Marie Roderick, a local student from Western Washington University and 2008 graduate from Lake Washington High School, will be traveling to Thailand this summer to volunteer in a local Thai community.

Roderick was selected to participate in a unique four-week volunteer program in Thailand, working alongside 20-50 other individuals from around the globe who share her passion to impact the world. She will be working under the direction of the non-profit organization, International Student Volunteers (ISV).

During her first two weeks in Thailand, Roderick will volunteer on a diverse range of community development-based projects, including: teaching children English, building schools and playgrounds, working with children at risk from child labor smuggling, and developing eco-tourism initiatives in regional communities. Each two-week volunteer project is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Thai people who are facing extreme poverty and lack of access to basic needs such as clean water and electricity.

A series of conservation and sustainable development issues have been created by the rapid development of Thailand, and the nation’s inability to house its growing population and support its economic growth. Rural Thai communities are in need of assistance with sanitation and infrastructure development to handle population increase. Thailand also faces pressures caused by the influx of refugees from Burma.

At the same time, Thailand’s people and government have recognized the urgent need to support, protect and conserve Thailand’s natural resources, particularly its wildlife. Much help is needed in this area. ISV volunteers have the opportunity to go deeper than being a tourist by helping conservation and community development efforts in a strategic way. ISV partners with a number of local non-government organizations, orphanages and grassroots groups to work on meaningful projects. Many students report back that their lives have also been changed while making a difference in the community.

Following her two weeks of volunteering, Roderick will take an educational two-week adventure tour of Thailand. During these two weeks she will travel extensively throughout the country and be fully immersed in the local Thai culture. Through this adventure, she will gain a deeper appreciation and greater sense of stewardship for the natural wonders of Thailand.

“I am so excited to volunteer in Thailand,” says Roderick. “The people of Thailand have such a vibrant culture and wonderful way of life, and I hope I can make a difference to the children and those who need help. It sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Roderick will pay for the majority of the program with her personal funds. She has also sent out letters to family and the community requesting their support in her efforts.

If you would like to sponsor Marie Roderick by making a donation to support her volunteer efforts, please contact her at mnroderick@aol.com. Donations made by sponsors who file taxes in the USA are tax deductible within the limits of the law.

For more information, visit www.isvonline.org.