Volunteer Project Review

Here are a sample of experiences and reviews from previous volunteers at the projects.
(names of children have been changed for their protection).

Messenger Deputy Editor KARA PHILLIPS spent two weeks teaching English to poverty stricken children in Cambodia. This is her story:

CHILDREN grin from ear-to-ear as they play chasey and fly kites made from twigs and discarded plastic bags.

One little boy hits a balloon in the air, dust flying as he chases it across the paddock, squealing with laughter when it falls to the ground.

A group of teenage girls pull their bikes into the schoolyard, gossiping and giggling among themselves.

This is the school in Mondul 3, a village which lies between the bustle of Siem Reap and the wonder of the ancient Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia.

The scene appears happy enough, until you look closer and realise starved bodies, bloated, malnourished bellies, threadbare T-shirts and tired eyes are these children’s uniforms. Most children have just one parent or none at all, with fathers killed while serving in the army and mothers dead through sickness and disease. They have no money for books or uniforms and many are needed at home to run households while parents or older siblings work.

Until the project opened in December 2007, there was no school, so most residents have no formal education or vocational skills. Instead, more than 300 girls in the village make a living as 'Karaoke' entertainers. These girls, many no older than 14, gather in groups on the dusk-lit roadside in front of their Karaoke bars, applying make-up and brushing their hair, preparing for the dark night ahead. I watch them as my tuk tuk - a motorbike with seated carriage on the back - chugs down the pot-holed dirt road after my first day as a volunteer English teacher.

I had decided to volunteer in the hope of making a positive change to our global community. I chose Cambodia a place I had long wanted to visit.

'I have an education, a family that I can feed I want to give other people that chance' the director says. So he opened the project, a two roomed grass hut offering free language education to locals of all ages.

I have been here just a few days and already I have witnessed a mother, tears streaming down her face, begging the project staff to take her tiny newborn because she is unable to feed him. I have met a one-year-old who will likely not live to see his fourth birthday as he has HIV and TB. I have watched an elderly man lying, waiting to die the hepatitis so bad his skin and eyes are a bright yellow.

And that afternoon I meet Srey’s father, smelling of alcohol and slurring his words, demanding his son back so he can sell him and, with the profits, search for the wife who abandoned them.
Srey clutches a hand: 'I don’t want to go, he hits me.'
A monk calms the man down and convinces him to leave.

But my time as a volunteer has been far from gloomy.

I have seen these children squeal with genuine delight at the most simplest of life’s little pleasures. One day a group of us go out to the village armed with Aussie toy-tattoos and stickers and are quickly surrounded by a hoard of giggling children shouting 'Aussie, aussie, aussie, oi, oi, oi!’.'

I have seen the mothers, who get up at 4am every day and work through until midnight just to put food on the table, who are thankful for even the smallest of opportunities to turn their lives around.

At the end of each class I teach, several students, palms pressed together, bow their heads and say: 'Thank you 'cher (teacher), see you tomorrow'. Others run and wrap their arm arms around me: 'I love you `cher!'

I start to understand what Kerry means: How could anyone see this and not help?

Last month, the project provided 95 families with 1550kg of rice, soy sauce, seasoning and fish sauce. This may be the only food these families eat for an entire month. About 15 babies, whose mums can’t produce breast milk, were also given formula. 'It’s hard, we have to make choices every day about who gets on the rice list, which children get taken to hospital,' the director tells me. 'It’s a choice between the sick and starving and the more sick and starving.'

The project also gave away four bicycles, allowing families to collect rubbish to sell for income, ride to school and to reach the local markets.

'This is why we want to build sustainable projects, such as a fish farm to provide income to support the community and thus enable families to start their own micro-businesses for long term security.'

'The rice list is simply to stop people from dying, or selling their kids into the sex trade. But our real vision is for long-term sustainable projects.'

On my second to last day in Cambodia, Tim Siv, 30, a volunteer who was born in Siem Reap but fled with his family to Adelaide in 1980, takes me out into the village one last time. 'This could easily have been my fate,' he says. 'Now it’s my turn to give something back, to give these people the chance they deserve.' We are both in a sombre mood. Srey has had blood tests to see whether he, like both his parents, has HIV. The results arrive tomorrow. Until then we must wait.

