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The Mirror Art Group assumes a wide range
of responsibilities within the Mae Yao community. The Mirror Art Group
enlists the help of the volunteer teachers to accomplish these projects.
These are committed, dynamic individuals of all ages and backgrounds who
choose to devote their time, skills and energy to the work of the Group.
Most of the volunteers are technologically savvy and obtain information
about the program through this webpage.
Thus far over 2,000 volunteers have already come to Chiang Rai to work
on the Mirror Art Group's various projects in the area. A typical placement
will last for 4 or 5 days, in groups of up to 50 people. The volunteers
live with villagers for the duration, trying to fit in to the tribal culture
as much as possible. Projects involve teaching Thai (the second language
of the hilltribes) and English, helping the farmers in the fields, and
entertaining the children with games and songs.
The rewards are numerous for both the volunteers and the children. Volunteers
have a rare opportunity to learn about and form bonds within a minority
culture that is misunderstood by the majority of lowland Thais and unknown
to most of the world. They also realize new skills as they meet the challenges
of a much more strenuous life and gain satisfaction from their interactions
with the children. The hilltribe children living in remote villages gain
an opportunity to practice languge with native speakers, derive pride
in their culture from the genuine interest of the volunteers can use the
volunteer teachers as positive role models during their inevitable integration
into Thai culture.
Regular volunteer teacher trips occur monthly.

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