Can I Volunteer At The Pattaya Orphanage
The short answer to this is yes, you can volunteer at The Pattaya Orphanage. However, doing so while you are still a minor will require you to seek the approval of the authorities in your home country. The long answer to this question is much more in-depth, so let’s begin by looking at what needs to happen in order for you to volunteer at The Pattaya Orphanage.
In order to volunteer at The Pattaya Orphanage, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your return from Thailand. You will also need to have your own passport photograph as well as a visa for Thailand. While you do not need a particular level of experience in order to volunteer at the orphanage, it is preferable that you have some working experience under your belt.
Once you have met these requirements, you can register your interest with the orphanage. This will allow them to keep track of your application, as well as allowing them to approach you should they have any questions.
Founded nearly fifty years ago Pattaya Orphanage has continued to do good works for the less fortunate. The orphanage was founded by a priest called Father Ray in the 1970’s when a local gave their child to Father Ray as they were unable to look after the child themselves. Word soon spread among the people and so the orphanage had its beginnings.
Originally the children were ones born as a result of the US military being in the area during the Vietnam War, now the children are from misfortunate mothers who suffer from drug abuse, poverty or HIV/Aids. You can either sponsor meals at the orphanage or completely give up your time and volunteer for extended time periods.
What Is The Pattaya Orphanage
The Pattaya Orphanage is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and secure home environment to orphans in need. It’s a place where children are loved and cared for, have the opportunity to learn and grow, and are able to take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
The orphanage is staffed by a committed group of volunteers and staff, who work together to care for the children. The volunteers and staff at The Pattaya Orphanage are there because they have a genuine desire to help the children and see them thrive. The orphanage is one of the only places in the world where you can volunteer and experience what it’s like to be an orphan.
You’ll get to see firsthand how the children and their families live, and what it’s like for the staff and volunteers to care for them 24 hours a day.
What you’ll find in Pattaya isn’t serenity but a savage beauty that is simultaneously haunting and beautiful. It’s easy to see why many people want to spend time here however, it might be difficult to see why they should do so as an adult. The answer lies in what happens on site; there are opportunities to volunteer at The Pattaya Orphanage that are not available anywhere else in Thailand or even most other countries in the world.
In recent years, numerous volunteers have flocked to this remote corner of Thailand for one reason or another and with good reason too because volunteering at The Pattaya Orphanage is unlike any other opportunity you will ever have to experience life outside an orphanage for an extended period of time.
The experience is unlike anything you’ve ever volunteered at before either and if you volunteer here once, you will return again and again for as long as you can manage to keep your feelings about what happened there under control
What To Expect When Volunteering At The Pattaya Orphanage
You will get the opportunity to work alongside some truly inspiring people. You will see first-hand how the work at the orphanage helps to change the lives of Thai children. If you have a feeling for people and enjoy working with the disadvantaged, you’re sure to find a lot to love at The Pattaya Orphanage.
The orphanage offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities including helping with activities on site. You can also help with day-to-day tasks such as keeping the grounds clean and maintaining the buildings. You will also get the opportunity to learn about Thai culture and the Thai language.
The orphanage has a strong focus on education and you will learn about a number of different topics including Thai culture and heritage, social issues within the Thai community, and, if you choose to work towards a degree, you can also choose to focus on English language teaching.
You will be able to keep up with the latest events and news happening in the town of Pattaya and in the community at large. You will also have the opportunity to visit various sites around the island, including beaches and mountains.
Pros and Cons Of Volunteering At The Pattaya Orphanage
The volunteer program is both challenging and rewarding. If you’re up for a challenge and enjoy working alongside disadvantaged people, you’ll find volunteering at The Pattaya Orphanage to be rewarding. You may find that you learn a lot about yourself and how you interact with others as well.
Because the orphanage is only open for a limited amount of time each year, you’ll need to make sure you secure your place early. You’ll need to register as soon as you are in Thailand and before you arrive, you will be required to pay an upfront application fee.
You will need to be prepared to work long hours and experience challenging conditions. You will also need to be prepared to be involved in any number of activities. Some volunteers have reported that the work at the orphanage can take up a significant amount of their time, so you should make sure that this isn’t something that will affect your ability to see other parts of the country or the world.
Requirements For Volunteering At The Pattaya Orphanage
Once you have registered your interest and received an email confirming your place on the waiting list, you will be required to pay an application fee to the orphanage. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
The application fee can be paid in a number of ways including:
Thai baht credit card. Make sure it is a non-reloadable account.
Thai baht cash deposit. Make sure it is made at a reputable bank.
Travellers cheques. Make sure the orphanage has them before you pay for them.
Western Union money transfer. Make sure it is made from a bank in a country that has a low chance of closing down due to money laundering activities.
Volunteer Working Conditions At The Pattaya Orphanage
When you volunteer with the orphanage, you are required to abide by Thai labour laws and the standards set by the International Labour Organization. As a result, you are required to:
Work a 37.5 hour work week. – Be paid a minimum wage of 3,650 THB per month.
Be allowed to take 1 day off per week. – Be allowed to take a maximum of 10 days off over the course of the year.
Be permitted to take more than 10 days off in a year if you need to cover sick leave.
Be permitted to take annual leave and any other non-mandatory leave as you see fit.
Volunteer Benefits
Thai language lessons: If you wish to pursue a degree at the university in Pattaya, you will be given a free Thai language lessons.
Thai culture: If you wish to pursue a degree at the university in Pattaya, you will be given a free Thai culture course.
Tours around the island: If you wish to explore the island, you will be given a free day-trip tour.
Free entrance to the pool, beach and nature park
Final Words: Is Volunteering at The Pattaya Orphanage for You?
The Pattaya Orphanage is a unique opportunity to work with disadvantaged people in an unfamiliar environment and make a difference to their lives. If you are willing to make an effort, you will be rewarded for your efforts by volunteering at this unique place.
With a bit of perseverance and a willingness to adapt to new ways of living, volunteering at The Pattaya Orphanage will provide you with an experience that you will never forget. You will find that you are able to make a real difference to the lives of others, while also benefiting from a challenging work environment and a host of free activities.