OpenmindProjects focuses on young people from Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia who come from underprivileged backgrounds and have had limited access to quality education.  

• School Children: You could teach pre-school (ages 5-6), but mostly primary school, or secondary school students.
• Trainees: These are young people who participate in OpenmindProjects’ training program to learn English, IT skills, and other life skills. They often come from villages or migrant communities and have faced poverty and lack of opportunities.

• Limited Resources: Schools in rural areas have limited resources. Classrooms may lack basic supplies and textbooks. Good to bring flashcards, maps, pictures, globes, laptops, if you can. We help you too.
• Large Classes: Classes can ranging from 10 to 40 students, up to 60 in Laos. This can make it challenging to engage everyone. 
• Variable IT Access: OpenmindProjects emphasizes IT training, but access to computers and the internet varies. We tell you.
• Cultural Differences: So adapt. Teachers teach vocab and grammar. Students are shy and to speak English. Encourage students to make simple sentences and conversation. We help you.. 

OpenmindProjects strongly encourages team teaching. Work together with a local teacher in the classroom. 

• Facilitate Communication: The teacher can help explain and bridge the language barrier.
• Utilize Local Knowledge: The teacher knows the students and the curriculum.
• Provide Extra Practice and Learning: Volunteers contribute motivation, confidence to speak simple Enlish. We help you.

Be prepared to teach independently. Some teachers might be hesitant to team teach due to: 

• Limited English: They may not feel confident.
• Cultural Factors: Culture places a high value on respect for seniority. So teachers may feel uncomfortable having a young, foreign volunteer in their classroom.
• Teaching Habits: Local teachers are often accustomed to a traditional teaching, focus on grammar and translation.

Access to computers and internet may make IT teaching difficult at rural schools. But smartphones are more ands more used.

• Be Resourceful: Use available resources, teach basic computer skills using available computers. Use smartphones for internet research and learning activities.
• Integrate IT into English Lessons: Use computers, the internet, smartphones to supplement English lessons. For example, students can do online research in English or practice their language skills through online communication.
• Support Trainees: Assist Openmind traineeswith their IT learning. Engage in activities like online research, data analysis, and presentations in simple English. 

Here are some tips to prepare: 

• Pack Teaching Materials: Bring materials that can enhance your lessons and supplement the limited resources in schools.
• Dress Respectfully: Adhere to local customs and dress modestly. Trousers or long skirts, and shirts that cover the shoulders, are appropriate attire.
• Learn Basic Thai Phrases: Learning some basic Thai phrases will demonstrate respect and facilitate communication. We help.
• Be Flexible: Plans can change without much notice, so be prepared to adapt and go with the flow.
• Embrace Cultural Exchange: Be open to learning about the local culture. Engage in activities outside the clssroom. Joining community events, socialize with students and teachers or explore the local area. This will enrich your experience and build meaningful connections.

Volunteers play a crucial role in helping OpenmindProjects achieve its mission of empowering disadvantaged young people. 

Volunteers: 

• Contribute to Education: You provide valuable English and IT skills to students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
• Empower Trainees: You support our Openmind trainees to develop essential skills and confidence for better futures.
• Inspire and Motivate: Your presence inspire and motivate both students and trainees, encouraging them to continue learning and pursue their goals.
• Create a Ripple Effect: Your volunteering can extend beyond the classroom, as our Openmind trainees often become role models and trainers to other and younger students.

Volunteering with OpenmindProjects is about teaching but also about making meaningful contributions to the lives of young people. Your efforts can help create a brighter future for them.