Pomona, CA March 16, 2010 - Lyrissa Roman, 22, living in Chino Hills, has been selected to participate in a unique four-week volunteer program in Thailand, working alongside 20 to 50 other like-minded individuals from around the world. Roman will be working under the direction of the non-profit organization, International Student Volunteers (ISV). Her departure date to Thailand will be August 19.
Roman's first two weeks in Thailand will consist of volunteering opportunities. ISV will inform her 30 days before departure of volunteer projects. Available projects include community development and conservation. Community development projects range from teaching children English, building schools and playgrounds, working with children at risk from child labor smuggling, and developing eco-tourism initiatives in regional communities. Conservation projects consists of rehabilitating exotic gibbons and monkeys who have been rescued from the illegal wildlife smuggling trade, working in an elephant nature park, and scientific research in forests and jungles.
Each two-week volunteer projects is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Thai people who are facing poverty and the environment surrounding them. 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 developmental assistance with regard to sanitation and infrastructure development to handle the increases in population. Thailand also faces increased 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.
As an ISV volunteer, there are a variety of opportunities to go deeper than being a tourist; volunteers help conservation and community development efforts in a strategic way. ISV partners with a number of local non-government organizations, orphanages and other grassroots groups to work on meaningful projects. Many students report back that their lives have also been changed while seeking to make a difference in the environments they volunteer in. Following her two weeks of volunteering, Roman will participate in an educational two-week adventure tour of Thailand. Roman will explore some of the country's most exciting locations such as the cultural capital of Chang Mai, sea kayaking the hidden caves of Koh Hong, an overnight hike through secluded hill-tribes and learning to cook in a Thai cooking school. Through this adventure, Roman will gain a deeper appreciation and greater sense of stewardship for the natural wonders of Thailand.
"I am so excited to volunteer with International Student Volunteers in Thailand," says Roman. "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 - its sounds like a once in a lifetime experience!" Roman will be paying for a portion of the Program with her personal funds and currently looking for donations from family and the community.
"I currently work for a catering company in Orange County on the weekends and with my parents' help I have a portion of the Program cost covered." Roman will be contributing to ISV's two millionth hour of volunteer work that will be accomplished this summer 2010. ISV has offered life-changing volunteer projects since 2002. Over 4,000 students travel with ISV every year across 6 continents.
About Lyrissa Roman
Lyrissa Roman is 22 years old and lives in Chino Hills, CA. She attends Cal Poly Pomona full time majoring in Communications with an option in Public Relations. She currently interns for a film financing and producing company in Santa Monica and works as a server for a catering company in Orange County. She has been involved with various school activities, such as helping to raise funds for the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Discovery Arts, and Aid to Children Without Parents' Saving Children in Crisis Program, which aimed to combat child trafficking in Asia. She has been a member of Pua'ikeana Hawai'i Club and Asian Pacific Student Association at Chapman University and the Public Relations Student Society of America at CPP.
About ISV
ISV focuses on sustainability and eco-conscious tourism. One of ISV's main goals is to create an opportunity for students to experience a "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure where they can meet new people, discover new places and travel with a purpose that benefits both the host country and the student. Volunteer projects are operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including government and non-government organizations (NGOs), private reserves and farms, and local grassroots community groups. All ISV volunteers have the opportunity to become a part of local communities that have partnered with ISV to develop hands-on volunteer projects and many have enjoyed lasting friendships as a result.
If you would like to sponsor Lyrissa Roman by making a donation on her behalf please contact her at lnroman@gmail.com or 909.438.3899.
All donations made by sponsors who file taxes in the USA are tax deductible within the limits of the law. If you would like to find out more information about International Student Volunteers and even perhaps join Roman, please visit their website www.isvonline.org. She has also started a blog for people to follow before heading out to Thailand. http://lifetimeadventure.tumblr.com