Tim takes me to meet Srey, 24, and her newborn baby Srey Mon, who is just four weeks old. Srey’s parents were murdered during the Civil War. She lived on the streets until she eventually found her way to a public orphanage in Siem Reap. At the age of 20 and with no education, Srey left the confines of the orphanage to wait tables seven days a week, until she met who she thought was the 'love of her life'. He promised to look after her and marry her but, when she told him she was expecting his baby, he beat her and abandoned her.

She wandered the streets of Siem Reap with no money, food or water, until a security guard from Mondul 3 took her home to his family. Srey now resides in the old school building and the project has employed Art, a sprightly but homeless grandmother, to help the family. Srey will attend English and vocational classes and now has regular food and shelter, thanks to sponsorship by an Adelaide couple.

The following evening Tim brings me news of Srey’s test results: 'He’s negative for HIV, for hepatitis, for everything. Nak didn’t know what all the fuss was about, he just smiled quietly, not really understanding.'

But for those who volunteer their time and their hearts to those in Mondul 3, this news is a precious gift.

The gift of hope.
Kara Phillips - Messenger Deputy Editor

Volunteering with globalteer was an experience that will never leave me. From living with volunteers from all over the world to interacting with the amazing people of Cambodia was a wonderful priviledge. I enjoyed two fantastic weeks of fun, laughter and many other emotions...... I look forward to the day I can return and experience more of Globalteer and its great projects
Sona, UK

I had a fantastic time volunteering with Globalteer at the community project. I met some truly inspiring people (not least the children) and seen how even a little can go a long way if you try. I've witnessed some beautiful but also emotional sights and made some great friends. I can also now cook a great Amok. Cambodia challenges your senses and
it's an experience that I will not forget. As soon as I left I wanted to go back.
Andrea, UK

I spent 7 weeks at the globalteer house in Siem reap and i was working on the G.C.D.C project and i have to say i had the most amazing time of my life and hoping to return in November. The project itself is a first for globalteer and I'm very proud to have been there during this exciting time, my time that i spent at the house was made so much better because of the staff and the support they offered, you are never on your own with globalteer, the volunteer coordinator was very helpful in showing me around town and organising events for the volunteers, the charity itself i can safely is 100% bona fide they are committed to providing local charities with funding and volunteers.
David, Ireland

As soon as I got off the plane, I had a great feeling about Siem Reap.  Then I was told I was going to be volunteering for the Giant Puppet Project.  I couldn't believe my luck, I always wanted to do art with kids. We had 350 kids who don't speak too much English make 8 giant puppets and have a parade.  It was definitely one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  The kids had a blast.  I've returned home inspired to volunteer and make art.  Thank you!
Jessica, USA

Arriving at the project, one is swamped by lively, boisterous enthusiastically welcoming children. Playing games is fun and teaching English was a real treat. I had never taught English before but I jumped right in and enjoyed it. The enthusiasm of these kids to learn is inspiring.

Their energy and personalities are heart warming. The pictures they draw for you are just beautiful and the sweet things they say, their smiles, just melt your heart. They are boisterous and some have behavioural difficulties, and often they play fight with each other, as they have had bad experiences and some a difficult home life and not the best role models. This is why the Day Centre is such a great place, a safe haven away from this and a chance to learn and have positive, fun experiences.

I also taught in the evenings at the Poverty Development school run by monks. The volunteer teachers that the school relys upon to teach English are always sought after and sometimes there are not enough teachers for all the classes. I was priveliged to teach the older teenagers and advanced classes and it was really enjoyable.

These kids are intelligent and eager to learn and also have warm hearts, great sense of humour and it was really insightful to talk to them and learn about their life. Some of these students have finished public education and now want to learn English while others study at public school during the day and then come to the school to study more in the evening. Other students can't afford public school, which requires a small daily fee.

On the second last day I was sung to by some of the sweet students in my class and it was very moving. Making a connection with people and giving students a chance to improve their English was a wonderful experience.
Rachel, Australia

I love the orphanage and have every intention of returning within the year. It was a little slow starting but nothing a little patience and initiative can't manage, but I did like the flexibility. The classes were fun to teach, the library had all the resources I needed, all the kids are great, and despite being an "English teacher" I was able to do so much more. Towards the end we were going to the center everyday instead of the originally scheduled 4 because we loved it there that much.
Angie, USA

I retired from teaching Dec. 2005 after having taught at Mt.Martha primary for the last 24 years. When I arrived in Siem Reap I taught at the day centre in the mornings, and then I’d teach from 5-00p.m -7-00p.m. at the ‘School for Poverty Children’ run by the Monks. They have 500 children through each day. 1 hr. lessons.

