Overview
Volunteer in Thailand over Christmas - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

The program is especially designed to combine worthwhile volunteering work with adventure over Christmas. The project in Ao Luk will focus on the local Non-Formal Education Centre. The NFE Centre provides educational opportunities and is where GVI Thailand hosts their free English classes for the local community throughout the year. The buildings are old and dilapidated but could become a location for added classes in language and vocational skills.

Included in the program is a Christmas day island tour, complete with Christmas lunch in an idyllic setting, plus 3 further days of adventure and exploration whilst staying with a local family on Koh Yoa. The homestay provides the perfect opportunity to experience Thai culture first-hand and soak up all the natural beauty and rich culture the Andaman region has to offer. You will visit Toh Buad cave and Tarzan bay, to Koh Pannyi, Koh Hong and James Bond Island, enjoy a sunset BBQ and a sea canoe trip through the island's lush mangrove forests.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

One of the best things about this project in Thailand is that you do things and see things that you would never see if you were travelling with friends or alone. You are completely immersed in the culture and you experience the real Thailand, as opposed to experiencing the tourist side of things

Hannah McMurray, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

By helping to do basic renovation such as painting, minor repairs, picking up litter and landscaping, volunteers will have the opportunity to help create a useful place for the local Ao Luk community to come together in a central location. The NFE Centre is located in a central location where much of the community lives and works. With a bit of work the Centre can evolve into a dynamic community centre providing an inspiring place for the community to seek knowledge and education, make added income from teaching classes and selling goods, and create a warm environment for the community to share their love of language, arts and music.

Highlights

To renovate the local Non-Formal Education Centre to create a functioning community centre and educational facility. Experience local Thai culture working alongside students and community members. Enjoy the beauty of the region through cultural and adventurous side trips including a Christmas day tour of the stunning islands, complete with Christmas lunch in an idyllic setting, plus 3 further days of adventure and exploration. You will visit Toh Buad cave and Tarzan bay, to Koh Pannyi, Koh Hong and James Bond Island, enjoy a sunset BBQ and a sea canoe trip through the island's lush mangrove forests.

Location

Ao Luk is a rural district of the Krabi province of Thailand located along the Phang Nga Bay of the Andaman region. It is a beautiful example of a traditional Thai community with a backdrop of towering karst rock formations. The local community is extremely warm and love the chance to get to know foreigners and practice their English.

Field Conditions

You will be living closely with your team of fellow volunteers and staff. While in Ao Luk, accommodation will be dorm style with a shared bathroom, which will have electricity and running water. Meals will be simple Thai food. Days will be spent fixing, cleaning, painting, and making general renovations at the local community centre. While on the homestay, you will be staying with a Thai family. Accommodation will be basic and volunteers will likely sleep two to a room depending on their placement. Meals, consisting of delicious Thai food, will be provided by the family.