Building at a Home for Single Mothers in Crisis

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.

Description: Helping single mothers gain the skills needed to survive and prosper is a truly amazing and rewarding experience. However, before this can take place, the mothers, children and staff need a place to sleep, eat and learn how to better the lives of these young women in need. Building, smiling, laughing and sweating will be done by volunteers alongside the Thai construction staff, employees and other volunteers at the Single Mother's Home. This project is perfect for those interested in hands-on physical work for the improvement of an amazing organization dedicated to improving the lives of young women who really need a helping hand.

Assisting in the hands-on construction, of mostly bamboo structures, that will act as dormitories and work spaces for staff, volunteers and the women and children that reside at the home is the basic role of volunteers in this project. Volunteers will be working outside and assisting in all phases of the construction (the treatment and sealing of the bamboo, laying the cement foundation, assembling the frame and walls, etc.) for training areas, housing for volunteers, staff and the women and children, along with communal areas for the women that reside at the home. The Single Mother's Home has recently moved to a beautiful new, rural location surrounded by rice paddies, gardens and mountains. Although you will work in the sun and heat, you will be more than welcome to take breaks when needed and allow time to take in the beauty of the northern Thai countryside.

Highlights: Chiang Mai is a pleasant city, encircled by mountains and lush rice fields. Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city with a population of roughly 700,000. The city is considered the cultural and physical capital of (what used to be) the northern Thai (Lanna) kingdom. Chiang Mai is the home of an international airport, restaurants of almost every cuisine, incredible shopping and world class hospitals.

During or after one's volunteer service, Friends For Asia recommends for volunteers to take part in some of the many different local attractions and/or courses. Every Sunday Chiang Mai closes off one of the main roads in the old city to put on a walking street market. Vendors and artisans from the area set up their small booths to sell their handicrafts, art and mouthwatering finger foods.

Chiang Mai offers Thai cooking courses starting around USD35, Thai massage courses starting around USD45, along with jungle treks and regular Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches. Upon your arrival into Chiang Mai, Friends For Asia will be more than happy to help you sign up for one of these exciting opportunities to learn more about this beautiful culture.

Qualifications: Due to having to work outside and spend a lot of time in the heat, the home requests for volunteers to be in good physical condition. Volunteers should have a basic knowledge of building and tools, be between the ages of 20-40 and able to work in the heat. Volunteers should be able-bodied, flexible and enjoy working outside.

Friends For Asia requires all volunteers in this project (and all other projects where volunteers work directly with or near children) to submit a certified police background check before volunteer service begins.

Cost in US$: 895

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Thailand and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range: 20 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2 or 3

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement: The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded: 2008