Trat, Thailand is home to many Cambodian families crossing the border in search of employment. Because refugee children don’t always speak the same language as their new community, they don’t attend school or receive an adequate education. You can help these children by volunteering with a community education program held at temple Wat Klong Phet in Trat. Here, you will teach English and help these children develop skills that may allow them to leave poverty behind.

With your help, the disadvantaged students of the community development program will integrate into local schools, and progress with opportunities that other children in Thailand already enjoy. You’ll create a legacy that endures as they grow up with a solid educational foundation.

You’ll work at the Buddhist temple Wat Klong Phet in Trat, with a program developed in 1989 by monks who give their time freely, and who do not receive governmental support. You’ll teach conversational English and engage the students with games and sports in the outdoor space. Duties include teaching English to children of various ages, interacting and engaging students to build their confidence, teaching sports and playing games, and preparing food and supervising mealtimes. The community education center is a 25-minute taxi ride from the volunteer dormitory. One week of local language class is included.

Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and transfer to Trat Airport (TDX). Volunteers are assigned a dedicated coordinator based in-country, who leads pre-arrival, orientation, and is personally available to you daily for the duration of your program to assist you, answer any questions, and provide information and support.

The Trat volunteer house provides you with opportunity to socialize and meet like-minded travelers from around the world. Dormitories are same-gender bedrooms with bunks, and you have access to a modern kitchen, Western-style bathrooms, and amenities such as free wifi access, a landline telephone, laundry, and several chill-out spaces. The chef prepares two traditional Thai meals daily, with lunch available at local restaurants or cooked at the dorm. Public transportation is nearby.

This project accepts volunteers year round. Start dates are every other Friday. Additional projects can be combined during your trip, subject to availability and individual visa conditions.