JOURNEY of
Humanitarian Affairs
PATTAYA CITY Thailand 2011
2 / The Journey of Love
Connecting People with Communities in Need
Thailand 2011 / 3
4 / The Journey of Love
INTRODUCTION
T
he ‘Land of Smiles’ has something for everyone. Spectacular islands, delectable
food, relaxing massages, a fascinating culture, and exotic wildlife: It encompasses the charm of the past and the excitement of the new.
Yet behind the apparent beauty of
There is a dire need for love and support in Thailand, and the Land of Smiles would welcome you with open arms. Janice Leong Regional Director Humanitarian Affairs Asia
the country is a heartbreaking truth. The smiles of the Thai obscure the many troubling truths they face day after day.
This is Thailand. Foremost amongst these problems is the lack of rights of the children of Thailand, despite legislation on behalf of governments and UN bodies. Children are vulnerable to AIDS, early death (child mortality is at a rate of 13.2% for those under the age of 5), and acute neglect. In terms of education, while it is free and compulsory at a primary level, 2% cannot attend schools due to lack of access because of long distances and factors such as immigrant children being banned from schoolrooms.
Thailand 2011 / 5
And
although
Thailand
has
a
sustainable difference to the lives of the
thriving tourism industry, there are
people in this country. For those who
pockets of poorer communities who
have always been intrigued by Thailand
live below the poverty line. Child
and wish to gain an in-depth under-
labour is also rampant in the case of
standing of the country, they will find
such poor families. Parents resort to
exactly what they are looking for in our
making their children work, beg, or
Volunteer program.
even push them into
SETTING BASE
prostitution. Prostitution
in
Thailand is a form of lives of 18,000 chil-
H
dren under the age of
Thailand as a base
16. The issue is at its
for
gravest in the present
erations
and is one of the most
because it was a log-
umanitarian
slavery that grips the
Affairs
op-
not
only
ical
try. Child trafficking has not yet been
financially, but also because with
curtailed despite extensive efforts at
such a base we could take care of the
local and international levels.
immediate needs of the children
port in Thailand, and the Land of Smiles would welcome you with open arms. Whether you are studying or working, through Humanitarian Affairs’ Thailand program you can help make a 6 / The Journey of Love
location
Asia
raging social evils existing in the coun-
There is a dire need for love and sup-
choice
its
chose
wise
and
in need as much as possible and as often as we could. We therefore have a personal and intimate connection with this land and offer you a unique chance to be closely acquainted with Thailand and its people.
Thailand 2011 / 7
This is Thailand.
TOUCHING HEARTS
H
umanitarian Affairs has provid-
and youth- the innocent victims of
ed over 350 youth leaders from
poverty and neglect who lack the
across the world the opportunity to
means of creating their future. Many
experience Thailand in its entirety.
of them have been left orphaned and
Our international volunteers are in-
destitute, and are consequently more
volved in a dynamic range of volunteer
vulnerable to poverty, neglect, sexual
projects, from connecting with the
assault and an early death. The volun-
disabled to working with orphaned
teers were encouraged to set up a day
children.
care for 500 underprivileged children
Our volunteer projects in Thailand are generally focused on the children 8 / The Journey of Love
from local public schools.
The international volunteers offered to learn and cook local dishes and were helped in this activity by the locals - a perfect example of merging of cultures. They felt warmth spread to their hearts on seeing how happy the children were with their cooking and on receiving little stationary sets, packed especially for them.
I came to Thailand with a lot of expectations, and almost none of them were met in the way I thought they would be...it was much better! This was my first trip to Thailand and my second volunteer experiences with Humanitarian Affairs and I think it was a wonderful life experience. I am already looking to do more, and I have Humanitarian Affairs to thank for that. Teresa Seminara A Volunteer Leader Thailand 2011 / 9
It was challenging, tiring but worthwhile. Especially at the end, when you see the smiles on the children’s faces. Fernando Barbosa H.A. Youth Leader
10 / The Journey of Love
TEACHING ENGLISH
T
he volunteers also used their skills of the English language
to teach the children. Learning English from a native speaker is an incredible opportunity for these children and is a luxury usually only available to children from more affluent families. As a teacher you will be setting these kids up for a much brighter life, giving them the tools by which to support themselves, their family and their entire community. Besides, with the onset of tourism, English education has become imperative for the locals. With your endeavours these children have a chance of improving the
This is Thailand.
curve of their lives. Thailand 2011 / 11
UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY
H
umanitarian Affairs will make you experience the different and
diverse; we provide you exposure not just by teaching and through education but by helping you connect with those who are left discarded and invisible: the disabled and the misguided youth. Our
volunteers
experienced
workshops introducing them to ‘living with a disability’. At a well-established local foundation that takes care of orphaned, taged
abused
children
and
and
disadvan-
those
with
disabilities,thevolunteershadachanceto understand disability since it is an area which is often easily ignored and forgotten.
