Community Center — World Volunteer

Background

Thailand is developing as a country very quickly, but often rural districts and areas lag behind this development. Access to quality education is often an area that rural communities struggle to provide.WV has partnered with a community outside of Chiang Mai to build a community center whichwill have two rooms; one being a library and the second a large space for community meetings and activities. This community is already running after school programs for the local children as well as weekend classes for Burmese children who are not able to attend normal Thai school either due to their language or financial reasons. The library will be utilized for these classes as well serve as a communal space for the local children to read, do home-work, use wifi (which will be provided), or hang out with friends in a safe area. The community room will be utilized by the local community for various events, meetings, and special classes that will be arranged for the elders in the village. This center will be managed by the locally elected community representatives once completed.

Project

Our partner community is well known throughout Thailand for being leaders and stewards in sustainable organic agriculture and permaculture. Students will have the opportunity to learn about permaculture from leaders in this community and observe organic sustainable farming principles in practice. In Thailand, chemical use within agriculture is widely used and these local farms are pillars in the organic community. Students will be able to learn more in depth about the importance of sustainability and real life examples of solutions. This small community has multiple grassroots organizations that strive towards a more sustainable and holistic approach to life. Being immersed in not only Thai culture but also one that has such a unique outlook, ethos, and lifestyle is inspiring and presents a very unique learning opportunity.

Impact

Once completed, this community will have a new structure that can be utilized for a variety of classes, meetings, programs, etc. Also, through the various activities we are supporting local farms and organizations.

Cash income is also distributed to the village community as a product of the homestay agreement. In consultation with the Chief of each village, World Volunteer ensures that that every family in the village has a chance to benefit from this agreement. This model shows how every volunteer has a positive and measurable effect on the communities we work with.