One grade had 56 Children in it. All so eager to learn English.
Rem met me at the airport with his Tuk-Tuk and I knew straight away that it was going to work. The children at the day centre stole my heart. Especially the toddlers who wander in without a stitch on and stay playing all morning. Not a parent in sight. The kids arrive at school whenever their parents allow them time off from begging. They shower, wash their hair, change into their T.shirts, then wash their own clothes. Time to play. Have a hug. English classes, a hot lunch, then back out onto the streets. "The sad reality is that these children, as young as 5 yrs. old, are often the primary breadwinners for their families.

Their living conditions are desperate, either living in very poor housing or no housing at all." I actually saw one family sleeping on the footpath in town, open to abuse and disease. I had collected an extra donation to the project that I raised from my golf club back home. I hadn’t mentioned our donations to Rem until I was sure the money would be used wisely.

When I saw Rem with an enormous bunch of bananas to share, and a bag of rice for each child to take home each Friday, I knew it was O.K. The money also bought a class set of text books, school uniforms and books for the children who were allowed time off from begging to attend their own local Khmer school. We also paid the $10 annual school fees for some of these children. Food for lunches. Rent and helping this struggling young couple to make a difference.
June, Australia

"My experience with helping the day centre project was one i was proud to be a part of. So many tourists come to Ankor Wat without seeing the real cambodia, when its so easy to help out, even for just a few hours. Because these beautiful children don't offen get the chance to learn or play they are so happy and well behaved its amazing.

The great thing about doing volenteer work through globalteer is it allows you to make a difference and have fun at the same time! If you feel compelled to do something good for others, you will be so glad you helped to put a smile on these kids faces- anyone with a heart would!

Throughout my travels, this was the best thing i did to help a third world country and it was positive. I have great memories of teaching english to children who are so excited to learn and to see me. Somethings stay with you forever and the look on a kids face when they have a teacher today, a meal to eat, someone to giggle with, is more precious than anything i could buy or spend the day doing."
Holly, Australia

I was quite apprehensive about going to Cambodia at first…. I am at an age where I can remember Vietnam, the Khmer rouge and pol pot. But, I was also at an age where I knew there was more important things I needed to do with my life… so I left my comfort zone and volunteered to help out in Cambodia.

I had not taught before nor even worked with kids but that didn’t matter…. The kids were so desperate to learn English to help improve their own lives. At the day centre for the street kids, they were so happy for attention and just wanted to have the chance to play. Teaching the younger classes was so much fun…. They really want to understand how words are pronounced and to have 30 kids shout back everything you say on command was always humorous to me.

As for the street kids, well, quite simply these kids are deprived of a childhood - and for 3 hours a day… the kids are allowed to play and act like kids again. They spend the rest of their lives working as they are the bread winner in their family. It is such a worthwhile project, that I am now saving to go back… I miss the kids and I feel so much more confident and worthy in this world now that I have done my small part to make a difference.
Duncan, UK

On my last day, a little girl held my hand whilst I was kicking a football with the older children. Her small hand wrapped perfectly around my little finger. Every time I moved from one side or another she faithfully followed. Every once in a while I’d look down at the top of her little head, dirty from playing in the dust, and she’d look back up at me and smile.

When it is finally time for me to leave, I say good-bye to all the kids and pull my finger gently from my little friend’s palm. She followed me outside for a while, and I wonder if she’ll cry as I walk away. But she just waves goodbye and grins wide with a that smile... you know, the kind of smile that makes smiling back the only thing I want to do in the whole world.
Mat, Hong Kong

A fantastic life changing experience. I particularly enjoyed playing with the kids at the day centre, they were so loving and happy, their smiling faces will stay with me always. Whilst teaching at the school, I was first struck by the respect the children showed me, standing as I walked into the class and saying “hello teacher” and all individually thanking me as they left.

