Dalaa Program 2013

DaLaa Program 2013 STC & MLTV

International Volunteers for Social Development Association (DaLaa) 86 Petkasem 43 Rd. Hat Yai Songkhla 90110 Thailand

Website: www.dalaa-thailand.com Email: [email protected] Telephone: +66 74 266 286

Program for 2013

Short-Term Work Camps (STC) Code Kind of Project Place, Province Dates Vol. 5602R&C Renovation & Bangklam, Songkhla 28 February – 6 March, 15 Community Living Southern Thailand 2013 (7 days) 5602-2C&A Construction Work & Kok Payom, Satun 22 February – 15 Activities with Children Southern Thailand 2 March 2013 (9 days) Middle & Long Term Projects (MLTV) Code Name of Project Place, Province Dates Type Vol. Fishermen’s Kok Payom, Satun All year COM/TEA/ENVI 4-6 0950MLTV Village possible 1103MLTV Roy Wan Pan Pba Kuan Mai Bong, All year COM/TEA/AGRI 4-6 Alternative School Nakorn Sri possible Tammarat

COM: Community Living TEA: Non-formal English Teaching ENVI: Environment AGRI: Agriculture RAA: Renovation, Agriculture and Activities with Kids

Program for 2013 1 DESCRIPTION of the Short Term Camps

SHORT TERM General Information: . There will always be a DaLaa Work Camp Leader(s) . Besides the main project there will be time for Thai language / culture and other activities . Volunteers have to be 18 years or older . No special skills are required, only positive motivation and being open minded . Living conditions will be in Thai style (willingness to adapt and enjoy simple conditions of living) . For every STC we provide an info-sheet with more detailed information.

5602R&C Renovation & Bangklam, Songkhla 28 February – 6 Community Living Southern Thailand March, 2013 15 (7 days)

Type of project: Short Term, Bilateral, Integrated Max Number: 15 (10 Sri Lankan volunteers + 5 internationals)

Village Background Bangklam is the name of a Buddhist village and sub-district situated in Songkhla province, Southern Thailand. It is connected by neighboring villages and close to Hat Yai city, which is 30 minutes away by car. Most of the villagers make a living on their rubber plantation, orchards and some people are agrarians growing herbs like galingale.

Bangklam is also famous for its fame in pottery, one tambon (sub-district) one product, which is widely well- known throughout Southern Thailand. Running through the heart of the village is a wide canal which is also called Bangklam, and it has been taken care of by a group of villagers who have the same objective that to sustain the canal and its surroundings in good condition. As well there is another group who share responsibility to look after the only one swamp forest in the village.

How we came across to find this place and the team hosts of this project? DaLaa first got to know this project site in early 2011 where it belongs to one of the team hosts. One of our short-term construction camps (clay house) organized in this place. The host of the place owns a small pottery factory, where in the same compound various primitive fruit trees and plants are grown and preserved. When receiving an inquiry from Lanka Green Volunteers, we all gathered to discuss about possible activities if DaLaa could support this local community again by organizing camps that suit the local needs. After keeping in contact through phone and visits, we could seek our mutual aims and plan this camp together. And these are possible activities to organize at this place,

-Renovating community’s old suspension bridge and cleaning up the area -Learning folk wisdom of local community, Banglam -Helping on community work

Aims of project . To support and be part of Bangklam local community . To bring awareness among locals to preserve their community values and life style . To build a good relationship between volunteers and local people . To learn about local cultures and wisdom

**Type of project: Referring to the heading on this info sheet, it could be preliminarily understood that this project is not promoted to international volunteers alone nor a single group of volunteers, but it’s for both literally. Only 5 internationals in which their applications accepted should realize the context of the project and expect to work along with volunteers from Sri Lanka with an estimate of 10 participants. Concerning this project, it’ll be our first collaboration with Sri Lanka Green Volunteers organization.

Program for 2013 2 Accommodation: A villager’s house Fee: 4,000 Baht (approx. 133 USD) Location: Bangklam district, Songkhla province, Southern Thailand Meeting point: Thursday 28th February, 2013, 10 o’clock in the morning at Hat Yai train station.

5602-2C&A Construction Work Kok Payom, Satun 22 February – 1 & Activities with Southern Thailand 2 March 2013 5 Children (9 days)

Type of project: Short Term, Bilateral, Integrated Max Number: 15 (10 Japanese volunteers + 5 internationals)

Village Background Kok Payom is a small fishermen’s village with a population of about 600 located 7 kilometers away from the town of La Ngu in Satun Province, Southern Thailand. The village is next to a big river and because it is only 10km for the sea the water is salty and there is a tide. It is a very peaceful location surrounded by an area of mangrove forest. Almost all the families of the village are linked to the fishing industry, usually being involved in either fish or shrimp farming and there is a strong community with many of the families having lived in the village for over 100 years. While fishing remains a strong industry their traditional way of life has changed a lot and the village faces lots of challenges.

