Go M.A.D. (Go Make A Difference) is an international web-based organization founded by JETs and run by JETs in order to encourage and facilitate cross cultural understanding by linking volunteering with JETs' travels. Go M.A.D. not only helps support projects financially through the fundraising activities of JETs but creates international understanding and empowers students when we return from our travels and bring their experience into the classroom.
Go M.A.D. has found small grass-roots projects in the poorest parts of the world, such as Nepal, Cambodia, and Western Thailand, which previously had few or no volunteers visit them. We linked these projects with our website to inspire you to travel there and see for your own eyes how you can help. Please note that non-JETs, including your Japanese friends and senseis, are welcome to volunteer too! |
|
Daniel Stirling, Christmas in Thailand Baan Urak
"After my time was up at Baan Urak I travelled around Thailand a little and of course met other travellers. I had a respect and love for the Thai culture and people that they seemed to lack. I look at pictures of my favorite kids (which is alot) everyday and a picture of all of them sits right next to a picture of my real family. I am in contact with a number of children through email and it is the best feeling to recieve letters from them. There has been a significant change in my life due to this experience, so profound I couldn`t possible fully understand it, much less express it in words. I feel as though I was granted a true gift by being allowed to visit and "help" at Baan Urak. I know I needed the experience in my life more than they needed my help. I will be back soon, I need to go back." |
 |
Go M.A.D. is an official National AJET Special Interest. AJET members will be the first to hear about group trips which are scheduled during school holidays and receive 2 yearly newsletters which will inform them about upcoming projects, news, as well as lesson plan ideas on how to bring your travels into the classroom.
You will also have the opportunity to ‘think globally and act locally” by participating in Go MAD’s annual “Christmas Cards That Give” Campaign which generates 2.5 million yen on an annual basis for a children’s home in Thailand. Please keep your eye out on your local listserves for new projects and events!
How do I volunteer?
|
Check the website and find a project which you are interested in, then follow the projects specific guidelines. Each project varies greatly, so please consult the listings on the site. Some projects may require a donation to be made upon your arrival which help cover the costs of the project and supports the children. Others don’t request a specific amount but you are expected to cover at least your food and boarding while there. Please feel free to contact us with questions or concerns at anytime!
Anne Cain, Christmas in Thailand Baan Urak
"My most memorable experience was simply watching the children interact. I've never witnessed children who were so willing to give and accept love. In the week I spent at Baan Unrak, I hardly ever saw the children fight. I almost felt like I was in a different world! They don't have much in terms of material items, but they are the happiest children I have ever seen! My experience at Baan Unrak is one I will never forget. The children and the women that run the orphanage are truly an inspiration. They live simply and focus their energy on loving and caring for one another."
"They grow up learning yoga and meditation and the results of these practices are clear -- the children at Baan Unrak are the happiest and most peaceful children I have ever seen in my life! Each child is filled with joy! They simply want to give and receive love. Spending just one week with them changed my perceptions and made me realize that in order to be truly happy in life, all we need is each other." |
| A message from Lindsay Marsh, Go M.A.D. Fundraising Coordinator / Administrator
A big THANK YOU goes out to all our amazing JET Christmas Card sellers in Japan. O-tsukaresama deshita! Go M.A.D. raises nearly 3 million yen on an annual basis through the Cards for Baan Unrak "Home of Joy" in Thailand and the 80 abandoned and orphaned children who live there. All funds go directly to support the Home and help run schools in the poverty stricken area of Kanchanaburi province, Western Thailand.
Go M.A.D. organizes annual trips to Baan Unrak and other small projects in South East Asia. We take JETs and Japanese friends abroad to experience the thrills of volunteering firsthand. Please email us for more details on upcoming trips.
My own group trip to Baan Unrak was incredible. The kids are so welcoming, and appreciated our efforts to paint their home, make them laugh, play some games, and simply share daily life with them. These children rely on JET volunteers. We've already made a big difference there (the project directors have set up a Weaving Shop, a Bakery, and a Yoga Center with financial support from Japan), but there is still a lot we can do. If you'd like to sponsor a child or donate towards the school project, please get in touch. We hope to hear from some of you!
You can donate money in Japan through the post office, get in touch for details. If everyone sent just 1,000yen (the price of a couple drinks?), we would be well on our way to building schools, libraries, and other facilities that could further the education of some poverty-stricken kids.
Please also check the Go MAD website for more ideas on how YOU can raise money where you are. Create a fundraising project. Help plan a trip. Organize a Charity Show. Do a Donation Drive at your school or workplace. The list is endless but we need your energy to make it work! Gambatte!
Thanks everyone! |
Contact
For more information visit our website at www.go-mad.org or get in touch using the details below.
Go M.A.D.
E-mail:
Website: www.go-mad.org
|
