History
2001 - OpenmindProjects, then called IT in Isan, pioneered computer training projects in poor Thai villages in an effort to see how the digital divide could be bridged. Computers were placed in homes and schools in villages and villagers given unlimited access to the resource. The idea was to give children and teenagers a chance to learn how to use computers and to learn other subjects with the help of computers.
2002 - OpenmindProjects introduced computer and Internet based learning to Thai villages, orphan homes and schools (where teachers and education material are scarce) to inspire students to use computers and Internet to learn English and other subjects. OpenmindProjects started inviting volunteers to teach in remote villages, schools and orphan homes.
2004 - OpenmindProjects started supporting responsible eco tourism and community development projects in Laos and Thailand, to help local people and to protect nature and wildlife. In fall of 2004 OpenmindProjects expanded to South Thailand, the Satun, Krabi and PangNga provinces. In December 2004 the first workshops with local schools, and national parks took place. On December 26 the tsunami hit these regions. OpenmindProjects was one of the first organizations whose volunteers helped local tsunami hit schools.
2007 - OpenmindProjects started supporting community, eco projects in Cambodia and Nepal. OpenmindProjects was a pioneer in arranging local teacher training workshops for Thai teachers together with international volunteers and in sending qualified volunteers to help teachers improving education at their own schools. It was one of the first organisations to advocate team teaching as a way to improve English teaching at Thai schools.
2007 - Openmind Projects was chosen by CNN for their "Be the Change" initiative. As part of the program CNN selected volunteers from eight organisations in various countries to report on their experiences. CNN recommends these eight organisations as part of the initiative, of which OpenmindProjects is one. OpenmindProjects begins supporting health projects in Thailand and Nepal.
2008 - OpenmindProjects was a finalist in the prestigious Stockholm Challenge in April, 2008 for its work on ICT for development.
2009 - Openmind Traveller, a new ecotourism organisation was created as a sister program by OpenmindProjects to promote sustainable tourism and travel in Laos and Thailand.
2010 - OpenmindProjects began supporting community projects in Karen villages, schools and refugee camps along the Thai-Burmese border. Also community projects in conjunction with Nong Khai Aquarium and Khon Kaen University.
Read more about this topic: Openmind Projects- Volunteering Abroad
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