JOB SHADOWING THAILAND

What is it?

It’s a period at an NGO (or another institution – e.g. university or vocational education centre) where one can shadow a staff member of that NGO – working together and learning.

The job shadowing in Thailand was highly immersive and has provided us with hands-on experience in ocean protection. Interested? Then read on for more.

Who are we?

We were two guys from Lithuanian NGO – Active Youth Association – Gediminas & Paulius. As we work with sustainability topics (see more here) at home, it was interesting for us to see how locals do it in Thailand. Especially, when it comes to the problem of plastic waste (Thailand is the 6th most ocean polluting country in the world. Based on 2010 data, Thailand is estimated to have contributed 1.03 million tonnes of plastic waste to the ocean). And so, our trip has started.

Where did we go?

We flew to Thailand and met our hosts at the Volunteer Spirit Organisation.  

Our goal was to increase our capacity to understand/address local issues, as well as help where we can.

The sending and the hosting organisations has developed a working plan for us aimed at supporting the hosting organisation's work. It has involved us in ongoing community projects related to ocean protection and plastic waste reduction. 

A few examples of our activities:

• Cleaning the beach together with the locals (see photo below)

• Checking the jungle trail and whether it has a sufficient number of trash/recycling bins (see photo below)

What have we learned?

Firstly, it was a chance for us to: 1) gain insight into the day-to-day actions in the host organisation; and 2) learn about youth work practices in the host country. On the other hand, we have provided the hosting organisation with a new opinion from a different perspective on how their activities can be improved (esp. when it comes to plastic waste, and awareness to the problem).

All in all, we are grateful to STOP project, Volunteer Spirit Organisation & Erasmus+ for this life-changing experience. Much recommended to everyone involved in climate action.