gpotvin

We are contemplating a service program with GA in Laos, Cambodia or Thailand. There is very little information on the net other than the GA site. Has anyone used this organization and what can you tell us about the experience? We would like to know how the program is managed and supported. What are the housing and food arrangements? Thanks.

gpotvin

Topping

Jaya

Post this question in the Africa Board because this company serves Africa too and maybe some of the readers there know more about it since you have not had a reply here on the Asia Board. Hope you get some helpful replies there!

crellston

I confess to knowing nothing about this specific organisation, but I have trainde with and worked with mainstream volunteer organisation in Africa and elswhere and I am aware that most of the mainstream volunteer organisations tend to take the view that these vacation based organisations dealing in very short term placements, do more harm than good. The basis for this assertion is that it is very difficult for short term volunteers to make any meaningful and sustainable difference to the lives of the people they purport to help and often divert resources from other organisations that can make a real difference. Whilst some of these organisations sell themselves as "non-profit" in many cases they do provide the organisers with a very good living - in other words, you really have to question who benefits the most. This type of organisation can provide a very expensive holiday.

Far better IMHO to seek out an NGO that you would like o help and approach them direct. That way, if you do wish to actively work in a project for period (and have the requiste skills), you can be sure that your money and efforts are benefiting the people you intend. One such organisation in Vietnam is http://www.15mayschool.org/drupal/ I have visited this place a couple of times (although I have not worked there)and they really impressed me with what they were doing.
The other organsiation in Cambodia that springs to mind is the Ponheary Ly foundation in Siem Reap which is often mentioned on this board. If you do a search I am sure you will find more info and contact details.

Good luck in finding something

gpotvin

Crellston, thanks for the reply. We are looking for programs that are run by residents of the country where the programs are sited. All of our experiences - six since 2001 - have been where we provide funding, the residents arrange food and lodging, determine the projects and allocate funding and direct us in our work. All of the sites have regular programming that is consistent with the needs of the local residents. We have worked side by side with indigenous people building schools and libraries, teaching english and tending to sick and abandoned children.

For some it may look like a vacation, but for us it has been hard but rewarding and fulfilling work.