Project Life

The children of the orphanage share a common life-altering event. The tsunami of 2004 placed them in a position to need a supportive, healthy place to call home. Thanks to the warm hearts and dedicated work of staff and volunteers, the children have a safe, positive environment in which to grow.

Upon arrival, an Andaman Discoveries' coordinator will accompany you to the orphanage for a day, show you the accommodations and make sure that you are settled. The orphanage staff, volunteers and children will be happy to have you join them and offer a welcoming environment.

Volunteers can make a vast difference in the lives of the children who call the orphanage home. Whether you are talented at teaching, art, computers, writing, sewing, landscaping or cooking, there is a place for you to contribute. Please contact us to learn how your talents can make a difference.

A Day in the Life

Are you someone with creative art skills with a passion to teach? Then you could make an excellent contribution of teaching an art project after school, on the weekends or during a school holiday. Are you someone with culinary enthusiasm? The taste buds of the staff and children will surely benefit from your expertise. Perhaps you could share your love of cooking and baking with the children.

The program is flexible. However, we ask that you contribute a minimum of six hours a day, five days a week.

A school day and non-school day offer different opportunities for a volunteer. The children are at school Monday to Friday from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except during holidays from March to mid-May and from mid-September to late-October.

Some volunteers opt to take personal time during the school day and focus their efforts on working when the children are at home. Other volunteers, for example those working on a construction project or computer-based work, may spend the bulk of their time when the kids are away. There are also volunteers who enjoy spending time assisting the orphanage staff during the day and exchanging with the children after school. The essential key is that volunteers are proactive and open to contribute where help is needed.

Program Availability

Depending on whether there are previously-scheduled volunteers, you can come and volunteer at any date.

Skills and Qualifications

Everyone has a valuable contribution to make. An ideal volunteer will be able to commit to a minimum period of one week.

It is important that volunteers be proactive and able to work independently. Solo volunteers are much appreciated and welcome. The orphanage staff recommends volunteers come in pairs, as the companionship and support can add to one's experience.

The Andaman Discoveries' team is close by and is available to assist you if questions or concerns arise.

We ask that all volunteers be:

• Open-minded, proactive and patient;
• Willing to accept new ideas and be respectful of different cultures;
• Be independent, mature and flexible; and
• Be willing to learn some basic Thai
• Motivated and enjoy working with children and teenagers

Accommodation

Furnished accommodation is provided at the orphanage. Volunteer housing is clean and comfortable.

Food

Three meals a day are provided at the orphanage. Meals are nutritious with fruits, vegetables, meats and based upon the staple of rice. You will have access to drinking water and coffee.

Location

The orphanage is located between Phuket and Takua Pa in Phang Nga province. Despite its proximity to Phuket, the orphanage is off the tourist path, giving you a unique insight into the Thai way of life.

The orphanage is near many captivating places, including the Similan Islands, Koh Ra Ecolodge, Koh Surin National Park (seasonal) and Khao Sok National Park, offering a variety of activities from eco tours, homestay programs, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Our Prices Include:

 

• Donation to the orphanage
• Three meals a day at the orphanage
• Accommodation at the orphanage
• One-way transfer from Phuket International Airport to the orphanage
• Financial contribution to other local social and environmental projects
• Support from bilingual Andaman Discoveries' staff
• 7% Value-Added Tax

 

Our Prices Exclude:

 

• Flights, visas and departure taxes
• Vaccinations and travel insurance
• Expenses outside of the orphanage
• Optional excursions with the children during weekends and/or holidays
• Transfer from the orphanage to your next destination
• Other personal items and expenses

 

Safety and Insurance

It is recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy prior to your departure. There are different options available covering everything from lost baggage to a medical emergency. We advise that volunteers select a policy that covers all activities with us and in your own time. Some activities, such as diving, are not covered by some insurers.

Support materials

We encourage our volunteers to learn some Thai words as well as to teach some English during their trip. And we have developed Thai-English phrasebook and we highly encourage you to print it out and use it during your stay in Thailand.

Previous volunteers have developed a useful homestay pack with flashcards, which you can print out and laminate before you leave. It will help you communicate with the local people and it contains ideas for games and activities which can assist you to develop lesson plans.

Request a quote or enquire about this volunteer option.