Single Mothers' Empowerment Volunteer Program

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: On-going

Description: If you would like to help single mothers in crisis, Cultural Canvas Thailand (CCT) places volunteers at Wildflower Home Foundation. This is a home for single mothers who do not have the means to take care of their kids. The women are all from hill tribe groups and many are in their early teens. The home offers temporary safe shelter to mothers and their children from crisis situations such as pregnancy out of wedlock, domestic abuse and severe poverty. They also provide mothers with educational and emotional support, which will help to move them from crisis and poverty to steady jobs or continuing education. Wildflower Home is a in a rural setting that is similar to the setting from which the woman come. They are taught to live more closely with nature through agricultural sustainability, organic methods or gardening and permaculture design. The type of jobs available at Wildflower are:

* Teaching English
* Architecture/Tradesmen (i.e. plumbing, carpentry, etc.)
* Gardening/Sustainable agriculture/Farming
* Fundraising/Grant writing

This is truly a remarkable program that is excited to take volunteers.

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: CCT welcomes 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 the following areas it is preferred:

* Teaching English
* Architecture/Tradesmen (i.e. construction, plumbing, carpentry, etc.)
* Gardening/Sustainable agriculture/Farming
* Fundraising/Grant writing

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. Please read carefully through our website to be sure that you are up to the task.

Cost in US$: Costs vary - See website

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

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

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

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