A few days ago I decided to sign up to something I’ve been considering to do for quite a while. As soon as I heard of it, I wanted to do it… And now that I’m formally signed up, I’m buzzing with excitement! The summer of 2016 I am going to do volunteer work on two amazing development projects with Futuresense and Challenges Abroad in northern Thailand.
The first part of the challenge will be spent working in an elephant sanctuary. Elephants in Thailand are often abused as working elephants, or as spectacle in shows, where they too often end up disabled, blind, orphaned and hurt. In the elephant sanctuary my team and I will help with care and rehabilitation for the mistreated animals, as well as other support work for the sanctuary.
The second part of the trip goes to a hill-tribe village, where the team will help with improving the lives of those living there in any way we can. Although Thailand is increasingly being seen as a developed country, it still has many problems with both economy and culture as well as social issues. Marginalised groups, particularly hill-tribes, often don’t receive the support they need. This is why our team will lend a hand in improving their educational facilities, teaching English and providing activities for children who would otherwise have a minimum of opportunities for education. We will also help with building projects, and any other contribution we can make to try and make a difference in the community.
So not only will this be a great opportunity to try and make a change, but it’ll also be an incredible adventure for me personally. I went to Thailand with my family when I was 9, and have wanted to go back there ever since. The people there are so generous, the culture interesting, the country is beautiful and the food is amazing. However the last time I went I took part in the abuse of elephants and other animals, unknowing, of course, as I believe many tourists do. I went to animal shows, petted drugged tigers and went for a ride on an elephant. So now that I know about the abuse so many animals experience, and being presented with an opportunity to properly explore and experience the country.
Picture taken from Challenges Abroad website.
The next few months will for me be all about fundraising. It’s still not certain that I can go, I can’t unless I get enough donations to cover my share of the expenses of the work we’re going to do, so this is where you come in. I would be endlessly grateful for any donation that helps towards reaching the fundraising goal, and enables me to provide as much aid and support as I can. Any contribution, of any size, will make a difference!
If you’d like to donate, have a click through to my Virgin Money Giving page. Donations will be quickly processed and passed to the charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.
Thanks,
Hanne x
The Adventuring Pen 