Volunteer in Thailand

Building

The type of building project we get involved in varies and depends on volunteer numbers.  In the past we have helped to build sanitation blocks, water storage tanks, school classrooms, clinics, community hallsand basic housing.  The key to any project is the partnership between our team and the local community. As well as bringing essential funding to the project, the presence of a team of Volunteers in the village community can be a great motivator to local people.  No previous building experience necessary, we hire local tradesmen or craftsmen to do the specialised parts.

Teaching

At what level, and to what extent, teachers get involved is up to each individual. During the first week of the project, the Madventurer Crew Leader will introduce Volunteers who want to teach to the Principal of the local school to discuss the Volunteers interests and skill areas, and how these fit in with the school's needs.  Most volunteers teach English.

There is a large community involvement and the projects work with dedicated village partners. It is a challenging project and there are a lot of opportunities to learn new things including hill tribe language, Thai cooking and knowledge about the local customs and beliefs.

Thailand is an incredible place to explore on the weekends and after the project too, with colorful night bizarre markets selling clothes and jewelry, gorgeous food with spicy flavours; rickety tuk-tuk's, stunning temples, beautiful beaches and the wonderful happy Thai smile you may not want to leave!

Volunteer Case Study: Donna McColl from New Zealand

Highlights - Mixing concrete, building walls and digging trenches; teaching the children in the village; giving loads to the children, but in particular to two elderly couples who have no children to look after them, and a deaf lady and her family and elders. Feeling peaceful and happy and accepted and cared for!

Community Interaction - Perfect! Played cards, had some meals, learnt how to thatch roofing, thread beads for traditional clothing, made friends with the locals, visited them, saw their crafts and clothing...everyone was so warm and welcoming to us.

I had the time of my life and learnt so much about the Ban Apa Tribe, how to mix concrete, build walls, dig trenches for retaining walls, teach children, weed pineapple fields, make thatching for the roof, make necklaces for local traditional costumes...and more!

I cannot speak highly enough of this trip, our Leader Jessica Tiffin, and particularly the beautiful people of the village....our hosts, their extended family, the whole village! I came back with far more than I went with in my heart. The Akha tribe gave their time, support, friendship and love so willingly. Nothing was a problem and I always felt welcomed and part of their family.

 Best bit - The Community! I really want to go back and ask all the questions I didn't think to ask, to do more and be surrounded by people with big hearts, a gentle spirit, loving, fun, happy people, in a peaceful place where everything, just is what it is!

Other useful links

If you would like to check out the weather in Thailand then just follow the link - Weather Guide from bbc.co.uk

For money conversion just follow the link - Oando.com