Preserving the culture of the hill
tribes in Northern Thailand
Chiang Rai Province
February 6 - February 19, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
March 19 - April 1, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
June 11 - June 24, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
July 2 - July 14, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
July 23 - August 5, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
August 20 - September 1, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
September 3 - September 16, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
October 8 - October 21, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
November 26 - December 9, 2012
Chiang Rai Province
December 23, 2012 - January 6, 2013
Volunteer project: The Akha tribe is the fourth largest hill-tribe group in Thailand. Originally from the highlands of the Yunan Province in China, there are now Akha in Thailand, Laos, China and Burma. The population of the Akha in these five countries may range as high as 400,000 or higher. Genealogical charts show 70 generations of Akha, putting the start of their civilization at least 1500 years ago. There are about 63,000 Akha in Northern Thailand scattered over some 278 villages, over 80% of whom live in the Chiang Rai Province. Most Akha are farmers, cultivating dry rice and vegetables, breeding pigs, gathering food from the jungle and occasionally hunting or fishing. The villages are located in remote areas at high elevations. Over the centuries, the Akha have developed unique ceremonies, culture and religion. Up until the last 30 years, there was little contact with outsiders. Due to rapid social and economic changes in this region, most dramatically brought about by western style capitalism, the lifestyle and very lives of these people are being destroyed. They now are having great difficulty holding onto the land on which they live, they are increasingly being pushed into deeper poverty for the majority and they are facing increased problems of drug use, prostitution and imprisonment. Although modernization and missionaries have caused change in some Akha villages, many Akha still maintain much of their culture and traditions.
The main aims of the project are to promote the distinct Akha culture between international volunteers and to establish a real intercultural encounter between the volunteers and the local people. Through common activities and free time, the volunteers will have the possibility to learn more about the situation of the hill tribes and the Akha in particular.
The main objective of the project is cultural exchange between the volunteers and the local villagers but the participants of the project will also practically work in the communities doing several kinds of support and development works, like renovation of some community spaces or field work and farming with the villagers. The exact nature of the work will depend of the needs of the village at the moment of the project.
Participating in the Hill tribe volunteer project in Northern Thailand gives you the opportunity to meet local rural communities while also giving you the chance to really understand the culture and traditions of this fascinating part of Thailand. The work is very diverse, from construction to teaching and working with the villagers. Volunteers are expected to be flexible about the nature of the work as it can vary according to the need of the community. The essence of this project is to spend time with the Hill tribes and learn about their culture.
Study theme: The volunteers will learn about Akha culture, lifestyle, particularities and problematic situation in Thailand from the inside and from Akha people themselves. An introduction to Akha and Thai language is foreseen.
Language: English
Leisure time: The free time will be organised according to the weather and the actuality of the communities but in general it will be essentially spent in the community. The volunteers will have the chance to learn about Akha cuisine, massage and specific handicraft. They might have the opportunity to attend traditional Akha ceremonies and events (like the principal Harvest celebration in March). If the weather permits it, trekking in the hills can also be foreseen.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted by the villagers in the communities where they will work. The conditions will be the same as for the Akhas themselves: very basic compared to urban Thailand, but very authentic. Do not expect occidental luxuries in any case. Sleeping bag required.
Location: The project will be held in the Chiang Rai province (North-west Thailand) close to the surrounding mountains in the direction of the Golden Triangle, maybe one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand! The influence of the hill tribes and nearby Burma, Laos and China shapes the culture. The activities will take place in the Akha villages around the region.
Terminal: Bus and national plane: Chiang Rai
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 10500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Cadip volunteer project review:
"First of all
it was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to anyone
looking to do something meaningful and enjoyable. The Akha people are
very intriguing and very kind. We spent our time in two different
villages where we were treated with great respect and cared for as
honorary guests. Nevertheless the conditions were very simple, and I
would not recommend this workcamp to anyone requiring "western" standard
facilities or food. We ate many traditional Akha dishes which consisted
of various vegetables and meats (both cooked and uncooked for the
daring). We were lucky to take part in a festival that was occurring at
one of the villages called the "swing festival". To prepare for this we
helped the villagers collect trees from the jungle and then build a
giant swing that we could all use, it was a lot of fun. Other projects
we worked on included building a house and clearing a long road of
foliage. The mountains surrounding Chiang Rai are beautiful, and our
camp leader was very catering to all of our touristic needs (sightseeing
and what not). The greatest aspect of the camp was living among the Akha
people, sleeping and eating in their homes, and taking part in their
customs and traditions."
