AAI Jobs
Due to the volume of applications received only those selected for interviews will have a reply to their applications. AAI will make every endeavor to match your placement as closely as possible to your preferred dates for volunteering. However, volunteers will be matched to positions according to operational requirements. Preference will be made for new volunteers whom have successfully completed AAI training courses. Click here.
JOBS:
English Teacher/Support Worker , Mae Sot Education Program (THAILAND)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
English Teacher/Support Worker , Mae Sot Education Program
Position No. 012/10
Country: Thailand
Title: English Teacher/Support Worker
Location: Mae Sot, Thailand. Regular travel to remote field locations
Accommodation: Is provided near Hway Ka Lok by AAI
Airfares: Airfares are covered by AAI
Length of Contract: Minimum of one month placements
Cost: $2600 for 4 weeks,
$250 per week for every additional week
These funds cover transport, accommodation,and financial support for Hway Ka Lok school and program costs.
Note: While performing duties, the volunteer may work in precarious places. The volunteer will regularly work outdoors. Thailand is a developing country and this is a development program.
Interested applicants are requested to download a volunteer application form. AAI will make every endeavor to match your placement as closely as possible to your preferred dates for volunteering. However, volunteers will be matched to positions according to operational requirements. Preference will be made for new volunteers whom have successfully completed AAI training courses. Further Information can be found on the AAI website.
Summary:
Australian Aid International’s Mae Sot Volunteer Program is conducted in partnership with Women With a Mission (WWM). WWM is a not for profit group working to make a positive difference in the lives of children living along the Thai / Burma border. WWM adhere to the belief that children have rights as human beings and need special care and protection. WWM work to help meet these basic needs and to expand the opportunities for children to reach their full potential.
In November, Australian Aid International will be commencing a volunteer education program in the border town of Mae Sot. AAI has a long involvement with the communities living in Mae Sot and other border areas and considers these projects to be of critical importance.
The town of Mae Sot has a substantial population of Burmese refugees and economic migrants. The exact numbers in Mae Sot is unclear but it is estimated that over 100,000 Burmese and Karens live in Mae Sot town, in addition to the 106,000 Thais recorded in the official 2008 census. In recent years the ongoing refugee situation has attracted many NGOs delivering programs in the town and surrounding areas.
For over 40 years, almost unnoticed by the international community, one of the most brutal military dictatorships in the world has ruled the country of Burma. The Burmese State Peace and Development Council is accused of gross human rights abuses, including the forcible relocation of civilians, food and land requisitions, the widespread use of forced labour, killings, torture and rape. Local humanitarian and human rights groups have documented the destruction and forced relocation of over 3,500 villages within Burma since 1996, with over 120 communities affected by conflict since August 2008.
The schools within which the volunteers will be working are operated independently of Thai education authorities, with the assistance of several Karen and Burmese organisations. The Burmese Migrant Workers Education Committee (BMWEC) is the leading organisation for the management and dissemination of funding for the migrant school collective; Hway Ka Lok falls under this umbrella organisation. These schools are known as Learning Centres, although they are also referred to as Migrant Schools.
In order to participate in this vital program, volunteers will need to fundraise $2,600 at least four weeks before commencement. AAI can assist you with ideas and fundraising activities. This support is essential to ensure ongoing operations in underserved communities.
The objectives of the Hway Ka Lok Learning Centre are:
- To improve access to education for migrant children as well as improving their general knowledge, art skills, leadership, creativity and sense of worth
- To improve status and well being of the student through education,
- To create access to higher education, and
- To encourage an atmosphere free of fear.
Hway Ka Lok Learning Centre was founded in 2003. It consists of small open learning environments and a student boarding house. This boarding house shelters 255 students aged between 5 and 16 along with 19 teachers who care for them. It was established out of necessity to cater for the numbers of children crossing the border to attend school. Many of these children’s parents remain inside Burma, living as Internally Displaced People (IDP). Most students have no permanent home and no other access to education. Other students remain living in Burma and cross the border every day to attend school, whilst many live in Mae Sot town with family.
Role and Responsibilities of the Volunteer:
- Conduct English language classes
- Conduct other learning activities including music, art, craft, dance and sport instruction
- Report writing and the preparation of documents for AAI and WWM
- Provide a positive learning environment for students
- Be able to consistently act as a positive role model and mentor
- Understand the challenges faced by Karen and Burmese families
- Able to work effectively in unstable security environments, and under intense administrative and programmatic pressures
- Must demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing requirements
- Must be willing to travel often and endure basic living conditions at field sites for extended periods of time
- Ability to deal with highly sensitive and confidential information
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum undergraduate education, preferably in development, international relations, sociology or other related fields
- TESOL certificate preferred but not essential
- Possess a recognised and current Working with Children certificate
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from other NGOs and Thai authorities
- Well developed skills in report writing, training development and the preparation of documents
- Creativity and the ability to work with limited resources
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and profound cross-cultural awareness; ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively
- Good team player
- Sound judgment and independent decision-making skills
- Flexibility and willingness to adjust to changing responsibilities or needs as they arise
- Helpful if the applicant has experience delivering education and English language teaching
- Previous experience in post-conflict environments highly regarded but not essential
This is a wonderful program that offers participants the full humanitarian experience from planning, fundraising and complete emersion in humanitarian operations amongst some of the world’s most deserving and needy communities.
For more information visit the Get Involved page.