The community has recognized these problems and is working hard to find solutions to the environmental and social issues they face. They greatly welcome visitors, activists and volunteers who can contribute to these efforts. Becoming part of this close community is a special experience for our volunteers and you will learn a lot about village life away from the rush of the city. Lead a life as easy-going as a countryman!

The villagers of Kok Payom are Muslim so there is no pork and alcohol in the village. Women should dress modestly although you will discover when you live there that the villagers are very relaxed.

About the project During the past 4 years that DaLaa volunteers have been working with the villagers and children, there have been a big improvement and continuation of useful activities and construction. Community members started to be aware of environmental problems and how to preserve the local beliefs and life style, as well as letting young generation learn about all those local values and wanting to remain this precious natural resources and life style. In 2011, there was an initiative of starting “Klong Toh Lem Academy”, an alternative school on the other side of the canal, in the middle of mangrove forest where children can learn about environment, local values, wisdoms, and language in very natural method of learning. The informal class at this alternative school is conducted every Sunday. There are approximately 20 children, aged between 7-12 attending. So far, the main school building and other necessary structures have been constructed from collaboration of both villagers and international volunteers. However, there are still works that need to be done.

Main activities proposed, from discussion among villagers and DaLaa coordinators, we agreed that it would be very helpful if the volunteers work on laying floor tiles in the main school building, constructing wooden bridges between different learning platforms, as well as conducting activities with children on Sunday.

Other activities, possibly if time allows, cultivating young seedlings in the nursery, planting trees in the mangrove forest, visiting villagers’ homes, etc.

Aims of project . To support and be part of Kok Payom local community . To bring awareness among locals to preserve their community values and life style . To build a good relationship between volunteers and local people . To learn about local cultures and wisdom

**Type of project: Referring to the heading on this info sheet, it could be preliminarily understood that this project is not promoted to international volunteers alone nor a single group of volunteers, but it’s for both literally. Only 5 internationals in which their applications accepted should realize the context of the project and Program for 2013 3 expect to work along with volunteers from Japan (NICE organization), with an estimate of 10 participants. DaLaa and NICE Japan have continuously collaborated on this kind of project for some time already.

Accommodation: Kok Payom Community meeting hut Fee: 5,000 Baht (approx. 125 Euro) Location: La Ngu district, Satun province, Southern Thailand Meeting point: Friday 22 of February, 2013 at 9 o’clock in the morning in front of the La Ngu Minivan Station to Hatyai (คคิวรถตตตู้ไปหาดใหญญ) in La Ngu town.

DESCRIPTION of Middle & Long Term Projects:

0950MLTV Fishermen’s Kok Payom, All year COM/TEA/ENVI 4-6 Village Satun possible Project Background

Kok Payom is the name of a small Muslim fishermen’s village where only 600 people living in. The village is located 7 kilometers away from its district called Langu and close to the seawater canal surrounded by mangrove forests. It’s no doubt that every single family regards the fishery industry as a main, permanent career. All the villagers are linked constantly with close relationship between community and related families, and they greatly welcome visitors, activists and volunteers to bring up voluntary projects to their village and join in any useful activity. Volunteers will be able to learn how the villagers lead their lives; it’s an experience you cannot find in the rushes of city life. Lead a life as easy-going as a countryman!

The village really wants to conserve their traditional way of living even if there are a lot of pressure and conditions coming from the city. The villagers want to be actors to preserve their lifestyle, the nature for the next Kok Payom generation. The community wants to be responsible. So, it's now a real importance for this village to be a challenger of the future of their community and our Earth. They really want to make good choices for the coming children!!

The community has recognized their problems and is working hard to find solutions to the environmental and social issues. They want to be creative to avoid the strange way our world is going today!!

