Volunteer opportunities in 2018

Ever wanted to serve those in need, but didn’t know how or where? Here is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

The Marist Mission in Ranong has an opportunity for 3-4 volunteers to grow in faith, experience community and be transformed through service in 2018

Come and spend 3-6-12months with us and be alongside Burmese Migrants and their families on the Thailand / Burma Border. You’ll enjoy being alongside Marists, Mission Sisters, committed Thai and Burmese staff, and other volunteers  as we serve Burmese Migrants in education, health and migrant support programmes.

You’ll live in a group of apartments for our volunteers and team members, ride either a bicycle or motorbike for the short ride to the Marist Centre, and have the joy of serving Burmese students who really appreciate the gift of education for their lives and the future of their families. You’ll be part of a safe and supportive atmosphere with others.

We have volunteer opportunities for 2-3 teachers and an opportunity for someone with medical experience to help with our health project. If you know someone who may like this please consider sharing this opportunity with them.

Download Volunteer Application Document

Here are some brief answers to some frequently asked questions

Where is it: Ranong is in the South of Thailand, on the west coast between Bangkok and Phuket. It is the border crossing town with the most southern town in Burma / Myanmar called Kawthaung.

Is it safe: Ranong is a small ‘town’ in Thailand and is safe for visitors. Ranong has not experienced any difficulties or significant changes with the Thai Military Government and our volunteer apartments are in a group of 6 which allows people to experience the support and care of each other.

What would I do: Our volunteers offer a special contribution to some of our Education Programmes because of their ability to speak and encourage students with their English.

Depending on your gifts and skills your time would be spent each day in programmes at the Marist Centre. There are 5 education programmes and some migrant support programmes that benefit from volunteers.

There are also fundraising, media, and various management support tasks. Being part of the HIV AIDS Health team involves regular visits to families, the hospital and providing support in project management.

How much will it cost: Accommodation, internet, water, electricity and a motorbike or bicycle is provided. Volunteers need to pay for their airfare to Thailand and bring money to pay for their food and personal expenses for their time with us.

Most volunteers have found that $NZ3,500-4,000  has allowed them to volunteer for 6 months, buy daily food  etc and have a holiday somewhere in Thailand.

Do you have more information: Check out some of our volunteer stories and experiences, and also download our Volunteer Application document. We would be happy to hear from you if you have particular questions or would like a skype conversation to learn more. Contact us

Is there any age limit: There is no age limit. Volunteers need to be able to live simply, learn to adapt to both the wet and hot weather conditions, and be willing to commit to a full day at work with the projects they are assigned to.

How can I apply: Download the Application Document and we look forward to making contact with you.

Financial Need: We know some people would like to serve but don’t have the financial resources. We encourage people to share their need with family, friends, parish, school. For those who would like to make a donation to support a volunteer the Marist Asia Foundation would gratefully receive this type of support and let you know of the great work your donation has made.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (M. Twain)