I obtained my degree in physiotherapy few months ago and, before seeking a job in Italy, I felt the need to do a volunteering experience with children, also to clarify my ideas concerning my future.

I’ve been for 7 weeks at the ”Home of Charity” in the Camillian Social Centre of Chiang Rai. Here, I helped the staff in doing some exercises with “special” children.

I left Italy sure that in this period I would have given myself ineverything I have to do, but already from the welcome received on my arrival, I realized that it would have been impossible to give more than what I would receive! On my arrival, confused by the trip and the new place, I found thousands of smiles and hugs of the children which made me feel part of the family, even without knowing me! The staff was able to make me feel like at home and was always concerned that I might be good. Fra Gianni took me and the children to visit the city and the surroundings every time he had to move for some tasks… Everybody here uses to give without asking for something in return.

In my trips I’ve always considered the center as my house, as a safe place where I would be warmly welcomed at my return.
 
Going through the villages, however, I saw a very different reality from the center and it was not always possible to give a concrete help. Not all the children with disability are followed and a lot of them are segregated at home without the possibility to study and the hope to change their future.
I am happy to have been able to do this experience, that made me think a lot, that made me meet lot of people and their life experiences, that allowed me to share my days with these special children.

So THANK YOU Gianni, THANK YOU Jirasak, THANK YOU Sister Cecilia, THANK YOU Kittisak, THANK YOU Care Provider and THANK YOU KIDS!!!

Paolo Segalin
22 years old, from Italy
Volunteered March-April 2013
paolo.segalin@gmail.com

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