These kids wouldn’t have the opportunity of an education if the school didn’t exist. I truly felt the importance of what I was doing whilst volunteer teaching. The Cambodian people were all very grateful for the help of the volunteers, they see so many tourist visit this extremely poor country and so few stop to help them find a way out their desperate circumstances. I have travelled the world extensively and Cambodia remains my favourite country because of the people, they are so friendly and courteous, it is always a pleasure to be there.
James, UK

This was my 2nd Globalteer volunteer trip.  Colombia is an amazing place. Our first day with the kids at Antorches, we took 13 kids to the zoo. Some had never been before.  We bonded with these kids and were able to discuss English names of the animals.

This set the pace for the week to come. We taught English in small groups, which varied by age.  The kids were very receptive and loved to learn. We read stories, used flash cards, drew pictures and labeled the pictures with English names. I know that we made a huge impact on the kids, and they made a huge impact on us too.

Daily, we would walk a group of kids to school and take a group home. When they got out of school, they would run up to us shouting, "tio, tio."  They were so happy to be greeted and on the walks home, I would ask, "what did you learn today?"

The house where these kids stayed, Antorches, was filled with love, hugs and friendship. While there were so many different personalities, the underlying value was love. This is one truly rewarding way to spend a holiday.
Neil, USA

My experience with Globalteer was totally amazing.  I was assigned to teach English and Art to the kids. Interacting with these kids was one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. We had several groups of kids each day.

As we were teaching them English, they were teaching me Spanish! It was  really fun. The last day, we had art class, which I loved. We did Origami, to our surprise the little kids really got really involved. Overall, these kids are fun, smart and hopeful. I would definately love to come back and say "hi" again.
Richie, USA

Ceilidh dancing in Colombia

May 2009 by Shoena Payne.

"Though the overall security situation in Colombia has improved considerably in recent years, the threat of terrorism is still high in many parts of the country."

Reading the official line on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website the day before leaving made me anxious. Too late. My leave, flights and accommodation were all booked - no going back now. And anyway, why should something like the risk of being mugged, or even kidnapped by guerrillas, stop me from fulfilling a long held dream to volunteer with kids in Colombia?

Usually a confident traveller, my nerves really kicked in when I arrived at Medellín airport, alone and at night. The fact that heavily armed police lined the road into the city hardly helped.

However, walking around the city the following day, my fears quickly evaporated, and I stopped clutching my bag after about two minutes. The locals were disarmingly open and friendly, and keen to explain that the vast majority of Colombians are law abiding and respectable. Strangers in the street, unused to seeing many Europeans, asked what my friends and family thought about me coming to Colombia, and what their impression of Colombia was. They're painfully aware of their bad press.

Now comfortable and familiar with my surroundings, I started work at the day centres. Colombian pupils go to school either in the morning or in the afternoon, leaving disadvantaged children vulnerable for half the day with no one to care for them. Living with their families in cramped, run down accommodation, these children are also exposed to the temptations and dangers of the city streets. Local university students wanted to address this issue, and set up two day centres.

The day centres, located in the heart of the city and high up the mountainside, provide a safe haven and are run by dedicated and caring co-ordinators who organise activities and teach kids about respect, hygiene and the value of education. They are supported by volunteer psychologists, nurses and social workers, as well as supermarkets, which provide enough food to ensure that each child has at least one square meal a day.

With the day centres closed for holidays, I spent Easter week at an orphanage, which has been set up by a local lady. Usually packed to the brim with 70 youngsters, the majority had returned home to their families (there are few actual orphans, rather children whose parents are unable, or unwilling, to look after them). We looked after the 15 or so who remained, taking them on day trips and running themed sessions and workshops.

Overseas volunteers play an important role in widening the kids' horizons, raising their awareness of the world beyond the Andes by giving them an insight into different cultures, customs and traditions.  As well as teaching English and organising sports and crafts, we explained how we celebrate Easter in Europe, and organised egg painting and an egg hunt, much to the amusement of the locals.

Colombia was one of the most incredible countries I have visited. Beautiful colonial cities, colourful buses, fruit stalls everywhere you look and impressive countryside make for a varied and fascinating experience. But it was the people who made the most impact.

And hopefully my tales of Loch Ness Monsters, horned, hairy cows and skirt wearing men still linger...and those Ceilidh dances haven't quite been forgotten!

You can read the full independant blog at:
http://www.maximillion.co.uk/blog/543_ceilidh-dancing-in-colombia
Shoena Payne, Scotland

I arrived in Medellin, Colombia in January with the intention of spending three months working with Globalteer on the project. When I first arrived, I had all these thoughts in my head, "Was the country safe?" being the main one and of course my family were quite concerned also.

