Volunteering / Homestay Program

ABOUT HOMESTAY PROGRAM:

Homestay tourism is a new self help program of Baan Dada Children’s Home to supplement the home’s income. The homestay is a four day program which includes three vegetarian meals a day, learning karen cloth weaving, learning cooking, a tour of Baan Mon Temple and the Wooden bridge for a price of 3,000.-baht. If you are interested to be in this program pls give us a week notice.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

Baan Dada provides an ideal field for learning and exchange for volunteers. The basic atmosphere is holistic, with regular weekly yoga, and meditation practices (which you can join if you like), vegetarian meals and dedication to the service of others.

To make it easier for us to manage your day to day needs it is essential that you give in advance the money according to the number of days you will be staying at Baan Dada. Please note that our home has a very tight budget. We have a donation box in our office and a register book to write down the amount you put in.

We also have a register book for incoming volunteers which has to be filled up upon arrival or on the next day.

Please think about your motivation for volunteering. Remember that volunteering with us is not a holiday. Often the work is labor intensive and teaching can be frustrating, but it is always worth it in the end. It can also be stressful for some people to live in such a remote area, so take this into account as well.

If you are interested in volunteering, please read ALL of the description below before sending us an email as this information should answer most questions.

Teaching English is one of the most important jobs a volunteer can do (aside from an equally important office work) as it will help carry the children all the way to university. You also can teach arts, music, or any other skills you have. Volunteers can also help the younger children during meal time and with preparation of the food. Volunteers can also help by organizing different activities for the children.

There are always many other jobs to do from building, farming, tutoring, driving, administration work in the office, help with fund raising or helping to support the many community projects Baan Dada is involved with. The volunteers can also greatly contribute in their own ways and enhance the progress and development of projects. Volunteers are welcome throughout the year.

Baan Dada offers food and accommodation and asks for a small contribution of 400-500 baht per day (Amount depends on the length of your stay. 500 Baht per day if you are staying under two weeks,and 400 Baht per day if over two weeks) for the supplied food, accommodation, and extra wages for the single-mother cooks and care givers, so that the financial resources of the Home goes strictly towards the maintenance of the Home.

We are seeking volunteers from all backgrounds who are experienced (or are eager to gain experience!) in a variety of skills. We are especially in need those with experience in:

Teaching (English, music, art, and computers)
Engineering, metal work, and masonery (To help with construction projects, and or teach about mechanical things)
Agricultural skills (If you have knowledge about grafting, seedlings, or general agriculture and would like to volunteer please specify in your email)
Graphic design and office experience (to help with press releases, fliers and website maintenance, and fund raising)
Medical fields (to help with the children’s health, and eye care program)

The volunteers will be communicating with a mentor at the project who will oversee the needs and work of the volunteer (of course we like volunteers who are self-driven). If you are interested and able to volunteer time from your own country, we have many things you may be able to help us with. Please contact us for details.

The project is free of drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Anyone can have a drink, but they must stay in a guest house in Sangklaburi for the evening. Smoking is permitted FAR from the view of any children, as it is not the type of behavior we want them to replicate.

Volunteers will be responsible for their own return ticket, health insurance, and visa arrangements. They are expected to respect the local cultural norms and holistic lifestyle at the project.

Please make sure to make arrangements with us prior to arrival so we can make sure there is a bed available!!

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING?

Here is a list of items volunteers will need:

Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Washcloth and Quick Drying Travel Towel
Long clothing to protect from mosquitoes at night. Breathable fabric is good.
Malaria tablets
A torch/flashlight
If in rainy season, waterproof or quick dry clothing and rubber flip-flops (June – October)
Cash for your stay, ATM’s can be found at Siam Bank in Sangklaburi town. Bring enough to buy some snacks and other small things(cheap convenience stores are 20 mins walk)
A small First Aid Kit, itch cream and plasters/bandages for blisters etc.
Wet Wipes
Sanitary Napkins or Tampons

Here is a list of the things we provide:

