About the Program
The exotic northern city of Chiang Mai is the location for this essential program working with at-risk children. As a result of extreme poverty in ethnic minority villages and internal conflict in neighbouring Myanmar, destitute families seek refuge for their children in the city. The Childcare Centres this program supports aim to provide quality care and education for these vulnerable children, offering them a chance to escape the vicious cycle of poverty. Volunteers provide much needed support for the program through providing native English exposure, arranging fun and educational games and activities and building the children's skills in social interaction.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential childcare to vulnerable and at-risk children
- Improve the future prospects of the children
- Give impoverished children quality care, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program play an integral role in helping disadvantaged children. The project supports a number of Children's Homes in the Chiang Mai area, each providing shelter to between 5 and 50 children ranging in age from 4 to 18 years. So there is a raft of needs to fulfil! Volunteers focus on spending time with the children and providing fun and education through social interaction. Activities may including helping the local staff with daily routines such as cleaning and cooking. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and interests to assist carers in developing activities for the children, such as music and dance, sports, arts and crafts. All the while incorporating simple English words to develop the children's language learning abilities.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help to feed and care for the children
- Help to teach the children in an informal setting
- Attend to and interact with the children
- Create activities and entertain the children with games
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Thailand. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
Thailand's "Rose of the North" is a breath of fresh air compared to its Southern rival. Rich in cultural diversity and natural wonders, Chiang Mai maintains a relaxed and authentically Thai atmosphere. Whether strolling the back-streets of the old quarter, visiting a temple, nodding in passing to orange clad monks going about their day or tucking in to some delicious Thai fare, visitors are sure to delight in what this city has to offer. Not forgetting that nature is on the very doorstep; take a short ride outside the city and you are in the midst rainforests, waterfalls, rivers, hot springs and tranquil villages. There really is something for everyone!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd week of every month with volunteers arriving on FRIDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
You will be met on arrival into Chiang Mai by our local representative and taken to the Volunteer House to settle in, relax and meet with fellow volunteers and your hosts. The following day the Orientation Weekend begins, designed to give an insight into Thai culture the orientation includes learning basic Thai words and phrases, negotiating the public transport system (including getting to and from your project) and basically sets you up to get the very most out of your placement from day one. The two day orientation is a great chance to see a little of this fascinating city with the help of expert guides and in the company of other volunteers. It will also allow you to purchase a local SIM and data package should you wish, withdraw or exchange Thai Baht and ask any last minute questions.
- Arrival Day: FRIDAY 8AM - 8PM
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Code: CNX)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a volunteer house conveniently located within easy reach of the city. Rooms are dormitory style and split by gender with 2 – 4 volunteers sharing.
All rooms are air-conditioned for comfort and the house has all the amenities a volunteer requires, including western-style bathrooms, hot running water, bed linen (volunteers should bring their own towels and toiletries), kitchen and laundry facilities and Wi-Fi available 24 hours a day. Easy!
Transport to the placement takes approximately 30 mins and costs US$2 per day.
Accommodation on this program includes daily breakfast at the volunteer house and lunch on weekdays at the program site (included in the program fee). Dinners are self-catered which provides an excellent opportunity to explore the city and dine at one of the numerous eateries offering Thai or international cuisine. Volunteers are also welcome to make use of the kitchen facilities at the volunteer house to prepare meals.
Thai dishes use an abundance of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices and are a taste sensation. Be sure to try the coconut based curries such as Kaeng Khiao Wan’ (Thai Green Curry) and fruit based salads such as pomelo and green mango. Delicious!
Fees
That’s just USD 48 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.