About the Program
Thailand is open for quarantined arrivals, however, this program remains on hold for now in the best interests of the local community and volunteers alike.
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 childcare, education and assistance to this wonderful shelter, providing for 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:
- Provide essential care and support to the women and children
- Assist the shelter in empowering disadvantaged women
- Give impoverished women and 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 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 depending on both their own skills and the needs of the shelter. Tasks may involve childcare, education, assisting with the running of the shelter, gardening, ongoing construction and maintenance of the home and grounds as well as fundraising and awareness projects. It is important to be flexible and open minded.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Taking English classes
- Assisting in the day-care (English lessons, art, music, speech therapy, focused play activities)
- Assist with general administration tasks
- Work on construction, renovation and maintenance projects or sustainable farming
- Help with income generation projects (product design, quality control, and marketing)
- Assist with grant-writing and fundraising and awareness projects for the project.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help us provide support to some of Thailand's most marginalized and vulnerable women. While this challenging project does not require participants to have a background in the fields of social work, counselling and/or Women’s studies, as there are many ways you can assist, 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. All applicants must of course display 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!
When volunteering please wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
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!
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.
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 4 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 32 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.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
These are general guidelines only. Please check with your local Thai embassy for the specific requirements for your nationality.
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All arrivals into Thailand are required to quarantine in an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility, at the travellers own cost. The duration is currently 14 days for arrivals after May 6th but subject to change.
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A negative RT-PCR COVID test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
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Insurance which covers COVID and provides coverage of no less than US100,000.
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A Certificate of Entry and valid visa.