About Cambodia

#
Apply NOW
#

Volunteer in Cambodia

Volunteer in Cambodia Orphanage

Project Summary

Securing a safe and prosperous future for Cambodia’s children has become an issue of great concern. UNICEF estimates there are currently more than 100,000 orphans in Cambodia and due to extreme poverty, more and more families are opting to send their children into orphanages. This current trend is escalating the number of orphans in the country. Many NGOs are involved in establishing orphanage centers in the capital city of Phnom Penh and in other provinces to accommodate the ever-growing number of orphans and give them a safe and secure haven.

 

As a Cambodia orphanage volunteer, you can make a great difference in the life of these needy and destitute children of all ages. You can help them to learn and improve their English skills and assist them with their homework. You can share many extra-curricular activities to help with their intellectual and emotional growth. There is also a need for support in most administration departments of the orphanages. Cambodian orphanages are desperate for loving, caring and enthusiastic volunteers who simply want to share their time, love and empathy with children.

#
  • Program: Volunteer in Cambodia
  • Project: Volunteer in Cambodia Orphanage
  • Start dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
  • Location: Phnom Penh
  • Departure and End Point: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Phnom Penh Pochentong International Airport)
  • Accommodation and meals: Guesthouse or Host Family and Cambodian meals three times daily
  • Activities: Provide love and care to orphans & support orphanage operations
  • Working hours: 25-35 hours per week
  • Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
#
Get Free Info NOW
#

Role of Volunteer

As an volunteer in Cambodia orphanage, you will help children build confidence, develop life skills and reinstate their hope in life. Volunteers will be assigned to activities dependent on skills and interests:

  • Teach English either in the morning or in the afternoon for 3-4 hours a day
  • Help with homework and make sure it’s completed completely and accurately
  • Sing and teach songs
  • Help the children to learn the traditional Khmer dance or teach a dance from your own country
  • Draw pictures and play games
  • Play music and instruments
  • Help the children with personal hygiene
  • Reinforce life skills: teach them to clean their rooms and prepare daily meals
  • Teach children to plant and care for fruits and vegetables in the garden

Orphanage operational and administrative support is also highly appreciated with:

  • Improving the center facilities and building (painting, renovating, etc.)
  • Developing fruit and vegetable cultivation
  • Improving hygiene and basic medical care • Strengthening the center organizational capacity and fundraising skills

Skills/Qualification Needed

No specific qualifications are needed to join Volunteer in Cambodia Orphanage project. However, experience with teaching, nursing, construction, gardening or organizational skills are all highly appreciated. Volunteers should be at least 20 years-old.

 

Note: Volunteers must review and adhere to the UN Convention on Children’s Rights in order to safeguard the physical and mental well being of the orphans as well as sign the code of conduct applicable to their assigned project orphanage.

Volunteer in Cambodia: Project Locations and Free Time Options

Placements while volunteering in Cambodia are available in Phnom Penh, Pursat and several other provinces. Phnom Penh is a charming, yet rapidly developing city situated where three great rivers come together (the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac Rivers). The town offers many tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace and National Museum, Wat Phnom and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. It is a perfect base for afternoon, day or weekend trips to the provinces and the coast. Phnom Penh has a wide range of international cuisine restaurants, colorful markets, internet cafés and a wealth of other interesting places off the beaten track.

 

#
#
Get Free Info NOW
#

In the provinces, the volunteer will usually stay in the provincial capitals, which are mostly quiet, and medium sized cities with basic amenities like traditional Cambodian restaurants, markets and laundries. Pursat, for example is a peaceful provincial capital of Pursat Province, which has at present 270,000 residents living on the banks of the Stung Pursat River that flows through the city. The city is located on the main railway line and the main bus route from Phnom Penh to Battambang. The bus trip to Phnom Penh takes around 4 hours and 3 hours to Battambang. These cities offer a worthwhile and easy weekend-trips.

 

Unfortunately, international communication (internet access and international phone calls) is limited and very expensive in the provinces. The local people enjoy hosting volunteers and giving them a good idea of country life in Cambodia. Over long weekends, volunteers have the opportunity to explore the country and should take some time to visit the main attractions of Cambodia, particularly the majestic temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap province and the beautiful coconut beaches of Sihanoukville. For the trip, a minimum of 3 or 4 days should be planned and, when possible, take the Friday off!