Building & Gardening Volunteer Program at Home for Single Mothers in Chiang Mai
Overview of the Program
At the Friends for Asia Foundation, our Building & Gardening at Home for Single Mothers program offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in Chiang Mai. This program is part of our broader Chiang Mai Women's Empowerment Volunteer Project, designed to help disadvantaged single mothers achieve self-sufficiency through sustainable gardening and bamboo construction.
A Day in the Life of a Volunteer
Your day as a volunteer begins around 9:00 am, but you'll likely find the site already buzzing with activity. The distinct sound of the two-wheeled “steel buffalo” working through the rice paddy sets the tone for a productive day. Nestled against the lush backdrop of Chiang Mai’s jungle-clad mountains, you'll be immersed in a vibrant community, just minutes away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Volunteer Tasks & Skills
Construction Volunteering: During your time with us, you'll gain hands-on experience in building with bamboo, a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Your tasks may include treating and sealing bamboo poles, constructing frames, laying cement foundations, or painting. This phase of the project is crucial as the home expands to accommodate not only the single mothers and their children but also staff and volunteers.
Gardening Volunteering: Gardening is another core aspect of this program. You'll assist in cultivating the land where organic rice and produce are grown. Tasks include planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting. Despite the heat, there are plenty of shaded areas to work in, and a midday break allows you to learn Thai, interact with locals, or relax.
Making a Difference
Your role as a volunteer extends beyond physical tasks. By helping single mothers gain practical skills, you play a pivotal part in their journey towards independence. Many of these women come from marginalized ethnic groups in Northern Thailand and may be unfamiliar with receiving support from outsiders. Your presence and effort symbolize a message of hope and solidarity.
The foundation aims to equip these mothers with skills that will benefit them both now and in their future villages. Whether you share your knowledge of construction, gardening, or English, your contributions will have a lasting impact. Your willingness to help with daily chores and skills training, such as computer literacy or cultural demonstrations, adds immense value.
Volunteer Qualifications
- Age Requirement: Minimum age of 20.
- Physical Condition: Volunteers should be in good physical shape due to the outdoor nature of the work and exposure to heat.
- Skills: A basic understanding of building and tools is preferred. Volunteers should be able-bodied, flexible, and enjoy outdoor work.
Join us at Friends for Asia Foundation to make a tangible difference in Chiang Mai. Your participation in our Building & Gardening program not only supports single mothers in their quest for independence but also enriches your own experience with valuable skills and cultural insights.
