The program
The mission of this essential Women's Empowerment program is to support women in Thailand who have suffered greatly in society due to having children out of wedlock. Working in a single mother’s home on the outskirts of popular tourist destination Chiang Mai, volunteers aged 20 years and older assist vulnerable women achieve a better life for them and their children. Volunteers provide much needed support to young pregnant women or new mothers who are in crisis and have taken shelter at the centre. Some of these young women are Thai’s who sadly have been shunned by their families and communities by becoming mothers out of marriage. Others may have suffered from abuse and neglect or may be from minority ethnicities who suffer segregation. Volunteers on this program provide education, assistance, childcare and companionship to poverty stricken women at their most vulnerable. This essential program truly empowers women in dire need of support and compassion and helps them to achieve a brighter future for them and their children.
Goals of this Project:
How you can help
Volunteers on this fantastic program work in Women's shelter that offers women and their children a healthy and supportive environment in which to live. Education and emotional support are provided with the aim of empowering the women to move out of the crisis they face and on to a happy and healthy life.The aim of the Home is that each mother will leave the shelter with their child and the tools they need to earn a living, continue their education and find their role within the community.
The Home's rural setting allows the women to gain skills that are integral to their Thai heritage. Women are taught to live closely with nature and practice agricultural sustainability and organic methods of gardening and permaculture. This knowledge and experience is valuable for the women and their children both during their time in the Home and to take with them into the communities in which they will live in the future. Volunteers can be involved in a range of areas including imparting knowledge to the women and children, childcare, gardening, ongoing construction and maintenance of the home and grounds as well as fundraising and awareness projects.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast at the Volunteer House
8:00am Travel to the project site
Transport to and from the project is by public mini-bus and costs approximately US$2 (not included in the program fees).
8:30am Pre-start meeting with program supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
Lunch is provided at the Shelter daily.
4:30pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
4:45pm De-brief with the project supervisor
5:00pm Return to the Volunteer House.
Evening Volunteers have free time in the evening to relax in the comfort of the volunteer house and prepare their evening meal or explore the city and dine out at one of the many eatery options.
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!
The Women's Home is located in a rural setting approximately 30 mins outside Chiang Mai city. Transport to and from the program costs roughly US$2 per day.
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.
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!
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!
Women Empowerment & Education Support
Support women and their children in need by providing education, childcare and help with income generation projects.
$255/week
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