Anthony P.,
Cadip volunteer 2006
Dam
construction to prevent flooding of villages in Songkhla Province
Songkhla Province
February 20 - March 4, 2012
Songkhla Province
July 16 - July 29, 2012
Songkhla Province
July 30 - August 12, 2012
Songkhla Province
August 13 - August 26, 2012
Songkhla Province
December 10 - December 23, 2012
Volunteer project: Songkhla is one
of the southern provinces of Thailand. The name derives from its
original Malay name Singgora (city of lions). This refers to a
lion-shaped mountain near the city of Songkhla. In contrast to most
other provinces, the capital Songkhla is not the largest city in the
province. The much newer city of Hat Yai, with a population of 194,000,
is twice as big as Songkhla. This often leads to the misconception that
Hat Yai is the provincial capital. Both cities are part of Greater
Hatyai-Songkhla Metropolitan Area.
Groups of international volunteers
have contributed to the activities of several schools in the Khlong Hoi
Khong district
since 1998, particularly in holding lessons and activities in English
for the children. The volunteer projects this year are the continuity of these efforts.
The aim of the volunteer project is to help protect
villages in Khlong Hoi Khong district of Songkhla province from flooding during the rainy season.
This part of Thailand was severely flooded recently, which was
devastating for local villagers. The dams that the volunteers will build
are intended to save infrastructure and farming.
The international volunteers will work alongside
local Thai communities to prevent flooding of their homes, schools,
shops and farms. You will use bamboo, sand, cement and rock to create
the dams.
Leisure time: The free time will be organized by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. Hat Yai is 40 minutes by public transportation from the project base, while Songkhla and Samila beach can be reached in about one hour and thirty minutes.
Language: English
Accommodation: Located in the south of Thailand, near Songhkla, the Volunteer Centre is situated close to the city of Hat Yai and next door to the Queen’s sustainable agricultural project. Spread across 9 acres of natural surroundings, it’s an ideal place for quietude, relaxation and a volunteer getaway. Sleeping bag is required.
Location: Khlong Hoi Khong, 24 km from Hat Yai in the Songkhla province. It is very far south, close to the Malaysia border.
Terminal: Hat Yai Train Station; Hat Yai Airport; Bangkok International Airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 10,500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Construction of community
facilities and cultural exchange with the local people of Sing Buri
Sing Buri Province
April 16 - April 29, 2012
Sing Buri Province
June 25 - July 8, 2012
Sing Buri Province
September 17 - September 30, 2012
Sing Buri Province
October 29 - November 11, 2012
Sing Buri Province
November 12 - November 25, 2012
Volunteer project: The Singburi projects are part of a larger campaign and efforts to stimulate rural development with the support of International Voluntary Service. We believe that the impact of the international volunteers in rural communities is an important stimulus to open minds and reduce prejudices. We work a lot with rural areas to transmit these values to the villagers.
The main focus of this project is on practical work
in the community doing several kinds of support and development works
like the construction or renovation of village houses or schools, etc.
The exact nature of the work will depend of the needs of the village at
the moment of the project but the participants will also experience a
cultural exchange with the local villagers.
The aim of this project is
to not only contribute to the rural development of the village, rather,
it is hoped that through this work, both the participants and the
villagers come closer to each other, have fun (sanuk) together, learn
more about each other's cultures and set a good basis for future
activities and give both the participants and the local people an
opportunity to exchange their cultures and backgrounds.
Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the culture of rural Thailand in general and the traditions and specificity of the Central region. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.
Language: English
Leisure time: The free time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The closest city is far but accessible. The region isn’t very tourist attractive as such but the nature is of extraordinary beauty: rice fields, temples and natural parks are all over the region.
