We are two occupational therapists from Austria, and we stayed in the Camillian Social Center/ Home of Charity for 3 Months, from November 2013 until January 2014.

When we arrived at Chiang Rai Airport we were very surprised, because some of the children were waiting for us there to pick us up. They were so excited that there were new people arriving, and also driving in the van is special for them. So we had a very warm and friendly welcome. We arrived in the end of October, and as the children have holiday the whole October, there were only 6 Children in the Center when we arrived. We had the chance to meet the other children in the following days, when they came back from their home.

Our accommodation is great, we had the good luck to get one of the big volunteer rooms, because we stayed such a long time. So we had a sleeping room, a big living room, a small kitchen (water cooker, toaster, basin, fridge) and a bathroom. The other volunteer accommodations are also very nice but a bit smaller with a shared kitchen and living room.

The Center is located in the countryside, near a small village. When we liked to go to town we first had to walk for 20 minutes (or Jirasak was driving us) to the main road, and then take a bus that needed about 40 minutes. So we just went there on weekends, to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or some pizza or cakes. The center also offers bikes, so we often went for a small bike ride.

When we were there, there also were other volunteers, we often did something together, what we enjoyed a lot. When we needed something, Sister Caecilia and Jirasak always tried their best to help us. They were very friendly! The Thai-Staff that is working here in the Center, has very little English knowledge, and as we do not speak Thai, it was a big challenge for us to communicate with them. Because in the past there have often been English speaking volunteers, and Sister teaches English, the children have basic English knowledge.

As occupational therapists, we really enjoyed it, to live in the middle of the daily life of the children. We made therapies from 8-3, and in the afternoon we often went down to play with them. The children are very motivated for therapy and for learning new things. Although some of the children are very disabled (physically and cognitive), they seem to be so happy and full of joy.
We like to say, that it takes time to get to know the children and gain their trust. From therapeutical and pedagogical view it would make sense, if volunteers stay for a longer time (at least 2-3 months).

As all the children are different, we worked on different goals, for example on dressing and undressing themselves, going alone with their wheelchair or increasing fine motor skills. Our main focus was, to help the children to get as independent as possible.

Thank you to all of the children, to Sister Caecilia, to Jirasak and all the others that enabled us to have such a great time here! In the end we felt home here in the center and were very sad when we had to leave.
Lisa Bindreiter, Lisa Stanger

If you have any questions, please contact us: lisa.bindreiter@gmx.at; lisa_stanger@yahoo.de