About the project During the past 4 years that DaLaa volunteers have been working with the villagers and children, there have been a big improvement and continuation of useful activities and construction. Community members started to be aware of environmental problems and how to preserve the local beliefs and life style, as well as letting young generation learn about all those local values and wanting to remain this precious natural resources and life style. In 2011, there was an initiative of starting “Klong Toh Lem Academy”, an alternative school on the other side of the canal, in the middle of mangrove forest where children can learn about environment, local values, wisdoms, and language in very natural method of learning. The informal class at this alternative school is conducted every Sunday. There are approximately 20 children, aged between 7-12 attending. So far, the main school building and other necessary structures have been constructed from collaboration of both villagers and international volunteers. However, there are still works that need to be done. MLTV volunteer can possibly do the activities as following:

. Create a place where local people and children can learn and become more aware of the importance of our environment (Alternative School - Klong Toh Lem Academy) . Organize nature trips with children (awareness of the importance of nature) . Plant young seedlings in the mangrove forests (occasionally) . Cultivate more seedlings in the nursery (occasionally) . Organize fun and enjoyable activities to the village children

Students’ English ability Their English knowledge is very basic or perhaps you might say that it is lower than that level. It is because of a lack of accurate pronunciation or proper accent. Most students basically know only easy words, short sentences and the letters in the alphabet. With our teaching project we don’t want to teach English like most of the teachers. First we want the children to enjoy the class, show them it can be fun to learn English. That's why we Program for 2013 4 want to make a combination between learning and creativity. How? That will depend on you and the responsible people. In this case you can share your ideas together with the English teachers to enhance the students’ language skill. Let's share our ideas and make a nice program together.

During the project period, international volunteers will have the opportunity to experience Thai culture, language and local lifestyle with the villagers and our Thai volunteers. The villagers of Kok Payom are Muslim so there is no pork or alcohol in the village. Women should dress modestly although you will discover when you live there that the villagers are very relaxed.

Aims of project . to give non-formal English classes to the local schools and interested village adults . to help support activities of the Kok Payom local community . to take care of Klong Toh Lem Academy . to build friendship between volunteers and local people . to organize fun and enjoyable activities to the village children . to be part of the local community of Kok Payom village

Accommodation: You will stay in the triple hut, bungalow-like, dormitory style with the other volunteers Fee: depends on length of staying (minimum of 2-month stay) Location: Kok Payom village, La Ngu, Satun province, Southern Thailand Meeting point: Hat Yai (from Bangkok you can choose to travel by plane, bus or train)

1103MLTV Roy Wan Pan Kuan Mai Bong, All year COM/TEA/AGRI 4-6 Pba Nakorn Sri possible Alternative Tammarat School

Kuan Mai Bong is a Buddhist village located in Cha-uat district of Nakorn Sri Tammarat province, Southern Thailand. The population of the village consists of approx. 720 people (212 homes). Most villagers make a living on their property such as rubber plantation and fruit orchard. Some others are temporary workers earning wages from occasional hire. The village was named Kuan Mai Bong deriving from its abundance in timber (Kuan Mai Bong = hill of timber). Due to its fertile of natural resources of hardwood and minerals in the past, this province as well as the neighboring provinces, Trang and Pattalung, was announced a concession of forestry by the government in 1971 along with the mine industry. The concession had continuously taken away lots of valuable trees and minerals for years. In the meantime, the government challenged an uprising of anti-government communist groups at the time, it therefore launched a campaign of communist crackdown throughout the nation; the mountainous landscape of the three provinces was thought to be a hidden place of the communists. The forestry and mine concession covering the mountain range of the three provinces was permanently restrained and brought under surveillance by the concerned government. Years later the situation had gradually improved, the government allowed people to make a living on the once-spoiled land. It was possessed by newcomers from nearby villages and soon after, an agricultural community was founded. In 1982, the present- running government proclaimed this area to be restricted and turned it into a preserved forest covering 1100 square kilometers throughout the 3 provinces (Nakorn Sri Tammart, Trang and Pattalung) and launched a policy of pushing settlers to relocate. The villagers rejected but after a negotiation with the government, they were allowed to continue living under the dealt agreement.

In 2005, Kuan Mai Bong villagers began to be aware of their forestry resources. Losses in natural abundance in the past made them concerned on how man and nature can live in balance. Serious forestry preservation and rehabilitation took place. They gathered to explore their forest, paid more attention to natural resources management concerning protection of flash flood and soil problem. They came up with activities such as building a natural dike, making a wildfire-defending range and building a boundary mark between villagers’ land and preserved forest, for example.