Blankets and sleeping sheets (occasionally laundry is a bit behind, so you may want to bring one clean sheet to sleep on for Day 1)
Mosquito net
Fridge, water boiler, and toaster
Safe drinking water
3 cooked vegetarian meals a day.
Internet access

Here is a list of Items you can bring for the kids

Note: Items such as school supplies, toys, medical gear, toys and so forth can be purchased much more cheaply in Thailand. It saves travelers cash and space to bring the money rather than items, most of the time. That being said there are some things that you can bring that are harder for us to get a hold of cheaply

Old Laptops, educational games, software, and computer supplies
used eyeglasses, and sunglasses preferably real UV protected
high end specialized tools (such as those for auto and bicycle maintenance)
Old jewlery, accessories, and used clothing for the children to sell on market day
Old digital cameras (preferably still in working condition)

(If you have a question about what you might like to bring please include it in your email)

IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SOME FUND RAISING

Many volunteers do some fund raising before going to Baan Dada. This allows them to pour money into the project that they are most passionate about, or perhaps propose a new project. In the past ex-volunteers have conducted small charity dinners, walks, concerts, or bike rides and have raised thousands!! If you have questions about how to conduct such an event a list of volunteer contacts is at the bottom of this page. Please email them and ask about their time at Baan Dada and the projects they helped create.

HOW DO I GET TO BAAN DADA?

From Bangkok

You can use the Northern or Southern Bus terminal to reach Sangkhlaburi (a town 13 km from Baan Dada).

Northern Bus Terminal (MOCHIT):

Air conditioned buses leave Mo Chit bus station and go directly to Sangkhlaburi town(6-8 hours).Last bus leaves bangkok at 12:30 pm.

Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai):

Air conditioned buses leave Sai Tai Mai for Kanchanaburi every thirty minutes. It is a minimum two hours ride. From Kanchanaburi, a Van leaves for Sangkhlaburi every hour (Last Van leaves at 4:30pm).

If you arrive at Kanchanaburi after2:00 pm, it’s strongly suggested that you should stay there for one night and then catch a bus to Sangkhlaburi on the next day. Since it takes 3 or 4 hours from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi by bus and there will be no Songthaews or motorbikes from Sangkhlaburi to Baan Dada after 6:00 pm.

There are buses in Kanchanaburi bus station going to Sangkhlaburi and the last bus leaves at 3:30 pm.

Once in Sangkhlaburi

If you arriving from the Southern or Northern Bus terminal, you will be dropped at Sangkaburi Bus station. At the southern end of the parking lot (same end as shop called “7/11″), there should be a few green songthaews (covered pick-up trucks). Get on a Songthaew that is heading for Huay Ma Lai (the village where Baan Dada is located). There are no English signs, just walk up to the drivers or the people hanging out near the songthaews and say “Huay Ma Lai” or “Baan Dada”. All of the drivers know about Baan Dada and will know where to drop you. Huay Ma Lai is about 13 km from Sangkhlaburi and the songthaew ride is 40-60 baht (depending on how many people are in the songthaew. 300 baht if you are on your own).

Alternatively, you could catch a ride on a motorbike or truck by the stand just outside the large parking lot and go to Baan Dada. It should cost around 120 baht per person.

Once in Huay Ma Lai

The songthaew driver may offer to drop you off at the orphanage; however, this is usually not the case. The songthaew should drop you at a crossroad bus stop with a small waiting stand on the right. You will be walking from this point. Take the right at the crossroads. Walk about 500 meters, you will go up a hill, and then down it. Early into the walk there should be a small Christian foundation on your right. At the top of the hill there should be a clay and dirt quarry on your right, next to a rubber tree plantation. You will come to another crossroads intersection as you are going down the hill. Take a right at the Baan Dada sign.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the weather like?

There are three seasons, warm season from February till May, rainy season from the end of June till October and the ‘cool’ season which extends from November till January. From February till October the temperature averages at around 35°C but during the cool season it can reach as low as 10°C, so remember to bring layers. During rainy season there is frequent unpredictable rain.

