Never too old to volunteer

Ratings
Overall
5
Impact: 5
Support: 5
Fun: 4
Value: 4
Safety: 5
Review

When I was calculating how many years left before I retire, I was thinking about what kind of birthday present I would like to give myself this year: I want to have a meaningful vacation. I had chosen to volunteer in the Women Empowerment project for 4 weeks in Chiangmai, Thailand, with Love Volunteer organization. When I arrived Chiangmai, before I started my project, we had a 2 days volunteer orientation where I received more updated information about my project. We also have a bit of language and culture lesson and sightseeing time lead by the local staff. Since my project site was about 30 minutes ride from my accommodation, the local host (Friends for Asia) offered me daily drop off/pick up. This really ease the pain of finding my ride to the site.
My project site is Wildflower Home for single mothers with children. The director of the site had a short interview with me to find out what can my strength be the best support for them there. I worked at the daycare to support a staff in the morning and helped the director with her office work in the afternoon. (Other works I did include painting a mural for them and taught the mothers to make earrings to sell.) Overall, the interaction with the children and mothers was very present. I really treasure the time I spent there with other volunteers, staff, mothers and children. I met 3 other senior volunteers at the local volunteer house and we had a lot of fun together. I also made a few new friends with other volunteers and staff. I think I might go back to volunteer again next time. I had a positive and wonderful time during my 4 weeks stay. This was a sweet memory for me to treasure.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2023