It is indeed a blessing that I found Camiliian Social Center in a rush and they are able to accommodate me. They really do amazing work!!!

Camillian Social Center locates on a hill on the midway from Chiang Rai to Maesai, basically, middle of nowhere... But they have a big piece of land which allows them to have their own farms, boarding school for hill tribe children with disabilities, and a hostel for other hill tribe children.

Volunteers most often take up the classes of sensory/ general knowledge of all levels. If you are a physiotherapist or occupational therapist , you can help the children with individual exercises which even better fits their needs. Classes start from8:30amto3:15pm, 1 hour each. Volunteers mostly take three classes a day, and occasionally a bit more to substitute absent teachers. I have more backgrounds in NGO sector, so I help them to update their English website and promotion materials as well. Volunteer time is very flexible. Except the classes, you are basically free and you can choose to help other things that you might be interested in.

As a return,Camillian Social Center provides volunteers free comfortable and clean accommodation and meals during the stay with them. Saturdays and Sundays will be holidays for volunteers. You can always communicate with them if you want to take a longer weekend or in case you want to take other days off. They always try their best to arrange. Staff and students are always so nice. On the first day I came, two students approached me immediately, asked me where I am from then started to chat.

Students here are always so cute and sweet. They are all with different levels of disabilities, but the care and support they give each other is simply amazing. You see one student pushing a wheelchair student to the dinning area, instead of getting her walker to go to the kitchen alone. You see one student feeding another student who is not able to feed himself during snack time. You see students tidying up toys and materials after the class by themselves even you said you could do it for them. You see students switching off fans and lights by themselves when they leave the classroom. When you see all these, you just feel this world is so beautiful.

One time I was in the class, one student looked like getting cramps with her hand in her mouth and her leg stretched. I was wondering how I should react, then the student sitting next to her pat my shoulder, smiling and waving her hand to signal me she is alright. After a few seconds, the first student relieved and continued what we were doing. I was amazed by how much they know each other and how sensitive they are, not just to their classmates, but also a newbie like me. It is simply amazing and touched.

The school really did a good job in educating the students. Credit goes to all teachers, sisters, carers and staff. Everyone is simple here. It demonstrates how peaceful and beautiful the world can be. If you have ever thought of volunteering, come volunteering with them. Stay away from your cell phone and internet for awhile, experience how simple your life can be and share happy moments with everyone here. You will find your peace.

Jennifer from Hong Kong

24 Aug, 2015