As soon as I arrived in New York airport, in transit, I met the most welcoming Colombian family who were catching the same flight as me on to Medellin. They were so happy that a tourist was coming to their country and they insisted that I get a lift with them from the airport to the black sheep hostel where I was to be staying.

They very nearly gave me Colombian pesos because they were concerned that I only had $US dollars on me. I ended up hanging out with one of the sons of the family and he took me all around the city and out to the country to coffee region and that is the real Colombia, fantastic, warm and welcoming people.
 
The city of Medellin is fantastic. It's a great place for young people and outside of the project hours, there are plenty of fun things to do and great places to visit which you would have time for.
I was lucky enough to meet Jim on arrival at the hostel. He was staying in Medellin sorting things out in Colombia as the project had only just started up. He gave me my orientation and the next day, I headed down to Antorchas , which is an orphanage which houses 69 children, between the ages of 2/17, boys and girls. I only spoke very basic Spanish at this point but the kids were just great.
 
We spent the first few days, hanging out with the kids and shopping for materials, games, paper, stationary, with the view of starting up English classes for the children. We then sorted the children out into groups and started the classes which were great. All of the kids were really keen to learn unlike they would be here in England. The couple who started up the orphanage have got a dream of the children having the opportunity to go to University some day and as the city of Medellin is turning around and becoming bilingual, it is us that are giving the opportunity to do that.
 
I had a fantastic 3 months working with the staff and children at the orphanage and will miss them all alot but I hope to visit them all again next year, when maybe they will be able to converse with me in English??
I spent my last few weeks in Colombia on the Caribbean coast which was just beautiful. You would be totally surprised by the amount of backpackers travelling in the country and yes, it is safe to travel by night buses overland.
Cat, British

Thankyou very much for giving me the opportunity to work at Antorchas, I enjoyed every minute of it and I have never seen children with so much love to give. It was lovely to see how happy they are at the orphanage, and how everyone seems to work like one huge family.

The kids all look out for each other and the older ones often go out of their way to take care of the little ones. The staff have done everything they can to provide a happy and loving home for these children at Antorchas. They have provided them with many opportunities and a hope for the future that without this project would never have seemed possible.

Thanks again,
Helen, British

Volunteering with Globalteer in Colombia has been one of my most rewarding and thought provoking  experiences. Globalteer gave me a chance to see how Colombian people work hard to improve the lives of children living in poverty and enabled me to play a small part in that process.
Claire, British

During the summer of 2009, I spent five fabulous weeks in COLOMBIA! I stayed at my native girlfriend’s house in Medellin for the most part, whilst also travelling across the lush and plant-filled landscapes and trying as best as I could to immerse myself in a completely new, and rather ‘wild’ environment.

One way in which I thought I could get to know people from in and around Medellin was through volunteering. Globalteer was one of the first
projects I found searching online for ideas before the summer began.
Although working with these children sounded challenging, I thought it
could be a worthwhile experience, for both myself and the children.

For about a week and half, I worked at “Antorchas”, not long after I arrived in Colombia. My Spanish was (and still is) pretty basic, but enough to communicate and get the message across. I was rather nervous on my first day, unsure of my role to play in the orphanage, although my nerves quickly passed after an hour or so. What I came across was a warm and welcoming environment, with children coming and going to school, and
immediately I felt ‘at home’.

The children I met throughout my time were very open to me, and although they often spoke rather fast and all at once, I felt that we had found a common ground by teaching each other our mother tongue and enjoy each other’s company. Whilst the English lessons I slowly put together and took part in were sometimes difficult and the children distracted, I think I managed to teach them some basic phrases and give them a chance at a productive future.

The most enjoyable part of the experience for me was simply spending ‘quality time’ with the children; coming into their space when appropriate, talking, playing games, sharing ideas or thoughts and so forth. That time for me is often where most of the learning can be achieved. In a way, I wish I had stayed for longer, and if I do come back to Colombia next year, I am sure I will come back to Antorchas to a crowd of beaming smiles!

