Description

Volunteering abroad in an orphanage in Cambodia - one of Asia's poorest countries - can be challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Whether you are on a gap year, vacation from your studies, or coming to development work as an older volunteer on a career break, you will make a valuable contribution to those you assist during your time abroad.

Although the civil war in Cambodia has long since finished, its legacy continues to haunt this beautiful country. Amputees begging in the streets are a common sight and serve as a reminder to the devastation caused by landmines that were left behind. HIV and AIDS is a growing problem and has also contributed to the overcrowding of orphanages in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Children remain particularly vulnerable, but by working and interacting with children in orphanages, centers for street children, and centers for children who have physical disabilities you can help to improve their confidence and their future prospects. Our volunteers work with the children lucky enough to be in these homes but also with those left out on the streets.

We have a wide range of Care placements in Cambodia that you can take part in. Projects Abroad volunteers work in centers for children who have been orphaned or abandoned, who have physical disabilities, and for those who have HIV/AIDS. If you want to do international volunteer work that can really make a difference in people's lives, this is the project for you.

Volunteers usually start work between 8am and 9am and finish by 4pm. Some volunteers who live close to their placement return home for lunch, otherwise it will be provided at the placement. Most volunteers work from Monday to Friday and have the weekends free to travel. However, occasionally an orphanage may arrange a soccer match or put on a show on a Saturday, where extra help would be appreciated.

Projects Abroad Care volunteers work in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Volunteers are needed to help at the orphanages and care centers on a basic level; for example, you may be washing and feeding the children or teaching them personal hygiene. On a social level, friendship and support are the key things you can offer on this placement. Whether you are helping children complete their homework, playing sports or teaching them a new game, the time and attention you give to them is invaluable. Any skills or talents you have are welcomed.

Highlights

Most of the orphanages in Cambodia are also eager for volunteers to teach some English to the children. Teaching children songs, the alphabet, and colors, for example, would all be greatly appreciated. Some of the orphanages have their own schools on site, and if you are happy to help with more formal lessons you will be able to combine some teaching with the general care work.

Projects Abroad is happy to provide extra help to volunteers on the care placement. We can help by perhaps buying some arts and craft materials or arranging a day where all the volunteers help renovate a play area at one of the orphanages. Input from volunteers is welcomed and we are open to any ideas you may have to help make the lives of these children brighter.

Qualifications

None

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Projects Abroad volunteers are open minded, flexible and really want to explore the world.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992