Is it difficult to set up a charity/ home/institute for children in thailand?

Question

I spent a day with a group of children from a mercy house in thailand. They were all quite young, around 8 or so. I had bought a sack of toys that i'd been collecting over the years and gave them out, and it seemed to make their day, but i felt i could've done more.

I dont want to donate money because then you become faceless and most of the time, that money doesnt go where it's needed, so i'd rather (like i did) go out and physically do something and interact.

I'm a bit of a computer geek, so it would be interesting to teach children how to use computers for more than games or to learn a skill or 3.

But with all the weirdo's going to thailand and abducting and abusing children of all ages, i'm guessing it must be difficult to do anything.

Any one have any ideas what i could do? I'm fed up with my life and would rather give my time to helping people instead of wasting it doing nothing!

Thanks.

Over the next few years, things like computers could be got quite easily since schools over here are always upgrading and throwing out their old ones. The school my mother works in 'threw' out 23 old imac's, which she took and sent to Grenada for the children to use out there. A lot of other schools are getting rid of everything from books (because it's all done on PC's and the internet now) to printers, servers etc.

I wanted to get in on it all and salvage what i could but i had no where to send it to or no connections with people over there. I might fly out next year and see what i can see.

Answer 1

Hey Stitch - Good for you!!! In Thailand giving and helping out is highly valued and I share your ambitions of giving first hand and hand to hand... If you come here looking for that oppt to help out, it will present itself - you will find it - I know one fellow who set up websites for charities for free.. but there are many oppts here and if your desire is sincere, you will find ways to help.. I have done many things, from giving $$ directly to people who need it for doctors and medicine to doing some volunteer Eng teaching.. Setting up your own charity etc.. well, maybe a bit ambitious to start but getting started helping is as easy as being available and willing to do it.. help others in their charities as you have already stated.. that is a great start... if you need any help, feel free to contact me personally.. Best to you

Answer 2

What I did in the Philippines was to organise baseball teams in a small area (barrio). I sent them some simple baseball equipment. Now, they have a school where they teach computers to adults and teens. They are trying to get laptop computers, and that is my current project. Donating items on a local basis is very much appreciated, and easier to accomplish.
Any greater donations of money or whatever, should be consulted with
the Thailand Government, thru their Consulate or Embassy, nearest you. I believe that most South-East nations are similar in the handling of their foreign aid received.

Answer 3

I am sure there are welfare organisations in Thailand who will welcome you willingly. You can help much. How about going down to Phuket and see if you can help out at the orphanages there? I do not know of any by name, but I believe if you take a trip there, some locals can point you in the right direction quickly.

Appreciate your thoughtfulness. Wish there can be more like you.