Gardening at a Home for Single Mothers in Crisis

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.

Description: You can often times hear the rattling of a "steel buffalo" (the Thai word for the small two wheeled, hand held rice paddy tractors) in the distance from the gardens and rice paddies of the Single Mother's Home. Although surrounded by rice paddies and mountains the home is only a 15 minute drive from the bustling streets of Chiang Mai. Working the land with simple gardening tools, helping the single mothers at the home with the development of new and pre-existing gardens is one of the responsibilities of volunteers in this project. Many of the mothers at the home originally came from and will eventually return to the mountainous countryside of northern Thailand. Working with the women and other Thai staff in the gardens, with how to create sustainable and unique gardening and agricultural techniques is something of great benefit to the women during their stay at the home. During a volunteer's experience, they will certainly pick up from the women and Thai staff, how to work the Earth Thai style and laughing often at the wit that rural Thais possess.

Volunteers will assist in the creation of new and upkeep of current gardens, plant life and overall grounds of the home. Volunteers will 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.

Highlights: Chiang Mai is a pleasant city, encircled by mountains and lush rice fields. It is Thailand's second largest city with a population of roughly 700,000. The city is considered the cultural and physical capital of what used to be the northern Thai, or Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai also boasts an international airport, restaurants of almost every cuisine, incredible shopping and world class hospitals.

During or after service, Friends For Asia recommends volunteers to take part in some of the many different local attractions and/or courses. Every Sunday Chiang Mai closes off one of the main roads in the old city to put on a walking street market. Vendors and artisans from the area set up their small booths to sell their handicrafts, art and mouthwatering finger foods.

Chiang Mai offers Thai cooking courses starting around USD35 and Thai massage courses starting around USD45, along with jungle treks and regular Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches are also available. Upon arrival into Chiang Mai, Friends For Asia will be more than happy to help you sign up for one of these exciting opportunities to learn more about this beautiful culture.

Qualifications: Volunteers 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. Volunteers should be able-bodied, flexible and enjoy working outside.

Friends For Asia requires all volunteers in this project (and all other projects where volunteers work directly with or near children) to submit a certified police background check before volunteer service begins.

Cost in US$: 895

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Thailand and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range: 20 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2 or 3

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement: The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded: 2008