Studio Xang Art for Migrant Children Project

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Spring, Summer 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Studio Xang is seeking an intern with excellent website designing skills.

Studio Xang, Chiang Mai has been established and directed by Padungsak Kochasamrong, artist, professor and senate at the Chiang Mai University, Faculty of fine Arts, since 2000.

Padungsak Kochasamrong and Estelle Cohenny, also an artist and educator, have been collaborating since to set up art workshops for children from various environments.

Studio Xang project's activities include weekly art classes for children in Chiang Mai, Mae Sot and Mae La Oon refugee camps, teacher training, parents' workshops, the production of handbooks, a newsletter in local languages and annual children's art exhibitions in Chiang Mai and Mae Sot.

The project's mission is to provide emotional support for migrant children to deal with the impact of their psycho-social environment. The issues faced by children are caused by displacement, difficult access to school, discrimination (against Burmese migrants and between migrant children, mainly learnt from Thai school), fear and poverty. Parents spend most of their time working hard and have little time to spend with their children. More specific problems such as health problems (asthma, epilepsy), alcoholic and violent fathers, lack of care by guardians, and separation from parents working away affect children. Therefore, the project's approach is a holistic one that includes children, parents, teachers and community workers from the migrant communities. Additionally, Studio Xang networks with the Thai community to increase support in migrant children's issues.

Studio Xang desperately needs a website to raise awareness, and in turn, help further their mission.

Key Responsibilities:

- To help compile and set-up a website in two, possibly 3 languages (English, Thai, and Burmese)

- To train Studio Xang staff the basics of website maintenance so that they can update it when needed.

Highlights:
The appropriate intern will have the following opportunities:

* Insights into living conditions and challenges faced by migrant communities in Thailand
* Insights into how a community based organization is run
* Exposure to Shan, Burmese and Thai culture
* Involvement in all Studio Xang's activites (e.g. art classes, parents and teachers workshops, etc.)
* Visit to the Studio Xang Mae Sot project

Qualifications: Studio Xang are looking for an intern with a background in graphic design who can can help compile and set up a website in two, preferably three languages (English, Thai, and Burmese)

They must have the capability to train Studio Xang staff the basics of website maintenance so that they can update it when needed.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone over the age of eighteen who wants to broaden their horizons, see new and different places and people, face fresh challenges with a sense of adventure, and can give a minimum of 2 months intern time is right for Cultural Canvas.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Cultural Canvas Thailand's Mission Statement: The mission of Cultural Canvas Thailand is to generate awareness and volunteer support of the current social issues facing Chiang Mai, Thailand. We promote equality, community interaction, and social change through artistic outreach and volunteer services in conjunction with local organizations. Culural Canvas Thailand and our partner organizations focus on education and assistance in the following areas: HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, and sex workers.

Year Founded: 2005