My advice to you if you are thinking of signing up for Globalteer... …don’t hesitate, go for it! Just remember to learn a bit of Spanish as it will help you tenfold!
Tom, 21, UK

The reputation of Colombia in the UK is still of an extremely dangerous and hostile environment. People I spoke to before leaving always said - "How brave/why on earth are you going to Colombia?/it is so dangerous there?Aren't you scared? "etc.  Because my husband visits Colombia regularly 2-3 times a year/does business there and had good friends there I know that the situation today is very different.

It is much safer than the popular view in UK (and much safer than even Colombians imply). This is particularly true in Medellin and Antioquia. Potential volunteers should be informed about current security there - I felt totally happy travelling with a fellow volunteer to Jerico by bus and taking advice from people at the Hostel.

I like the Globalteer philosophy, the way in which money is spent/distributed and obvious care for local customs/conditions etc.

During the school holidays, at my placement, you had to think on your feet and be prepared to be totally flexible - but the kids were fantastic, resources and support provided were excellent and I had a wonderful time. Medellin in a lovely City in which to work and from which to explore parts of Colombia at weekends - and I felt totally safe there all the time.

The experience of volunteering abroad was wonderful for me - not only the placement but also the opportunity to live and work in another City/country and practice another language. The children are used to short term volunteers coming and going (which is good, makes it easier for volunteers and kids alike). They certainly appreciate volunteers when they are there and we all had good times together. From my point of view, the project, the placement and the service provided by Globalteer were perfect and exactly fitted my needs - so it was good value.

Will certainly recommend to friends.
Maggie, UK

Here are a sample of experiences from previous volunteers at the Thailand Wildlife Rescue project.

It is hard to accurately describe volunteering at The animal rescue centre in Thailand. My time there was an unparalleled chance to learn about animals: their care, feeding and habits. It was a chance to become really close to some
of the animals.

You will never forget when a (formerly) aggressive monkey becomes used to you and reaches out to groom you. The animals at the centre are delightful, funny, and devilishly clever. You will miss them and remember them clearly for the rest of your life.

In addition to the animals, you'll meet fellow volunteers from around the world and make friends with them. You'll never forget when a (formerly) aggressive Brit reaches out and offers you a smoke. Lastly, it's a real opportunity to learn about a small part of Thailand. You get to know the people, and some of the customs. You'll be called at (“Monkey! Monkey!”) and get the chance to teach Thai youths dirty words in English. You'll pick up strange and muddled Thai vocabulary, mostly concerning fruit and tools. And, in the end you'll really come to enjoy the beauty of the place you stay in.
Mat, Canada

Four hours after having been shepherded onto a bus at Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, I was shepherded off the same bus at Cha-am, where I was to meet a taxi to take me to the Animal Rescue Centre at Khao Look Chang. As the taxi driver pointed out pineapple farms and temples along the way, I couldn’t decide whether to be excited at meeting lots of like-minded new people, or to be terrified at meeting a load of strangers who already knew each other.

I needed have worried, however. As soon as I arrived at the centre, I was greeted by friendly faces, of both the human and primate varieties! My only worry was how on earth I was going to remember everybody’s names!

I started work the very next day. My first job was ‘Bears’ which involved feeding and cleaning out the enclosure of the bears, including Malayan Sun Bears and Asiatic Black Bears. It was hard work but very enjoyable working outside in the sunshine and an amazing experience to get so close to exotic animals for the first time.

All day long as I worked, I could hear the gibbons singing and whooping, an unforgettable sound. My second job at the centre was perhaps the hardest to pick up. This was feeding. Although simple in principle, it involved remembering the location of all the different gibbons and macaques, of which there are close to 250, not to mention the fact that some of the monkeys and apes have special ‘issues’ when it comes to feeding.

Some have to be fed simultaneously to avoid fights, others have to be fed away from their peers or their food will be snaffled by the pushier animals, not to mention the ones that had to be fed slightly different diets or to be fed in different parts of the enclosure. All in all, there was a lot to remember, and I’m not sure that even after 3 weeks I ever got it completely right!

I spent my last couple of weeks working with the animals in ‘Quarantine’ which turned out to be my favourite job of all. The job is peaceful and you get to work at your own pace. Best of all, the juveniles lived in an enclosure in ‘Quarantine’ so I got to watch the baby gibbons playing and spraying each other with water when I hosed down their enclosure.