Program for 2013 5 About the project Roywan Pan Pba Alternative School was started from nothing but motivation and solidarity in March 2011 by the initiatives of a local environmental activist Pi Ju along with endless support of Kuan Mai Bong villagers and the work of the pilot international volunteers from Finland, Denmark, Germany and Thailand. The main aim shared with the local community of Kuan May Bong is to make the next generation (local kids) be able to stay self- sufficient in their environment and to respect it as a vital part of their life. Actually it could be done only with the transmission of elders’ local skills and knowledge, but we believe the growing temptation of parents to send their kids to study in the city (for “better education”) and the dream of some young locals to leave their village for the consumption world can be refrained by organizing activities, learning and sharing with volunteers from outside.

The alternative school is located in a mountainous village of Ban Tad Mountain Range. It is approx. 16 kilometers far from the main road reaching up to the mountain. It is surrounded by rubber plantations, fruit orchards and scattered settlement of villagers’ homes. This project is strongly recommended to ones coming with motivation to be embraced with nature, loving in tranquility and rather to stay the distance from civilization because there are few chances for town as it is not easy to go out often. Volunteers should bear in mind that you’re going to work in a team, everything shared, and responsibility taken equally. Above all, full involvement in community matters is a must.

Volunteers should keep some time before or after this volunteering if they wish to travel around by themselves

Main activities: This project is to build and run this alternative school together. Volunteers also dedicate themselves for community work when there’s need. You can this way experience real solidarity in this strong community where money is not as important as some would like to make us believe.

There is still some construction work to be built on/repaired in the school area. As part of the team, volunteers share great support to the local project to help keep the school and its landscape in good order. As well, vegetable gardens as well as mushroom shed, chicken and duck farm and fish pond volunteers are given responsibility to take care of. One of the school plans concerning the campaign of agricultural self-sufficiency is that people need no buying food from a market but to grow or to raise whatever edible and make it into meals for their families.

On week-ends, the kids gather at the school to do activities with the volunteers. About 25 children come every week-end to spend time at the school. Volunteers decide together how the school days are spent. The opportunities are endless: teaching different subjects such as Basic English, art, agriculture, games… The kids vary in age, the youngest ones are approximately 7, and the oldest about 20. This is never a problem. They like to participate in activities together. If you know any activities worth arranging for the kids from your country or any teaching ideas, please bring supplies you may need with you.

Home-stay: Apart from staying with your volunteer friends at the school, there is another way to get deeper understanding of the village life-style. Volunteers will have the opportunity to stay with a Thai family in Kuan Mai Bong village.

**Drinking habit of male villagers** You may be surprised to see men gather up for their after-work drinking party. After the exhausting day from gardening work, drinking is what they normally enjoy. It’s a local habit, way of community lifestyle.

Aims of project . To support Roywan Pan Pba Alternative School . To learn from each other among volunteers themselves, and from volunteers to villagers vice versa through “learning by doing” concept . To build good relationship between volunteers and local people . To be part of Kuan Mai Bong community . To let children be familiar with volunteers and learn in international/multi-cultural atmosphere

Accommodation: Huts shared with other volunteers/home-stay Fee: depends on length of staying (minimum of 2-month stay) Location: Cha-uat district, Nakorn Sri Tammarat province, Southern Thailand. Meeting point: Hat Yai (from Bangkok you can choose to travel by plane, bus or train)

Program for 2013 6 Fee for Middle & Long Term Projects The minimum period of staying is two months. The fee will be used for living expenses (gas, water, electricity, food) and for materials used in projects/activities. Also some part of the fee will be used to support Thai volunteers and our organization.

The minimum period is 2-month service. The fee will be used for living expenses (gas, water, electricity, food) and materials used in projects/activities. Some part of the fee will be used to support Thai volunteers and our organization.

8,000 THB per month (approx. 200 Euro), but if you stay over 3 months, from 4th month onward, instead of paying 8,000 THB every month, we reduce the fee to 7,000 THB (approx. 175 Euro) per month.

Example: A 6-month stay volunteer, during month 1-3, 8,000 THBx3=24,000 THB, and month 4-6, 7,000 THBx3=21,000 THB. Altogether 45,000 THB/6 months.

Basic conditions of DaLaa MLTV Projects . Participant is responsible for their own travel costs and all personal expenses during free time. . Participant is responsible for taking care of their own insurance. . Participant should respect and have willingness to understand other cultures and backgrounds. . Living conditions will be in Thai style (willingness to adapt and enjoy simple conditions of living). . Willingness to work and live together, build friendship with local people and other volunteers, let's try to make this world a nice place to live in!! . Participant should have the basic skills/knowledge of which project they will do. . Participant should ask for a visa “Non-Immigrant type”. DaLaa will provide an invitation letter and officially registered paper.

If you want more information, don’t hesitate to contact us! Take care, DaLaa Team

Program for 2013 7