Hosting NGO
DALAA (International Volunteers for Social Development Association)
Contact person
Supannee Kaeovichit, Incoming coordinator dalaa.thailand.main2@gmail.com Tel: 66-74-266286
Project Place
Kuan Mai Bong village, Cha-Uat district, Nakhon Srithammarat province
Remark for Period
Minimum of 3 months (07/01-09/30 or 10/01-12/31)
Background
Local/ social situation/ needs for the project
Name and description of the local host
Roywan Pan Pba project was started from nothing but motivation and solidarity in March 2011 by the initiatives of a local environmental activist Pi Ju along with endless support of Kuan Mai Bong villagers and the work of the pilot international volunteers. This project aims to make participants (and especially the local kids) be able to stay in harmony with their environment (community and nature) and to respect it as a vital part of their life.
To act according to their beliefs, the project initiator, P. Ju, his family and the volunteers
work every day on sustainable agriculture and on managing a strong community life within the group and with the local people around. There is also some physical construction work to build the facilities on this steep hill. On Week-ends the local kids gather at the project for activities with the volunteers.
Aims and expected impact of the project
- Support Roywan Pan Pba Alternative School
- Learn from each other among volunteers themselves, and from volunteers to villagers vice
versa through “learning by doing” concept
- Be a part of Kuan Mai Bong village
- Let children be familiar with volunteers and learn in international/multi-cultural atmosphere
Main voluntary Work
In general, daily activities for volunteers are taking care of vegetables and plants grown in the area, harvesting vegetables and fruits for daily consumption, as well as helping out in family’s daily tasks such as preparing meals, doing dishes, keeping the whole area clean, etc. Normally, the volunteers will work between 4-5 hours/ day, depending on the condition of weather.
Apart from this, there is still some construction work to be built on/ repaired in the project area. As part of the team, volunteers share great support to the local project to help keep the project site and its landscape in good order. One of the school plans concerning the campaign of agricultural self-sufficiency is that people will no longer need to buy food from a market but to grow or to raise whatever edible and make it into meals for their families.
On Saturdays, about 10-15 children from the village will come to the project to do activities with the volunteers from 9a.m.-3 p.m. Volunteers decide together how the activities should be conducted. The opportunities are endless: teaching different subjects such as Basic English,art, agriculture, games. The kids vary in age, the youngest ones are approximately 7, and the oldest about 17. If you know any activities worth arranging for the kids from your country or any teaching ideas, please bring supplies you may need with you.
Approximate working hours:
Accommodation Location
Type of building: Small wooden hut
- Sleeping: Sharing with other vols.
- Meals: Cooked by vols. & locals.
- How and how long to go to work: Work within the project site
- Smoking: Only outside building
- Internet access: Internet café outside the village (once in 2 weeks)
Location
Roy Wan Phan Pba is located in a mountainous village of Ban Tad Mountain Range,
approx. 16 km away from the main road reaching up to the mountain. The villagers are mainly Buddhist and most work on their own rubber plantations, fruit orchards and some works in the city.
Terminal
- Nearest international airport: Hatyai International Airport
- Transportation from the capital or other major city: From Bangkok; By place: Most prices will be 1,200-3,200 Baht or more, depending on the airlines. By bus: Faster than train and there will also be air conditioning. You will leave in the late afternoon/ evening and arrive in Hat Yai early morning. Prices are about 700-900 Baht. By train: Cheapest. Prices depend on the class.
Other activities
You will get chances to see local ceremonies and a few visits to other villages or local
temples. During free time, volunteers can spend time on their own to read or do craft activities.
Qualification for volunteers
- Required: Strongly recommended to come with motivation to work with the nature physically and mentally, being able to handle the most basic living condition with limited facilities, to handle the spontaneous working environment, and rather to stay the distance from civilization because there are few chances for town as it is not easy to go out often. Volunteers should bear in mind to work in a team, everything shared, and responsibility taken equally. Above all, full involvement in community matters is a must. Volunteers should be able to conduct activities with children by themselves or with other volunteers.
- Preferable: Bringing ideas or some game materials from home country may be very helpful.
Attraction for volunteers
Experience of growing their own food/ of doing activities with children/ with Thai culture
and language/ with living with Thai community
Financial condition
- Fee to be paid for the full period: 48,000 Baht (1,457 US$ as of 2014 Feb. 02) for 6 months that means 8,000 Baht (242 US$) per month.
- Pocket money to be paid for the full period: None
Meetings
- On arrival training: 2 days on arrival introduction at DaLaa office in Hatyai
- Special care during Project: There’ll be regular visits from DaLaa staff.
- Evaluation meeting: 1 day at DaLaa office or in the village, depending on your convenience