While the suffering of
children is rampant in Thailand, 12 / The Journey of Love
Thailand 2011 / 13
those who are differently-abled even
which involved being blind folded and
more so since they are very often
making their way to the beach, as one
overlooked.
who is visually challenged would.
Our volunteers for the first time
While each movement was daunting
in their lives took part in simulation
to begin with, as the volunteers tied
exercises, which is replicating a
up a leg or sat down on a wheel-
disability through their own perspec-
chair, but with time they learnt to
tive. A wide range of exercises were
have a healthy appreciation of what
conducted:
disability
like
water
therapy,
entails
to
those
who
sporty games like wheelchair fenc-
suffer from it. They were even in awe of
ing and playing basketball, something
the talent their new friends showed in
humdrum like going to the supermar-
swivelling about in a wheelchair with a
ket with crutches, and reading Braille.
ball and were struck with wonder at how
The workshops also introduced the
easily they were capable of perform-
volunteers to ‘living with no sight’
ing everyday tasks with such ease and
through the School of the Blind
finesse.
14 / The Journey of Love
Thailand 2011 / 15
PLANTING SEED
Volunteers, in addition, went on to realise the censure they facedhow does one react to disability? With pity or dread? By the end, each volunteer confessed themselves to
A
component
of
engages
the
the
program
international
participants in volunteering through
be amazed and bewildered by the
physical labour, so as to realise the
extent of courage the inhabitants of
routine responsibilities of poorer
the Foundation displayed. The vol-
communities. They get to experience
unteers left as changed individuals,
firsthand how the poorer farmers
having experienced an aspect of life
in Thailand work their land and
they were previously unfamiliar with,
plough, harvest and plant their soil to
while making a warm connection with
sustain themselves.
their Thai friends.
Volunteers were unsure about
By understanding and appreciating
what to expect on being brought to
and offering your unwavering sup-
the agriculture farm in Thailand.
port to the differently-abled, you are
With
showing by example that there are
on
those across the world who genuinely
they
toiled
care about their welfare and future.
had
to
The
to
turned and planted with seeds.
another country or continent and yet
In their endeavour they assisted and
have the time to come over and show
guided by local farmers who made
your love and donate your time and
the sweat and struggle disappear
energy to them only increases the
with their cheerful company. After
impact
the strenuous, yet stimulating session
fact
that
that
you
your
belong
presence
have on their lives in the long run.
can
the
sun
them
in
the on
be
shining
melting the
ploughed,
land
heat, that
weeded,
under the sun, volunteers were treated
to
Thai cuisine. 16 / The Journey of Love
strongly
a
lunch
of
local
This is Thailand. Thailand 2011 / 17
18 / The Journey of Love
OUR MISSION The mission of Humanitarian Affairs is to empower young
people and facilitate those youth who are passionate about positive social change. The organisation was established with a vision to set an action based example for young people interested in making a difference to those less fortunate than themselves. It aims to translate their intention and ideas into action, and provide comprehensive exposure for the development of well-rounded future leaders. Humanitarian Affairs seeks to create a drive and sense of purpose in young leaders by equipping them with the rights skills and tools to spark a generation of dynamic individuals paving the way for the larger social good.
This is Thailand.
Thailand 2011 / 19
20 / The Journey of Love
REMANDS CENTRE
H
umanitarian Affairs provide 50 volunteers, an opportunity of a lifetime to visit the
Remands Centre for Youths in Rayong. Volunteers spent time with juvenile female prisoners and learnt to do art and craft as well as baking from them. Most of the inmates are troubled youth who had seen bad times and would stay at the Correction Centre for 1 to 3 years for committing petty crimes. Humanitarian Affairs believes it is important to expose the youth of the world to other young people, much like themselves, but who have gone astray. The female inmates at Rayong still had much to offer and in making them meet our volunteers we show them that people care about them and their future. The inmates are encouraged to learn life skills and sell them for a profit, in essence realising that they are of worth and are capable of improving their lives.
Thailand 2011 / 21
It was amazing to see how much joy we brought to them just by being there. We really appreciated every effort they made for us. I couldn’t help but smile through their performances, and had tons of fun showing them bits of our own culture. Ricardo Valentino A Volunteer
The volunteers and the inmates
ladies, and wanted to convey to
joint hands to participate in the Ray-
them through their actions and
ong Bakery Project, a joint venture
encouragement that despite past
between the Rayong Child and
mistakes,
Youth
worthless.
Training
Centre,
Rayong
Ladies Circle and Pattaya International Ladies Club. With much enthusiasm and laughter, the group baked a number of cakes, muffins, biscuits,
quiches
and
breads.