There was also a beautiful Siamang Gibbon called Marmi who lived in ‘Quarantine’ who was very noisy and had a tendency to set every other gibbon in the centre off in song if someone she didn’t know came into the ‘Quarantine’ area. Did I say it was peaceful? Well, perhaps not always! I’ve been back in England for 2 weeks now and I still miss the Rescue Centre and the friends I made, both human and animal.

I particularly miss Sam, the long suffering pony that wanders around inside and out, the dogs that accompanied us on our walks into the village to use the internet and Elton, the mischievous Hornbill who was far too clever for his own good. I definitely plan to come back to Khao Look Chang again one day."
Emma - United Kingdom

"I spent over three months in Thailand and I can say without question that the two months I spent at the Thailand Rescue Centre was the most fun I had. The work is rewarding and although you have no hands on contact with the animals you don’t need it, just watching them interact with each other and enjoying the food and enrichments you give them is enough.

Even participating in constructions jobs with no animal contact can end up giving you some of the most rewarding experiences of your stay. Watching the baby bears go into the new large enclosure that I had help work on is a thrill I will never forget. You work a six-day week, which might sound a lot, but you find that the work is so enjoyable that you don’t want a day off. I would only make it until about 11am on my day off before I was asking if I there was any painting to do or if I could help with any extra work, and there is always extra work to do if you are willing.

There is a daily changing roster with jobs such as feeding primates, sweeping and cleaning cages and enclosures, changing water bottles, enrichments, feeding and cleaning after the bears plus some more specialised job that you might get to do if you a planning a longer stay. I was given the opportunity of looking after the quarantine animals, which includes the infant gibbons. Watching them play all day is a pleasure.

Most of the animals at the centre have had a pretty hard early life and the centres main goal is to give them a better life, encourage them to start acting as they would in the wild and forming bonds with their own species. There are new arrivals all the time and watching a langur that has never even seen another of its kind be introduced into a langur group and see them start hugging and grooming in minutes makes you realise the importance of the work being done at the centre.

It is amazing how much pleasure you can get from working to make these animals lives a little better. From the big jobs of building a new enclosure to small things like gathering fresh leaves for them to eat. I would recommend this project to anyone, I know I for one would go back and volunteer again."
Jeanette - Australia

I volunteered at the Wildlife Rescue Center for 6 weeks in the winter of 2004. I volunteered because I love animals and the Thailand center is a really worthwhile cause. When you are at the center you become attached to many of the animals because you work so closely with them through the daily feedings and observing their behaviour.

My best experience was when I got to go on a rescue to pick up two bears. That was an amazing experience, to feel that you have helped some animals to have a better future. Overall everything at the center was a good experience and it really taught me a lot of things that I can use to work against animal abuse in the future. During the time I spent at the center I made more than 100 new animal friends and 20 new volunteer friends and I’m going to miss all of them! Marie Gajhede, Denmark
 
During my time here I have been thrilled with the many opportunities that have presented themselves. To learn so much about the amazing wildlife Thailand has to offer and to really help them have better lives has been a truly rewarding experience and one that I would recommend wholeheartedly. Moreover to be able to share this experience with so many great people from all over the world has been a gift. I’m glad I took the opportunity to come here and now I can leave with the satisfaction that I have done something lasting and worthwhile for Thailand’s wildlife and with a new found respect for those people who dedicate their lives to working for the safety and survival of these animals.
Amy, New Zealand

I’m sitting here pondering about how to express my experience at the centre in just a couple of sentences. And my conclusion is: It’s impossible! So many things happen in just one single day, so many impressions and feelings. What I can say is that it has been an incredibly emotional and educating time. I feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work so closely with these animals and to actually feel that I’m helping them to get a better life.

Many of them are very damaged by people and to actually be a part of a daily routine where you get to help them, is truly rewarding. However I do think that one should be aware that this is not a clean and cuddly job, but that the work is very hard and that the animals are wild, damaged and not pets. If one is here with that in mind and really wanting to make a difference, then the experience at this place will be rewarding beyond words. The center isn’t a “petting zoo”, it is a rescue centre where the animals come first at all times. I will carry a lot of warm memories back home.

