Community Service in Karen Villages with Burmese Myanmar Refugees

The Karen People
Welcome to Northwest Thailand, one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet. Countless Hill Tribe villEdad that
are as diverse as the rugged landscape are tucked deep into the mountains here. Scattered among these villEdad are refugee camps home to many Karen people who have fled from the conflict in neighboring Burma.

The Karen have found a haven here and have incredible stories to tell to those who will listen. The Karen people lead tough lives in these camps, but they are strong and resourceful. They exude a positive energy that will soon permeate every aspect of your daily life as you live, work and serve alongside these bright-spirited people.

Meet Mutro and Dodo
The refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border are also home to many children who fled Burma along with their families. The Nohbu Academy is a private school that has opened its doors to these students to help them get an education and become future leaders in their community. The academy also provides the students with a place to live, as most of them have left their friends and family behind in the nearby refugee camps. Rustic Pathways has been bringing students to visit this school for many years, and we have developed a deep relationship with the students, teachers and administrators here. This relationship allows us to give you amazing access to this unique school as we introduce you to our friends here. We are also thrilled to welcome two recent Nohbu graduates to our full-time team, Mutro and Dodo. They will be your bridge into this warm community, full of excited youngsters yearning to be all they can be – and that’s where you come in!

Inspiring Service
The service possibilities here are truly endless. Spend time passing along your knowledge and learning just as much from the students who you work with as they learn from you. You’ll find that they are genuinely hungry for knowledge, and that they care much more about real issues than young people from your own hometown. You will teach them important Habilidades para la vida that will prepare them for future opportunities, including classes in computer skills and English conversation. Show them how to use your camera to make something meaningful and share their story with the rest of the world. The more connected you get, the more inspired you’ll be to help them gain support and raise awareness for a better future.

The Karen people have a rich culture that you will learn about during your time here. Music is important to them, and they’ll quickly teach you how to sing along to their many beautiful songs of freedom and redemption. Expect to quickly find yourself immersed in this culture, and to have a tough time saying goodbye when it’s time to leave. Students on this program will receive 40 Servicio comunitario hours for each week at Mutro, Dodo, Nohbu.

Questions?Contact us at thailand @rusticpathways.com

Refugee Soccer, Anyone??
For the 2009 summer, we’ve decided to take our Soccer and Service Program in a new, exciting direction. Working alongside Mutro, Dodo, Nohbu, our new Refugee Soccer Program is for students seeking to connect with some of the most humble and warm-hearted people in the world. Most of the students at Nohbu Academy have just a handful of possessions – but surprisingly, well-worn soccer cleats are usually among them. The students here play soccer religiously, and though many of them are very skilled, it’s always more about the game than who is winning or losing.

Expect to spend your days on well-organized service projects, and to use the afternoons to seriously sharpen your control skills (these guys are good!), score through bamboo goals, and make real connections during your stay. This is the perfect way to tune up for the season ahead, or get to know the most embracing sport in the world. Stay as long as you’d like, and feel yourself become part of this amazing community. Questions? bryan@rusticpathways.com

Check out the Thailand General Packing List at www.rusticpathways.com/packinglist, and then click on Thailand. Here is a list of some of the more important items you will need for this trip.

SE Asian airlines have strict weight restrictions on baggage. Please make sure you stay under the weight limits to avoid large fines that must be paid in cash at the counter. Students will be responsible for all overage fines incurred.
-Carry on bags – 7 kilos or 15 lbs.
-Checked Luggage – (1 per passenger) 15 kilos or 33 lbs.

-Donations for the students of Nohbo or the nearby refugee camps. Plan on bringing clothes that you can leave behind. Books are also good, as these students are trying to learn English.

-Long pants (1-2 pairs) – When teaching at the school, you must wear long pants as a sign of respect. They will also be great in the evenings to keep the bugs away. (lightweight and breathable are best)

-Shorts (1-2 pairs) – Most of the time, you will want to wear your long pants, but there may be occasions when shorts would be appropriate.

-Rain jacket – This is the rainy season in Thailand.

-Long sleeve shirts (1-2) – It can get a little chilly at night and these are good for keeping the bugs away. (lightweight and breathable materials such as Capilene are best)

-T-shirts - just bring 2 (or 3) maximum (lightweight and breathable materials such as Capilene are best).

-Sneakers – One pair of sturdy sneakers that you won’t mind getting dirty. Wear these during service projects or nightly games of soccer. These could be left behind as a donation to the Nohbo Academy.

-Sandals – Flip-flops or Chaco style sandals for lounging around.

-Sunblock – You will spend long days in the sun and it will become miserable if you have a sunburn. Thailand is in the tropics and the sun is a lot more intense than what you are used to back home. This can be purchased anywhere along the way as well.

-Sunglasses/hat – You can buy these for cheap in Thailand if you do not have them. They are important for protecting you from the sun.

-Insect Repellant - Bring one that is heavy in DEET and one that is natural Citronella - 2 cans or bottles minimum. Remember that the mosquito is your enemy wherever you travel in the world. This can also be purchased in Thailand
-Hand Sanitizer (2 or 3 small bottles per week you are traveling in Thailand) - Always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling! Carry some with you and pack the rest in a plastic bag in your suitcase. Can also be purchased in Thailand

-Flashlight/Headlamp - Bring one good one, and a lot of spare batteries. Flashlights can also be purchased in Thailand.

-Medications (must alert staff about these) - Bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.
-Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia – If you use contacts, bring all of your chemicals with you.
-Camera – Film or Digital. Don’t forget your chargers, spare memory sticks, extra batteries, etc.
-Bathroom Kit – Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, nail cutters, etc. (***girls, please bring all necessary hygiene products, i.e. tampons. Although tampons can be purchased here, they may not be the ones you are comfortable using, so you may want to bring your own).

Email Thailand@rusticpathways.com with any questions about what to pack.