All profits from the sales went towards kitchen
purchasing upgrading,
ingredients, and
projects
at the centre, and also to the girls themselves as savings. By
becoming
part
right
were
not
courage
to
follow
the
path,
they
too
could
change the course of their life. In appreciation
of
their
help,
the
inmates
taught
their
new
handicrafts
and
warm
in
turn
friends
some
weaving,
while
they got to know one another. There cultural
of
lives
was sharing
an
impromptu
session
as
well
this
where the inmates demonstrated
venture, our volunteers felt they
muay thai skills and the volunteers
were
reciprocated by happily depicting
themselves
a
With
their
contributing
in
changing the direction of the lives
their
of the inmates. They were grate-
and dancing.
ful for the time spent with the young 22 / The Journey of Love
own
cultural
singing
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24 / The Journey of Love
PATTAYA ORPHANAGE
A
great
many
orphanages
have spurted up to take
care of abandoned Thai children and give support in the face of
this
growing
horror.
They offer a safe, clean and happy environment for deprived and
abandoned
and
abused
children to grow in. Humanitarian
Affairs
often
works with such orphanages in
Thailand
and
especially
takes the time to bring these children
to
experience
the
delights
of
their
and
city
enjoy some untroubled, cheerful time which is denied to them very
This is Thailand.
often.
Our
volunteers,
Thailand 2011 / 25
with great enjoyment, set out in the City of Pattaya to spend some quality time with these children and bring a smile to their faces. The volunteers tested their artistic skills by painting murals on the walls of an orphanage housing 200 children, aesthetically brightening up their home. They accompanied a large group of local children to a McDonald’s to celebrate each child present. The kids gleefully ate their happy meals while delightedly watching the franchise’s mascots, who kept them entertained. The little ones bubbled with laughter and joy, feeling special and loved as they hugged the volunteers.
26 / The Journey of Love
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SRIRACHA TIGER ZOO
O
ur international volunteers brought 100 orphans to the exciting Sriracha Tiger Zoo, which filled
the young children with thrill and great anticipation. The
volunteers themselves took on the role of
elder siblings for the children, a role that came to them very naturally. They looked after them, kept them cool under the scorching sun, held their hands, and especially drew smiles on their faces. Cultural barriers were swiftly surpassed as such warm and friendly gestures were exchanged.
28 / The Journey of Love
MINI SIAM
H
umanitarian Affairs’ volunteers also took the children from
Pattaya Orphanage on an exciting journey across the world with a visit to Mini Siam, a remarkable replica city that recreates famous attractions from around the world but in miniature form. The international volunteers and the children both gained from the outing since the visit was extremely fun yet educational to both. The children eagerly held on to the hands of the volunteers and dragged them around to show their national landmarks, while the volunteers in turn pointed out famous attractions from their home countries such as the London Bridge and the Eiffel Tower, as the children listened agog with curiosity and fascination. In the overbearing heat, our volunteers offered whatever comfort they could
faces to refresh them. Laughter rang
do the children; holding umbrel-
out as volunteers placed the little ones
las over their heads, lending them
on their shoulders for a piggy back ride
their hats and sunglasses, and even
around the place.
applying water soaked towels to their
Thailand 2011 / 29
UNDERWATER WORLD
V
olunteers accompanied a group of 100 children from another
local
orphanage
to
Underwater
World, the first modern aquarium in Thailand. Here, they experienced life beneath the surface of the sea right in front of their eyes. Walking down the tunnels of the gigantic overhead aquarium, bonds were formed as the children hounded the
volunteers,
asking
them
many questions about sea life and the volunteers in return explained the different types of underwater species, pointing them out to the curious cluster.
30 / The Journey of Love
This is Thailand. My favourite experience was going around with the kids from the orphanage. When the children first met us I could feel their excitement in the air. As amazing as their welcome was, saying goodbye was bittersweet. The children were so loving and would not let go of us – and we did not want to leave either! The happiness and sweetness of the children really touched my heart. Jessica Lee A Volunteer
Thailand 2011 / 31
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EXPERIENCING THAILAND
T
hailand unquestionably holds a major appeal as a tourist destination, but what it lacks is meaningful human
contact. The organisation allows volunteers to experience the true essence of a Thai city, while being only a few hours away from world-class beaches and marine sanctuaries. Volunteering in Thailand will open doors for you that you would never have experienced as a regular tourist. Wherever your project takes you, you’ll be meeting needs and making connections through your volunteer experience. There will be countless highlights during this journey, such as experiencing the Thai culture and people.
One of my favourite parts about this experience has been walking around the town and meeting people. Be it shopkeepers, the little kids shyly saying hello or locals riding on motorbikes, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Mike Branson A Volunteer Leader
Experience a momentous, cross-cultural learning experience by joining the Humanitarian Affairs Thailand Volunteer Project. Our international volunteers see a side of Thailand that the average visitor misses altogether, and they take pleasure in changing lives of the locals in small but significant ways through this project. Thailand 2011 / 33
Connecting People with Communities in Need
Writer : Anam Hamid Layout : Pixelkeet速