School Development
Volunteer Work
Join this volunteer work and help create something that Thai school children will benefit from for many years to come.
The Starfish School Development Project aims to improve the conditions in a number of poor schools. Previous volunteer groups have built outside teaching facilities, kitchens, painted classrooms and libraries, built gardens and play areas. There is a real sense of achievement at the end of this volunteer work. You leave behind a resource that benefits the children for many many years.
Thai schools receive approximately £30 a year per child from Thailand’s government. Schools rely heavily on parental donations. Families in poor areas just don’t have the money to support the school. Schools are often run down and in need of restoration. There are over 1000 schools in Surin Province; we have so much work to do. Along with individuals we would really like to hear from groups wishing to travel together.
In 2009 we will concentrate on the health and hygiene of the children. Ensuring there is always running water, toilet and washing facilities. Other work will include the construction of kitchens. Please call now to see how you, or you and your friends, can help make a real difference to the children of Surin.
Please enquire today or call 0800 197 4817.
- Fact File
- Location
- Schedule
| Location: | Surin |
| Arrival Airport: | Bangkok |
| Arrival Dates: | 10 Feb, 9 Mar, 6 Apr, 11 May, 8 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 7 Sep, 12 Oct, 2 Nov, 7 Dec |
| Availability: | April, July, August, October |
| Duration: | 4 weeks |
| Cost: | 4 weeks £700 |
| What is Included: | Airport pick up and transfers, Bangkok stopover, journey to location, accommodation, local coordinator |
| What you need to arrange: | International flight, visa, vaccinations, food, expenses |
Surin is located in the Northeast of Thailand, about 7 hours from Bangkok. It can be reached by bus or by train from the capital or from the North of the country. From Surin it is only one hour to the border crossing with Cambodia.
Surin and Northeast Thailand are a little off the tourist radar, but you will be rewarded when you visit, as you will get to experience the real, untouched Thailand. There are many local bars, shops and restaurants in the town plus a night food market. Surin is an extremely safe place to stay.
Surin once belonged to the Khmer empire so you will find scattered ancient temples from the same period as the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Surin is now most famous for the annual elephant festival that takes place in November. The elephants are well treated in this region and the mahouts are proud of their standard of care.
The countryside surrounding Surin has many places of interest to visit including silk, silver and basket villages, where you can buy authentic locally made goods. Our volunteers in Surin are provided with bikes to explore Surin and the surrounding region, so you will have time to visit all of these places if you wish.
Surin has a bus and train station, so there are many ways to travel to and from the region. Easily reached from Surin include Khao Yai National Park, the Cambodia border and rural Thailand further Northeast for the more intrepid traveller.
Surin has a bus and train station, so there are many ways to travel to and from the region.
Volunteers work a 4 day week with the long weekend to relax or travel. On volunteer days our staff will pick you up in the mornings and take you to your project. Your pick up time will about 8am and you will back at your accommodation 3-4pm. Our staff work alongside you translating and supporting you throughout your day.