when needed and allow time to take in the beauty of the northern Thai countryside.

In track two (gardening) volunteers will assist in the garden located on the home's grounds. One of the skills that women learn during their time at the home is organic, sustainable agriculture. Volunteers will therefore assist the staff and women at the home with the upkeep of the plants in the garden, along with the greenery throughout the grounds of the home. Upkeep in the garden consists of planting new seeds and plants, watering and fertilizing the existing plants. Trimming the bushes, cutting the grass and pulling weeds at the home, along with general upkeep are also part of the role of volunteers in this track.

In track three (Care giving) volunteers will assist in the supervision of the many children at the home. It's important for the women at the home to take part in different classes (ESL, Computer, financial management, etc.). While the women are taking part in these classes it's important that their young children are well cared for, so the women can concentrate on their studies. Therefore the volunteers in this track will devote their time to the supervision of the children during the day and while their mothers are busy learning the essential skills that will help them obtain independent self sufficiency. As of now, the age of children at the home range from newborns to seven years old. Volunteers will look after the babies and toddlers, change diapers, and play when around the younger children. Organizing simple games or watching to make sure the older children don't get into too much trouble will also be the role of volunteers in this track.

Qualifications: The minimum age for volunteers in this project is 20. Volunteers do not need any specific qualifications, but should have a basic knowledge of the work they'll be doing in the track they will be serving. Volunteers should be able-bodied, flexible and enjoy working outside.

Cost in US$: $895 for 4 weeks

Accommodation:
Volunteers are placed in a single, or shared apartment with other volunteers (depending upon availability). If you have a specific request, or prefer a private accommodation, please state your preferences in the application form. Based on the location of your placement and your accommodation, you might have to commute daily by public transportation or bicycle.

Food:
2  3 meals per day are included in your program fee if you stay at the home. All volunteers are invited to join the women and staff at the home for lunch. Volunteers staying in a shared apartment are responsible for their own breakfast and dinner. Special diet requirements or restrictions can easily be accommodated. There are several excellent vegetarian restaurants within Chiang Mai.

Pick-up Info:
A Volunteer Visions representative will be waiting for you at your arrival point and guide you to your accommodation and project location.

Project Schedule:
Volunteers will be working from 8:30  4:30pm Monday through Friday. Volunteers may occasionally be asked to work on the weekends and in the evenings during special holiday celebrations that occur at the home.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers in our projects are devoted to the improvement of the developing world, like to work outside and enjoy experiencing new things.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2 or 3

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Volunteer Visions Thailand's Mission Statement: Volunteer Visions offers project placements throughout the world to individuals who seek adventure, cultural immersion and have the desire to make a difference. Our projects are aimed at identifying areas in need and using direct voluntary action to create self-sustainable communities. Volunteer Visions is based upon the idea that through your visions, you can reach out to low-resourced communities and create tangible results. By donating your time and energy and working with communities at a grass roots level you can create immediate and lasting impacts on both individuals and communities. Volunteer Visions is committed to providing the most affordable volunteer abroad opportunities in the world.

Year Founded: 2007