Description

We support an orphanage in southern Thailand and by volunteering at this orphanage you will help make a vast difference to the lives of the children who call the orphanage home.

The children of the orphanage share a common life-altering event. The tsunami of 2004 placed them in a position to need a supportive, healthy place to call home. Thanks to the warm hearts and dedicated work of staff and volunteers, the children have a safe, positive environment in which to grow.

The orphanage is located close to some of the most popular areas of southern Thailand. This means you can use your free time to take in some of the beautiful scenery that Thailand has to offer.

A typical day:
Whether you want to get involved in teaching, art, IT, writing, sewing, landscaping, cooking, or just helping out and interacting with the children; there is a place for you to contribute.

A school day and non-school day offer different opportunities for a volunteer. The children are at school Monday to Friday from about 8am - 3pm. Some volunteers opt to take personal time during the school day and focus their efforts on working when the children are at home. Other volunteers, for example those working on a construction project, may spend the bulk of their work time when the kids are at school.

You can also assist the staff at the orphanage during the day, getting everyone ready for the school run, helping with meals and then interacting with the children after school.

Every day is different as projects come and go, and depending on funds and needs at the time. There is always plenty to do in and around the orphanage even when the children are at school.

Highlights

* Enrich the lives of children affected by the 2004 tsunami
* Off the beaten track but located near Phuket, Thailand's most popular island
* Live at the Orphanage and become part of daily life

The orphanage is well established and you will probably find the kids quite independent but at the same time there is a huge need for and benefit from having international volunteers. The orphanage relies on the help of volunteers and money from private donors and institutional grants. Everyone has a valuable contribution to make and by joining this project you will be helping to support the ongoing running of the orphanage.

Volunteering at the orphanage is a great chance to work with children from all walks of life and is a very special experience. It is also a great way to immerse yourself in and learn about Thai culture.

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience are required for this volunteer role.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1 week: GBP 475 extra weeks: GBP 75 per week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
* Travel advice and assistance
* Being met on arrival at Phuket airport
* Accommodation (shared room)
* All meals
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team
* Donation to the orphanage

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• English Teaching
• Orphans
• Teaching
• Volunteering
• Youth

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement

PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday, volunteer projects and school expeditions from 1 week to 6 months with year round departures. We offer a personal and professional service drawing on years of experience from staff in the UK and overseas. Volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects including: caring for elephants and wild animals; joining an Amazon jungle conservation project; scuba diving and marine conservation; community building projects; volunteering at orphanages and care homes; teaching English and running summer English camps. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.

Year Founded

2001