The Burma Volunteer Program in Thailand (BVP) was set up in January 2000 to bridge the gap between pro-democracy Burmese organizations looking for assistance and volunteers wishing to donate time and skills toward the creation of a democratic and just Burma.

BVP co-ordinates volunteers and provides educational opportunities to students from Burma who live in Thailand. The students are from a broad range of ethnic nationalities including Burman, Karen, Karenni, Shan, Mon, Palaung, Kachin, Arakan and Pa-O. Typically, the groups that volunteers work with include political groups, ethnic groups, womens’ groups, youth groups, news groups and campaigning groups. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of three months in order to ensure continuity within the organizations.

• Volunteers are responsible for English language courses, both teaching and preparing lessons and may be asked to assist with workshop development or skills training, depending on where they are placed and if they have experience or interest in an applicable area.

• Volunteers are provided with free accommodation and food with the organization they are assisting. There are no extra program costs.

• Visa extensions are covered by BVP Thailand whilst volunteering with the program.

Why English Teaching?

The Burma Volunteer Program was set up after a needs assessment was conducted amoung Burmese political, social and ethnic groups in urban border areas of Thailand. The needs assessment showed that many of the organizations had little opportunity given to them for English training. They felt it was necessary for them to speak and write English in order to further their cause. English enables them to communicate their situation to the international community and increase international awarness. It also provides them with access to information and educational opportunities that are not available to them in their own languages. English also helps them to access funding from abroad.

Where?

Our office is in Mae Sot. In the past volunteers have been placed in Mae Sot (and surrounding areas), Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang, Sangkla Buri and Um Pang and refugee camps in the North of Thailand.

Volunteers

Volunteers live and work closely with the organizations and, while they are teaching for the most part, they are also learning first-hand about the situation in Burma, the move for democracy and what can be done to help. The volunteer program enables a constant sharing of ideas and continual learning for both volunteer and organization.

The groups that volunteers are working with include political groups, ethnic groups, womens’ groups, youth groups, news groups and campaigning groups. The students are from a broad range of ethnic nationalities including Burman, Karen, Karenni, Shan, Mon, Palaung, Kachin, Arakan, and Pa-O. The Burma Volunteer Program currently has over 20 volunteers working in upwards of 40 organizations.

Volunteeers are primarily involved in English training. Volunteers frequently incorporate subjects such as politics, history, human rights and general knowledge into their lessons. In addition to this, volunteers have assisted organizations with editing publications, press releases and funding proposals, human rights documentation, test preparation and practical skills training.

Volunteers must commit to at least three months of volunteer service. The organizations provide accommodation free of charge and meals.

If you are interested in volunteering, or if you require further information, please email us @ maesotel@loxinfo.co.th