Volunteer
We ask (except when they have a specialist skill) that volunteers make a regular commitment usually for a minimum of three but preferably six monthss ( Unless when there is a specialist skill). A volunteer that comes each and every week establishes a good rapport with the children quickly; this enables the interaction with the children on a more personal level, which better aids their development as this helps to stabilise the relationships with the children as you become a familiar face to them. It is very disrupting for them when volunteers come once only, or suddenly stop coming. Similarly it takes time to make sure that volunteers are properly introduced to our way of working, and we need to ensure that staff are used to best effect.
We work in a way that value the uniqueness of each individual and respects their choices and the decisions that they make – because of this we ask that volunteers do not impose their ideas and beliefs (particularly those about religion).
Given the stigma in Thailand and the discrimination that many of the children in our project have experienced, our work is confidential. We would expect volunteers not to divulge information about people living at or using the services at the project to anyone outside of the organization without prior consent from the staff and children concerned. This includes photographs.
While the project welcomes visitors, we would ask that an arrangement is made before visiting (or bringing along a friend or colleague to see the project)
Volunteers need a high degree of self-motivation. We are not able to give volunteers continuous guidance.
Due to limitations of staff time, we are only able to provide translation services in exceptional circumstances. While some of the staff speak English, this is very limited.
While we have created a positive and hopeful environment, there are times when working with children living with disabilities can be stressful and upsetting at times – you need to be sure that you will be able to cope with this kind of work, which is not for everybody.
Free meals, accommodation, laundry facilities and internet access are provided for live-in volunteers. Local markets and a small supermarket are a short walk from the Home, and Central Bangkok is only about a 30mins away.
*We are unable to accommodate volunteers who have special diets such as strict vegetarians or peanut allergies, etc.
Activities:
- Support the staff in caring for the children, i.e. bathing and feeding
- Playing with the children, especially in ways that make them smile
- Stimulating them through a wide variety of personal interactions
- Teaching them to independently look after themselves
- Constantly encouraging movement
- Helping their speech and other communication skills
- Help the staff wash dishes and clean the eating area after meals
- Help the staff maintain a clean and hygienic enviroment
- Play sports, music, art activities
- Most importantly, just showing them love!
Volunteering in an environment like Camillian Home can be emotionally draining and physically tiring; therefore, volunteers must show a level of emotional stability and maturity. The role also requires much patience, enthusiasm, creativity and energy.
Our primary focus is the children who use our project. Of course it is natural that volunteers get something from the experience of working at Camillian Home (for many it is the chance to feel that they are making a difference), but we need to make sure that any offers to help contribute positively to the lives of the children. Whenever there is a conflict between the needs of the children and the volunteer, we must ensure that the welfare of the children is the priority.
We look forward to hearing from you, and if you feel that after reading this that you are not able to help we wish you success in finding an origination that is better able to make use of your skills and time.
Testomonies
“It was the first time I had done volunteer work of this kind. I was challenged in many different ways, but I grew so much in such a short period of time and went home a very changed person. I think the kids taught me more than I taught them! Never before have I met children, or even adults, who show such compassion and humility towards each other and to those who care for them. If you show just an ounce of love towards any of these children, you will receive ten tons of love in return.
The environment at Camillian Home is extremely pleasant. It is a place of peace and happiness. I got involved with a wide range of activities; from basic bathing and feeding to painting and dancing, and from bouncing on the trampoline to taking the kids for a day out at the zoo. Living in the Home was very easy and comfortable, which enabled me to focus all my energy on the children. I was in bed exhausted by 9pm every night, but I fell asleep with my heart full of joy. I will miss the daily life I experienced at Camillian Home but I know that this is only the beginning of my involvement with the Home.”
– Chrissie Bailey, Melbourne, Australia.
VOLUNTEER
