HIV/AIDS Outreach Volunteer Program - Thailand

  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: 5-8 weeks
Dates: On-going

Description: If working with HIV/AIDS in Thailand interests you, Cultural Canvas Thailand places volunteers within a local organization called Rejoice. Rejoice's goal is to provide medical and social support to poor, ill and underprivileged people living in Chiang Mai's villages and outlying communities. Their care program addresses the basic medical and social needs of men, women and children infected with or affected by HIV. Volunteers can assist at the mobile clinic that services different neighborhoods every day. Volunteers are also needed to help out around the office, and assist with the maintenance and distribution of medications.

OR

AIDSnet is an organization that provides support through funding, grant writing, and program development to local HIV-related organizations. They have a an active office with many different HIV/AIDS-related programs servicing the community. Currently, their main program focuses on helping people living with HIV to understand the disease and live a healthy life. Volunteers are needed to assist teaching English. Volunteers will also be incorporated into the daily life around the office to help with various tasks as they arise. AIDSnet may outsource the volunteer to other HIV-related organizations to teach English as well.

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.

Cost in US$: Costs vary based on program length.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Cultural Canvas volunteers tend to be more interested in volunteering than travelling. We draw a slightly older and more experienced volunteer. We are, of course, open to anyone, however we hope that you will bring a serious attitude to your placement.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

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