By Victoria Bustamante ( 2 week Volunteer)

There’s nothing more rewarding than watching the light bulb go off in a child’s head when they finally understand something. English is one of the most difficult languages to learn, but the children of Nahklang are always willing to give it their best shot. Not only are they willing, but they are excited and eager to learn our foreign words. I would be hard pressed to find a group of more enthusiastic children.

The curiosity each student holds in their eyes is just as fulfilling to bear witness to as is the hike out to the elephants each day. Not only have I gotten the incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity to experience rural Thailand and come in close contact with such a magnificent creature such as the elephant, but I’ve been even more fortunate to experience the community and all it has to offer. One thing you will learn by coming here to this project is the enormous capacity the Karen people have for kindness and simple generosity.

It is most often the case that travellers and animal lovers will first come to this place for the undeniably incredible opportunity being offered to see elephants in their natural habitat where they rightly belong. However, from what I’ve seen in my time in Thailand, the reason most people stay is because of the laughs and irreplaceable memories they’ve shared with the community and those people whom they encounter that leave a mark on their hearts. This project gives you such a rewarding experience by immersing you in the local culture and leaving you with moments you won’t soon forget.