Is there a dress code?

There is no enforced dress code. It is advised however to not wear anything too revealing. Comfortable, practical clothes are best.

Is there Internet access or cellphone service?

Yes there is phone service, and there are computers in the office with Internet access (wired and wifi), but volunteers have to share them with the staff and the children. There is also good mobile phone service in the area – you can either use your phone with your existing cell phone number or you can buy a Thai SIM card in Bangkok, at 7-11s or at a mobile phone store in Thailand to pop into your own phone (Currently only 1-2-Call has reception in the area). Data services for many smart phones also work here, but check your phone carrier for roaming and international charges.

Is there a post office nearby?

Yes. There is a post office in Sangklaburi.

Do volunteers sleep in the same space as the children or separately?

It is not prohibited to sleep where the children sleep but it is not common.

What are volunteer conditions like?

There is one main volunteer house, as well as a traditional bamboo house, and a smaller house, that sleep a total of 20 volunteers in beds, one having a western toilet, and are situated 5 minutes walk from the main living area. There is a volunteer fridge, kettle and fans available and electrical plugs in rooms.

Do males and females sleep together?

There are no ‘rules’ for where to sleep in the volunteer house. It is completely up to the volunteers.

Will I share a room?

It depends on how many volunteers are staying at Baan Dada, but sometimes yes.

Does the volunteer house have electricity? Internet access?

There is electricity at the house but internet access does not reach there.

Will I be cooking my own food?

The ‘Mothers’ who live and work at Baan Dada cook three vegetarian meals a day. They are reluctant to let you do the washing up too!

Will I be washing my own clothes?

Usually volunteers hand wash their own clothes at the volunteer house. There is plenty of space to dry clothes there. However there are washing machines at the homes which the Mothers use and can wash your clothes for a small donation.

What kind of food is provided?

All of the food cooked at Baan Dada is vegetarian. No eggs, onions or garlic are used in the food, however, sometimes treats such as Burmese tea leaf salad which contains garlic is bought from the market. Most volunteers comment on how great the food is.

Are there any medical risks?

It is recommended by doctors at the local hospital that you should use a anti-malarial prophylactic – Doxycyclin or Malarone is currently recommended. Please consult your physician for up to date advice.

How long can I stay with a tourist visa?

Usually 30 days. It is up to the volunteer to organize their own visa. Please check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country before coming to Thailand.

Can I extend my visa once in Thailand?

Yes. It depends on what kind of visa you have. Sometimes you can pay for a visa extension at an immigration office in Thailand, other times you may have to exit and re enter Thailand. Many volunteers opt to do this via Malaysia or Laos.

Am I expected to take part in any religious practice?

No. There is regular meditation practice which is open to all but not at all compulsory.

Is there a Volunteer schedule?

Weekly meetings will be held to create agreed upon schedules.

What will I be doing?

There are ongoing projects which volunteers can take part in, for example the construction of a new workshop and daily small group english lessons. Teaching skills to the children and fund raising money for the home are always welcomed activities for volunteers to take part in. However what you do is entirely up to you.

Do I have free time?

Yes. Volunteers are advised to take at least one day off every week, and are welcome to have time off during the day.

How many volunteers are there at one time?

We have comfortable held over 30 volunteers in the past

Is all of the work physical?

There is a lot of construction going on at any one time, however, there are always jobs which need little physical exertion, such as teaching and office work.

Should I be able to speak Thai?

No. It is not necessary to speak Thai, Burmese, Karen or Mon. Both Dadas speak English. The children’s abilities to speak English range form very little to a good level of conversation English. Most of the younger children speak Karen amongst themselves, while the older children speak Thai. You won’t need to speak Thai to use the transportation to Baan Dada, however be patient if people cannot understand your pronunciation of place names.

PREVIOUS VOLUNTEER CONTACTS

The following past volunteers would be happy to tell you more about there time at Baan Dada and the projects they helped create and complete