Accommodation: The participants will be hosted either in a local volunteer centre or by the villagers in the communities where they will work. Volunteers should bring their own sleeping bag.
Location: The project will be held in the Singburi region (Central Thailand). Sing Buri is 142 km north of Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was established in the year 1895 during the reign of King Rama V through a consolidation of three small riverside towns including Sing Buri, In Buri, and Phrom Buri. The province currently occupies an area of 822 square kilometres. Singburi has many beautiful temples for visit: Wat Phra Non Chakkrasi Worawihan is a royal temple in the third class. Inside the Wihan (image hall), a large reclining Buddha image is enshrined. Furthermore, there are two other Buddha images: Phra Kan and Phra Kaeo. They were built in the reign of King Rama V to be the principal image at a ceremony for civil servants to swear an oath of allegiance to the king.
Terminal: National airport: Bangkok. From Morchid bus station 2 hours.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 10500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Nature
conservation and raising environmental awareness in Kao Yai National
Park
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
May 14 - May 26, 2012
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
July 9 - July 21, 2012
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
August 6 - August 18, 2012
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
August 27 - September 8, 2012
Volunteer project: Khao Yai National Park consists of complicated mountains such as Khao Rom, the highest about 1,351 meters above sea level. Moreover, the area has vastly grassy field alternating with productive forest. The north and the east part are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west part are rising up. The area is the source of five main rivers. Khao Yai has three main seasons, with an annual mean temperature of 23°C, though this varies greatly with the seasons. Tropical moist evergreen forest covers the central area of Khao Yai National Park. There is a rich diversity of plants (about 2,000 species). Towering trees draped in mosses, climbers and epiphytes, tangled trunks of the strangling figs, drooping lianas and spiny rattan palms, delicate ferns, multicolored lichens and an ever-changing array of fungi. There is always something new to discover in the forest. The park has a diverse plant community. Birds: We've got lots - over 320 species have been recorded. To the non-expert, birds are often just mysterious whistles, trills and calls, or a flutter of wings and a glimpse of color. Patience is needed and good binoculars.
Our Conservation Program works within the nearby national forest park and its forest rangers; this will give you the opportunity to help conserve this beautiful location whilst enjoying nature. This is the perfect program for someone with a keen interest in nature and outdoor activities, and who enjoys a challenge. Most of all, enjoy yourselves and make life lasting friends through an experience you will never forget. Volunteers will work for the present and the future of ecological preservation, and elevate the protection of species and eco-systems within the national park.
The main task of the volunteer group is to engage in
practical work in the local communities doing different kinds of support
and development work. Possible activities are: teaching the children at
local schools about the forest and the effects of poaching; work with
the rangers in the park; planting trees, possibly together with the
local population; making trails for eco-tourism in the park. The exact
nature of the work will depend of the needs of the park in the different
seasons. The participants will also take part in cultural exchange
activities with the locals.
Please, remember that the work is primarily a tool for building
relationships with one another. So take time to socialize and let
friendships develop.
Study theme and leisure time: The volunteers will learn about the culture of rural Thailand in general and the traditions and specificity of the region. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.
Language: English
Accommodation: Your accommodation
will be in a forest resort in Nakhon Ratchasima province. This camp
is situated about 30 km from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima and about 15
km from Wang Nam Keow, the nearest town. It takes about 30 minutes from
the resort to go to Wang Nam Keow, where you will find all the amenities
you may need i.e. internet, shops, hospital, pharmacy, banks and
restaurants.
You will stay in the resort, either in private rooms or eco cottages.
Sleeping bag is required. All rooms have private bathrooms. The house
has a communal area where you can eat, relax and meet. The house is
within walking distance of a local shop and a make shift bar provided by
the friendly locals.
Location: Nakhon Ratchasima,
generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on
sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers
northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower
northeastern region. Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming
hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.
Wang Nam Keow is a district (amphoe) in the southern part of Nakhon
Ratchasima Province, Northeastern Thailand. Wang Nam Keow is about 3
hours by bus from Bangkok.
Terminal: Wang Nam Keow Bus Station; Bangkok International Airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 10,500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
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