Preserving the culture of the hill tribes in Northern Thailand
       Chiang Rai Province          September 6 - September 19, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          October 4 - October 17, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          November 1 - November 14, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          November 29 - December 12, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          December 27, 2010 - January 9, 2011
       Chiang Rai Province          January 24 - February 6, 2011
       Chiang Rai Province          February 21 - March 6, 2011
       Chiang Rai Province          March 21 - April 3, 2011
       Chiang Rai Province          April 18 - May 1, 2011
       Chiang Rai Province          May 16 - May 29, 2011

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: 7500 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.
 

          "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

Construction of community facilities and cultural exchange with the local people of Sing Buri
       Sing Buri Province          September 13 - September 26, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          September 27 - October 10, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          October 11 - October 24, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          October 25 - November 7, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          November 8 - November 21, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          November 22 - December 5, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          December 6 - December 19, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          December 20, 2010 - January 2, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          January 3 - January 16, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          January 17 - January 30, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          January 31 - February 13, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          February 14 - February 27, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          February 28 - March 13, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          March 14 - March 27, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          March 28 - April 10, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          April 11 - April 24, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          April 25 - May 8, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          May 9 - May 22, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          May 23 - June 5, 2011
       Sing Buri Province          June 6 - June 19, 2011

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: 7500 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.