How Ting Tong- the crazy macaque and Smokey the beautiful macaque both loved their food, how Ollie the otter squeaked with joy when he got to play with water, how Pom, the baby bear grew in front of my eyes. There are just too many things to mention and since I’m getting all misty eyed writing this, I’ll just wrap it up with the following: The centre and the animals have really touched my heart. I feel lucky to have spent my 8 weeks here and I just can’t believe that I’m leaving in two days. I’ll just have to say like Arnold: I’ll be back!!
Beata, Sweden

I volunteered at the centre in Feb 2003 and absolutely loved it. Kao Look Chang is a really beautiful, chilled out place with a really friendly little village. There was a good balance of work and relaxing and exploring time and on days off there is quite a few places nearby to visit such as Hua Hin which has a nice beach and some good pubs to go out in!

The centre is well organized and run by Edwin and Amy. There is a really interesting range of animals there and new ones arriving all the time but most importantly with the rehab program for gibbons you feel like you're contributing to a program that is actually making a difference and has a real future.

Edwin took us on a jungle trip to the national park which was about 30 mins drive away and so we got to see some of the species at the centre in the wild plus some wild elephants and loads of other animals. The rooms are pretty basic but fine and meals are great although you do have to like rice! I wished I could have stayed for longer.
Janine, New Zealand

Sawadee, I’m Chris from Belgium. I’m here already for 30 days. I write this on the most unforgettable day until now. Actually I can write already a book, what I’m doing and going through. Also the contact with the animals at the center is actually not possible to write down, you should feel it yourself. But I will try to describe what I felt today. Finally after many thundershowers and rainstorms, we can use the islands again, because the natural border is high enough, the gibbons can’t jump anymore over the water.

So we decided to put SKIPPI and GIGI on the juvenile island. These are really my favorite gibbons. I will miss them but they are much better off on the island of course. First we put GIGI in the moving cage. Then we (Edwin and I) bring GIGI with the boat to the island. Edwin went to check if everything was all right, while I was waiting a shore in the boat with GIGI. BILLY and BANK, two little gibbons, came towards me and had a look.

Then they really went on the boat, which was the first time that I get so close to the gibbons without any bars. When Edwin came back we went into the water and opened the cage. After some hesitation, GIGI went on the island and was welcomed by BILLY with lots off big hugging and smiling (gibbons can smile very nice), they really hold each other very close. Unbelievable to see it, this was very emotional.

Every time when I’m thinking what happened, I get watery eyes. After that we put SKIPPY on the island. He has never been on an island. He climbed very fast in the trees and was a little bit clumsy when swinging from one tree to another, but will learn it very quickly. So this was just one moment out of many. I’m going to enjoy one month more and realize how unforgettable this adventure is going to be. Lots of greetings from Chris Lenaerts.
Chris, Belgium

It was great to be working as part of team with the other volunteers. I loved working with the animals and always felt I could never do enough for them. My awareness of environmental issues was ever increasing and something I continually learned about there.
Our daily duties were to feed the animals, clean in and around the cages, to build new enclosures and develop the environment by planting/watering trees.

The volunteers working there at the time were motivated to do more than their duties, so I think we all put in a good amount of work that benefited the centre. The Wildlife Rescue Centre was a well run organization. I feel it offered me so much more than just what I was there to learn and to do. The owner was knowledgeable about current environmental issues and shared these with us on a regular basis and we were working closely with other Thai workers, introducing us to their culture and language.

When I arrived, I was shown what to do by various volunteers, as there is a lot to learn; it takes a couple of weeks to fully know what you are doing. After a month, it is second nature and easy to teach others the jobs that need to be done. When necessary, the volunteer coordinator checks up with everyone, that the jobs are being done correctly.

The communication between volunteers and staff is vital, and I found it ran smoothly because of this. I couldn't believe how clean and furnished the place was. I expected maybe a mattress on the floor, with lots of cockroaches! I found a twin room with a private toilet and shower, very clean and very sociable. The communal areas had seating and tables, and lots of space to socialize in. It was great to spend the time in company of about 10-15 other people your age, all coming and going.
Jessica, U.K.

I have just finished a 8 week stay at the wildlife rescue centre, at Kao Look Chang , and would like to tell you what a wonderful place it is to stay and work. The work that is done there I feel is of great value and it is a truly amazing project to have had the chance to be involved in. The setting is beautiful, accommodation, clean, comfortable and not nearly as basic as I had expected, and the staff, friendly, approachably and dedicated and passionate about the project and animals. I have enjoyed my time there a great deal.
Simon, U.K.