Here at Friends for Asia, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities for our many volunteers from around the world. That is why we are so excited to announce the addition of two more volunteer programs to our offerings. Here’s what you need to know.
Elephant Camp Project
Our Elephant Camp Project has been going on for quite a while now, but we are making some major changes and improvements to the logistics of the program. In the past, our volunteers worked on-site at an actual elephant camp. We have achieved a lot of success with this program thus far and can’t wait for the next phase of the project.
Going forward, our volunteers will be placed at an elephant nursery, where they will help care for baby and mother elephants. What could be more fun than that? Currently, the camp houses six elephants: three mothers and three babies. However, that number will be growing soon.
Bua Thong, one of the mother elephants in the camp, is currently pregnant and approaching the end of her nearly two-year gestation period. The big delivery day could be upon us at any moment! After the birth, she and her new baby will continue to live at the nursery under the care of our volunteers. Elephants have the longest gestation period of any mammal, typically lasting for 640 to 660 days. That’s almost two whole years! Our human pregnancies seem remarkably short in comparison. Because elephant babies spend so much time in the womb, births are not common, so this is a truly momentous occasion.
The nursery will continue to bring in expectant mother elephants in need of a bit of extra care, so our current and future volunteers will have plenty of opportunities to work with these majestic creatures. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with animals before; we’ll provide all the training you’ll need to be successful in your post.
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Chiang Mai Women Empowerment Project
Single mothers have it pretty difficult anywhere in the world, but it is especially challenging in developing countries like Thailand. Between working to make enough money to feed her family and taking care of her child, it can be difficult for single mothers to find time for their own education and other efforts to improve their situations.
Our Women Empowerment Project in Chiang Mai aims to make things a bit easier for these dedicated mothers. We provide day-care services, educational programs, affordable housing, fresh food and more. The goal is to make it easier for women to get the education they need to find more lucrative employment so that they can provide their children with the happy, comfortable lives that they deserve.
Our volunteers work as teachers, childcare providers, and even farmers, helping us provide suitable living conditions for the women and children we serve. As sad as it is in this day and age, many of the women and children who come to us are survivors of domestic abuse, often at the hands of their husbands or fathers.
Volunteer with Friends for Asia
These are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities we have available in Thailand and throughout the Asian continent. We are always welcoming new volunteers, and our application process is easy and straightforward.
We would love to hear more about your goals for volunteering, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions you may have about what we do here. With so many diverse volunteer opportunities in our line-up, you are sure to find an initiative that speaks to your passions.
We provide all necessary training, and accommodation is included in your volunteer fee, making this a great way to see the world while giving back to the global community. Reach out to us today for more information and to get the application process started.
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