We have heard so much about voluntourism, of people volunteering abroad when they go on vacations, we thought we would like to explore the possibility of going on a family volunteer holiday, starting with a baby step by combining orphanages visits with the trip with a view of doing a family volunteer holiday sometime in the future. With two kids aged 8 and 10 in tow, hubby and I ventured on a 2 hr drive out of Bangkok to an orphanage. Your reaction probably - ‘ Whoa, so long a ride, how can they take it?’. My 2 kids did! Children are actually more hardy and adaptable than we think.  In fact, we had much fun spending time to ourselves in the car -a time of bonding? And I think this trip is very much of an eye opener for them too...

Exploring Family Volunteer Holidays  – Is this a possible place?

The orphanage is set on secluded grounds, away from any busy activity. Quiet surroundings, it has a reasonably huge compound, with 3 separate quarters and a kitchen attached to an eating area with benches and tables and a zinc roof, reminiscent of a 1970s Singaporean school canteen but much smaller. There are some old climbing frames on the grass flanking the dining area . A short distance away, is a chapel that the founder had built for the children and staff to come together to worship on Sundays.  Children were left on their own, a few little boys were playing with sticks and pebbles whilst a few staff milled about preparing lunch and tending to the toddlers. As we went round the old spartan compound, I saw from the corner of my eyes, my kids pensive and reserved.

Near noon, we could sense the children getting excited, washing up, as if getting ready for something special. A red car soon pulled into the compound and in a flash, the little ones were climbing all over this lady and her husband as they got out of the car. We learnt that they are the founders of the orphanage, both doctors . They always visit the children during the weekends, sharing a chapel session with the children, and bringing them out to the beach or the nature park close by. As they shared, I felt a surge of respect for this couple- they have hearts of gold, great big hearts of compassion.

Exploring Family Volunteer Holidays  –  Would we be welcomed or appreciated?

The founders shared that they had started the orphanage way back in 1985, taking in abandoned children, running it primarily with their personal income and donations from their patients who got to know of their work in this area. However, donations have been dwindling and of late the couple have been using largely their personal income and savings to support the orphanage. The orphanage may have to be closed as they would be retiring soon and would not have the means to support the orphanage. It was heart wrenching as they shared their apprehension and fear, and their earnest wish to get more help in kind as well as in funding. They shared that they have been exploring accepting overseas volunteers who would not only help out but also pay a fee for the accommodation and food and hence generating a new source of income to help defray the cost of the orphanage. .  .

They have had a handful of overseas volunteers before but the number was small and fees paid were quite nominal. They have heard about voluntourism recently and were keen to see if they could do the same, provide meaningful programs at reasonable fees for travellers who are looking to volunteer abroad, combining their travel in the region with volunteering. They asked if we could help, we said we would, it would take time to spread the word around.

Exploring Family Volunteer Holidays  –  Would we be back?

We sat down to lunch with the children. The meal was one of fried rice with tomato sauce, and cucumber on the side and a soup. Again, my kids stared hard at what was served – however not for long before my son gobbled down the rice :-), he’s a growing boy with a huge appetite and we had forgotten his mid morning snack! :-)

It was truly a day of reflection, a lesson on compassion, how blessed I am, deeply etched on my mind.  Am sure too that my 2 kids would have summed up in their young impressionable minds that they are a whole lot more fortunate than the orphans!

It certainly got us thinking that a family volunteer holiday would not be too far fetched after all, that it might even be an enriching and enjoyable experience. Not only would we be able to do whatever we can as a family to contribute to the orphanage if we come back here for a short-term family volunteer holiday ( however small a contribution that might be in view of their many needs), we would be blessed as a family as well, a time to bond together as do some some meaningful volunteering work, there are also many things that we can learn from the orphanage workers and the orphans, especially their indomitable spirit in the face of the many challenges and adversities.

Would we go beyond a visit to the orphanage on a short vacation break and really take the step up to go on a short term family volunteer holiday for say about a week? Would we be back? Probably, if not this place, maybe some other meaningful projects in Asia. We must overcome our many fears ( often unfounded) and considerations ( often unnecessary) of doing this, but we will try and we may. Really hope we would.

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