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.
Volunteering Activities
What We Need
The volunteer position has a minimum duration of 6 months, plus 30-40 hours (3-4 weeks) of Thai language courses in country or online beforehand. We prefer a commitment of 6 months or more, although we occasionally accept short-term volunteers with an exceptional and specific skill sets. We also accept students looking to do internship as a part of their University/College requirements. 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 Half Day School, Community Learning Center, and to DEPDC staff
-Facilitate extracurricular activities with Half Day School children
-Write for the DEPDC blog and newsletter
-Produce and coordinating social media and communication (outreach strategies)
-Write grant proposals and reports
-Assist with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
-Online fundraising and marketing
-Receive visitors and give tours and presentations on human trafficking and DEPDC's work
-Assist the International Volunteer Coordinator
-Attend events and meetings
-Photography and videography
-Help in other areas based on skill set (construction, information technology, web consulting, agriculture, animal husbandry, fitness and physical wellness, graphic design,translation)
We are open to new ideas and projects which utilize volunteers’ unique strengths and creativity.
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.
When & Who
What we Provide
DEPDC is an entirely vegetation campus. We provide daily free lunches to our staff that mostly consist of rice or noodles and vegetables.
Contact Person
Other Ways to Help
Basic school supplies for students, office supplies, clothing and hygienic items for students (e.g., hand soap, tooth brush, tooth paste) would be appreciated. However, unlike many other volunteer programs, DEPDC/GMS does not require donations or financial support from volunteers.
Additional Info about Us
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.