Visiting HTF Home School

Most of our volunteers only stay a couple of weeks. Kiyo, pictured here, from Japan, managed the longest stay of six weeks so far. But, it took a lot out of him. Being a ‘town-boy’, he wasn’t ready for our mosquitoes, a hard mattress, the heat, and our simple diet. Yet, he had the stamina to stick it out longer than anyone else who has visited us. We consider a short-term stay to be a month or less. Most volunteers will find this to be a good limit. If you need a break and want to stay in a local guest house in Mae Sot, local rooms go for about 150 baht a night. Everyone needs a break – whether it is a bike ride into town for a meal in a restaurant or just a trip to the internet café, we are very understanding. If you forgot something, we do have a Tesco’s in town for those who need their junk food. Between the other convenience stores in town and the local market, you can actually find most of what you might want. You won’t have to go without.

For those truly hardy individuals who might have lived in the Third World or a developing country for months or years, you are invited to make your stay with us longer. We especially welcome volunteers who may have farming experience or expertise in an area of vocational training or who can teach a useful skill. Teachers are welcome but remember our children are learning to fit into Thailand so they study in Thai. If you are an older man or woman, want to retire in Thailand, and know the guidelines for this process, you might want to make your home with us. For students who are prepared for a summer internship of several months and can persevere, you are also welcome. If you want to moan and groan about life in the village, miss your stereo, girlfriend, drugs, or partying in the city – please don’t try to visit us. Even if you need a break, you’d probably end up disappointed. If you are a Bhodisattva and can teach us to be like you, come on by – we’ll have fun!

Visitors to the farm need a break every now and then. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that living with a lot of kids is an easy job. Regardless of whether you can speak Thai, Burmese or English there are some experiences that are non-verbal and don’t require language to communicate. Volunteers and children here at the shelter have enjoyed roaming the countryside on bicycles. If you’re an avid mountain biker then you might find Tak Province to be a paradise. Our kids don’t have the benefit of a geared mountain bike but push their little bikes up and down hills, through mud and brush, undaunted and without giving up. We’ve exhausted many a volunteer who thought they knew something about bicycling. We are situated near a low range of hills and often bike around it. One circumnavigation can take all day. But, don’t be phased – we can stop for a swim in a river or pond along the way and cool off. If you like getting close to Nature and appreciate being alone there, then we have some space for you to explore. If you are ready for a challenge, we can take you on a several day bike trip up into the hills, past the reservoir up above Mae Sot and on to isolated Karen villages. Swim in streams, visit hot springs, hike in the mountains, or explore underground caverns – when you can find or make the time to take a break from the kids, we’ll help you get started on an adventure.

Recommended to bring with you: 'bug' juice, a swim suit, towel, toiletries, shorts and t-shirts, sandals, flat tire repair kit, bicycle tools, poncho or raincoat, a favorite book, camera, notebooks and pencils for the kids, and 'Quaker' grits (can't find it here).