HIV Orphanage

  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: Volunteers in this program will be working with orphaned children, living with HIV. The orphanage serves a total of 64 children and is located amongst the rice paddies, roughly 20 minutes outside Chiang Mai. Our volunteers are responsible for organizing and building new sports (volleyball, soccer, kickball, etc.), games, music, computer, English as a second language and art programs. Although the children are living with HIV, they are very active, energetic and are ready to play. Considering these are completely new programs at this orphanage, volunteers serving after you will build upon the successes you have achieved during your service. Volunteers will work in coordination with a few fulltime foreign and Thai staff. The orphanage is a Christian based organization, which functions with Christian principles. Its not mandatory for volunteers to be Christian, however, the orphanage staff asks that volunteers respect Christianity and the Christian principles in which the orphanage was founded and functions under.

Your role as a volunteer is not only to make the childrens lives at the orphanage more enjoyable but to educate them through music, sports, computer and English education and art. You will pick one, or more, of the above activities and with direction from the full time staff, organize lessons or games with the children to enjoy and take part in after they return from a day of school or on the weekends.

Aside from organizing activities, the orphanage staff asks that volunteers spend individual time with the children, giving hugs, attention and love. Volunteers are additionally asked to be flexible, for often times last minute changes or events come up which may disrupt a volunteer initiated or planned activity.

Highlights: Serving as a volunteer in this project is not only important to the children who live at the orphanage, but incredibly rewarding for the volunteers who are lucky enough to come and share this experience with them. The children are sweet, loving and fun, like children anywhere else. Although these children are living with the burden of HIV, most people wouldnt be able to notice, considering their love of life and the energy and excitement they posses.

Besides temple gazing at Chiang Mai's more than 300 Buddhist temples (wat); there are many different optional activities that volunteers are encouraged to take part in during breaks or after completion of their volunteer service to increase their travel experience and knowledge of Thailand. All courses and activities use English as the medium of communication. If a volunteer is interested in taking part in one of the activities listed below, make note of this in your volunteer application so arrangements can be made prior to arrival. Some of these optional activities are Thai massage courses, Thai cooking courses and jungle treks.

Qualifications: The minimum age for volunteers in this project is 20. Volunteers should enjoy working with children. Proficiency in written and spoken English is a must. Volunteers should have the maturity and ability to organize simple English lessons, pick-up sports games and simple music lessons and art projects for children.

Cost in US$: $695 for 2 weeks

Sessions included in the two day pre-service orientation are: Thai culture, Thai history, Thai language, Safety and security, half day city tour, dinner and cultural activity.

Volunteers that stay at the volunteer accomodation are provided with (serve yourself) continental breakfast.

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:

Volunteers will be responsible for their own food. There are many cheap local food vendors near the orphanage. Often times the orphanage will assist in arranging meals, but volunteers are asked to pay for their food. Volunteers staying in a shared apartment are responsible for their own food (when not at the orphanage). Special diet requirements or restrictions can easily be accommodated.

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.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers that serve in the HIV orphanage project enjoy working with children and outside. Additionally volunteers are open to children living with HIV.

Age Range: 20 and above

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

Volunteer Visions Thailand is a Christian based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.