Development and Education Program for Daughters and Communities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region is a non-profit, community-based NGO. DEPDC/GMS works to prevent and protect vulnerable ethnic minority youth from human trafficking and labor exploitation, particularly the commercial sex industry.
The Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities Centre in the Greater Mekong Subregion (DEPDC/GMS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand. The community-based organisation has a diverse 25-year history and currently works primarily to prevent and to protect children and youth from being trafficked into exploitative labour conditions.
Each volunteer/intern’s role is different, depending on the skills, experience, and interests, as well as on the needs of the organization. Volunteers are supervised by the International Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers in Mae Sai can take on a variety of roles and responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to:
Teach English at the Half Day School, Community Learning Center, and to DEPDC/GMS staff.
Facilitate extracurricular activities with Half Day School students, aged 4-18
Write for the DEPDC / GMS blog and newsletter
Produce and coordinate social media and communications
Write grant proposals and grant reports
Assist with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
Online fundraising and marketing
Receive visitors and give presentations on human trafficking and DEPDC / GMS
Attend events and meetings
Photography and Videography
Assist in other areas based on skill set and need
We are open to new ideas and projects which utilize volunteers’ unique strengths and creativity. This position is ideal for someone with long-term goals or interests related to alternative education, non-profit administration, communications and media, child protection, and human trafficking prevention.
NOTE: This is NOT "volun-tourism". DEPDC/GMS does not ask for money in return for a travel experience. We desire hard-working, independently motivated individuals who wish to contribute to this organization and our fight against human trafficking of at-risk youth in the Greater Mekong Subregion of North Thailand.
The organization can provide documentation support for the volunteer’s Thailand Visa application, though only for the Type O for Volunteering option. However, Thailand’s immigration laws change frequently and typically without warning, and Thai embassies and consulates vary greatly in the types and lengths of visas that they offer. While we can advise a volunteer about the types of visa that are generally available, it is up to the applicant to research the options available from a particular Thai embassy / consulate.
The organization will also provide housing and transportation options and will assist all new volunteers in getting settled in Mae Sai.
Living expenses are anywhere from $10-15 USD per day.
