Why?
Because apart from helping the rural Thai and ethnic minority groups to escape the poverty trap, and to establish their own ecotourism products, you will enjoy a grassroots experience that provides you access to the people and culture of Thailand in a way that is just not available to those who visit the Kingdom as normal tourists…. If indeed you are considering volunteering, or just an interlude as a voluntourist whilst on holiday to Thailand, the VWB Initiative offers some really worthwhile opportunities in both the environmental development and educational fields.
Programme content is designed to ensure that the rewards of your efforts are substantial – for both yourself and the host community. If environmental protection, development work or tourism are career possibilities for you, the options we provide will serve as an excellent window onto careers in each of these fields.
When?
Volunteering – 6 day / 6 night programmes depart Chiang Mai every Sunday evening, and return to the city every Saturday evening, commencing Sunday the 6th January 2008.
Half day and full day voluntourist programmes are on request and available all year around.
Read the Volunteer programme & Voluntourist programmes in the Volunteer & Voluntourist section of this website, as well as the Volunteer Handbook – then sign up.
Where?
Volunteer programmes are based from the Pang Soong Lodge, 50kms from Chiang Mai City and at 1000 m.a.s.l. in the mountains that ring the city.
What role?
Environmental – We are constructing nature trails and establishing an agroforestry project, as well as putting together the materials need to compile a world class nature trail guide book.
We are also teaching English to students in 4 local schools. You can be involved in either or both of the above, or perhaps have your specialist skills (photography, construction etc.) utilized where they will benefit most.
How much?
Charges are approximately US$ 55-65 per day depending on the exchange rate are all inclusive of: Transfers, accommodation, meals, a day rate for your local co-worker, a contribution to the VWB Initiative fund (for building materials etc.) and to cover the cost of the 3 VWB staff who run the programmes.
Note* A detailed breakdown of charges is provided in the volunteer and voluntourist section of the website.
Who with?
You will be joined by other like minded people, intent on enjoying their time amongst the Thai people without exploiting them.
