Mae Chaem School, Chiang Mai is a government secondary school located in Mae Chaem District, one of the most remote and mountainous areas of Chiang Mai province. The district is known for its diverse ethnic communities, including Karen (Pgaz K'Nyau), Hmong, Lahu, and lowland Thai groups, many of whom reside in rural villages with limited access to educational resources. Mae Chaem School serves as an important educational hub for students from across the region, including those from hill tribe communities who travel long distances to attend school.
The school operates with a strong commitment to inclusive education, providing learning opportunities for students from low-income and agriculturally-based families. Given its location and socioeconomic context, the school also plays a vital role in fostering community development, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness.
Project Aims and Activities:
The primary aim of the volunteer-hosting project at Mae Chaem School is to enhance the quality of education through intercultural learning, English language development, and global citizenship education. The project also aims to build students’ confidence and broaden their worldview through meaningful interaction with international volunteers.
Regular activities include:
Assisting teachers in English classes through interactive methods such as games, storytelling, and conversation practice.
Organizing cultural exchange activities that introduce global perspectives and mutual learning.
Supporting extracurricular programs such as sports, music, environmental education, and creative arts.
Participating in local community visits, agricultural activities, or traditional crafts workshops to deepen understanding of local life and culture.
Promoting sustainability awareness aligned with the school’s environmental education efforts, such as reducing plastic use and forest conservation.
Through these engagements, the project contributes to both educational enrichment and intercultural understanding while encouraging young learners in Mae Chaem to dream beyond their geographic limitations.
İş Tanımı
Volunteers at Mae Chaem School will actively support language education, intercultural learning, and youth development in a rural, multicultural context. Their main responsibilities include:
Assisting English Language Activities in Classrooms
Support local English teachers by leading or co-facilitating interactive lessons that focus on communication skills through games, conversation practice, role-plays, and storytelling.
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Duration: 2–3 hours per day (split across classes)
Organizing Intercultural and Creative Workshops
Design and lead hands-on activities that introduce aspects of the volunteer’s home culture, including music, dance, art, food, or traditional customs, while encouraging students to share their own cultural identity.
Frequency: 1–2 times per week
Duration: 1–2 hours per session
Supporting Extracurricular Clubs and School Events
Join and help organize after-school clubs or events such as English Camp, Sports Day, Environmental Day, or school fairs.
Tasks may include helping students prepare performances, assisting with logistics, or running activity stations.
Frequency: As needed based on the school calendar
Participating in Community Outreach and Local Culture
Engage with the broader Mae Chaem community through village visits, participation in cultural ceremonies, and support for local initiatives such as environmental clean-up, planting, or traditional weaving demonstrations.
Schedule: Occasional weekends or as coordinated with the school and host family
These tasks not only strengthen English and cultural learning for students but also create deep mutual exchange between volunteers and the Mae Chaem community—building global awareness and shared appreciation for diverse ways of life.
Konaklama ve Yemek
Volunteers will be accommodated in the teacher's house located on or near the school grounds. The house provides basic living facilities, typically including a private or shared bedroom, a Thai-style bathroom, and a common living area. Staying in the teacher's house offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and closer connection with the school community.
Meals are usually shared with the host teacher or provided by the school during weekdays. On weekends or free days, volunteers can explore local food options available at nearby markets or small village restaurants. Assistance will be provided to help volunteers adapt to the local lifestyle and access essential services.
