V2T

Sabbatical for Local Engagement

Hello! This is Sheila from Las Vegas, U.S.A.

I am a volunteer for Volunt2Thai and Mr. Raimund Wagner (its founder) in Ban Nong Kung,Thailand. Volunt2Thai serves the disadvantaged children, elderly peoples and some of the communities-in-general of the Isaan Area of Northern Thailand. The Volunteers teach English, physical education and socialization including Intercultural exchanges to the children and help out the elders where they can. Volunteers here with me now are from Singapore, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.

I’ve had a little bit of an opportunity to observe the hardships and difficult plight of some of the people here, and Volunt2Thai has a noble commitment to help improve the situation. Today we are doing summer school at the Buddhist temple called temple school. The children are doing artwork, learning gymnastic rings, playing Frisbee and building with Legos. There are 4 Teachers, a Thai Grandma and about 20 children currently present. The children are having a great time and the volunteer teachers have a good rapport with them. The teachers put a lot of thought into how they spend time with and prepare for lessons. Volunt2thai is a fantastic program; I recommend anyone:

• Who cares about children
• Believe in instilling a well-rounded education
• Can do handy work or generally can help on V2T grounds and in the community

Come and help make a difference at Volun2Thai!
Learn about Thai Lifestyle, Culture and Traditions first-hand!
Many people, young and old are volunteers for two weeks up to a year and I highly respect them and the program.
If you have any questions for me, feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:vancrandel@gmail.com">vancrandel@gmail.com</a>

Hi this is Flordeliza Turner,

My current occupation is a registered nurse. I was born in the Philippines but live in Florida USA. Volunt2Thai and the volunteers gave me a warm welcome during my first 2 days at the village. Then Raimund showed me the school where I was going to teach. The school was 5km away from the accommodation house so one of the teachers arranged my transportation to and from school.<br> <br> It was helpful having a car picking me up and dropping me off. Teachers at the school are accommodating and helpful for whatever I needed such as English to Thai translations, food, and beverage. The children whom I taught were 9 to 11 year olds. They were respectful towards us, teachers. They always were willing to help with chores or carrying my bag to the classroom. This is something that I have never seen in the Western countries. I know that the children lack school supplies, English books, and a regular English teacher. I was involved in their school activities. The kids were always thrilled to have the volunteers play games with them, taking me to walk around their neighborhood, praying at their temple, etc. This was one way for me to learn about the children's way of life or culture by going with them to their homes. One will see how Thai people are friendly people. I am willing to go back to Thailand in the future to see the school and children again.
Sabbatical for Local Engagement
If you take a sabbatical year, a prolonged hiatus in your career to fulfill some dream, consider to connect it with some social work.