Children with Cerebral Palsy Seeking Patient Volunteers

  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: Ongoing, inquire for start dates

Description: In this program, you will be working with Baan Piranan, a new resident home for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The home, started by the Foundation to Encourage the Potential of Disabled Persons, is run with love and dedication by Khun Piranan, an occupational therapist who works 24 hours a day taking care of the home's three boys. The challenge of this project is not only caring for the children's every need, but also working against the prevailing local mindset that CP sufferers' only needs are food and shelter. Because the children at Baan Piranan have been neglected their entire lives, the extent of their capabilities is only now being explored.

The residents at Baan Piranan are Nong Mai, Nong Wichai and Nong Sarawut. Nong Mai is an ethnic minority Lahu child who lived his life confined in a bamboo cage in a remote mountain village. Nong Wichai is the child of an alcoholic father and a mentally distressed mother who suffers from CP and hydrocephalus. Nong Sarawut lived his life confined to a spot on the floor of a room where he was severely neglected. In their short time at Baan Piranan, the three boys have made leaps and bounds in their progress. They are responsive to physical therapies as well as the love and attention they are finally being afforded at the center.

It is important to note that Khun Piranan has dedicated her life to this endeavor. She takes complete care of every aspect of the boys' lives, including bathing, changing their diapers, feeding and moving them around. She is in great need of someone who can assist her with every aspect of life at Baan Piranan. We hope to be able to give Khun Piranan some time for herself.

Given the appropriate manpower and funding, we hope to see Baan Piranan help more children with CP get a chance to reach their full potential.

Highlights: Baan Piranan needs:
- General Caregivers
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists

Qualifications: We are seeking a very special volunteer. You must be patient and compassionate. These children have had a very hard upbringing and they need all the love and kindness that you can offer. You will be working with children with Cerebral Palsy, so they have trouble doing everything from eating to using the toilet. You must be able to assist with all of their daily needs.

Cost in US$: minimum 3 weeks: USD 1,399.00. Cost ranges depending on stay.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers hail from all over the world. They are all ages.

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

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