Ng's Volunteer Experience in Thailand - Orphanage Efforts

I reached the Survarnabhumi Airport on 11/20 from Singapore Changi Airport. After gathering all the participants, we departed from the airport to Sing Buri by bus. We reached the guesthouse later that night.

The next day we began our experience at the Learn, Volunteer and Travel project with a visit to the orphanage with volunteers from the US and Europe. Some of the kids were cleaning the school, some attended class with teachers while some of kids were playing around. 

After visiting the school, we started to get the tools and equipment for some renovation work. We spent about five days throughout the program for putting cement and tiles for the floor. After the renovation work, we played soccer, basketball and volleyball with the kids.

Besides that, the coordinator and I spent half a day cleaning out the tool and equipment room. Initially the room was very dirty and there were some creepy creatures (centipedes, lizards, lots of ants and others) inside the room. Thanks to our determination, we had completely tidied up the room to a much better condition.

The orphanage was also grateful to have the international volunteers bring lots of donations from abroad, including balloons, stationary, soccer balls, story books, candies and toys. We loved getting to help distribute these donations to the kids. Besides working in the orphanage, we had spent some time mingling with other volunteers and visited the town of Sing Buri. We went to the night market and shopping mall in Sing Buri. We also had a chance to choose either going to a swimming pool or Thai massage after working at the school. Furthermore, we spent a night enjoying a steamboat and BBQ with the volunteers from all different countries. It was a fruitful and meaningful trip where I was able to help improve conditions for needy orphans, and make friends from around the world in the process.