Description

THIS IS LIFE FOR CAMBODIAN YOUTH TODAY
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. People here are still trying to shake off the shocking recent history of the Khmer Rouge era, and most Cambodians live in a world of poverty and limited infrastructure. The temples of Angkor Wat have helped put the country on the tourist map, in turn raising awareness and opening the floodgates of support from foreign NGOs, but the need still far outweighs the aid available. It is not uncommon for Cambodian children to grow up without the food, shelter, and medical care they need to develop normally.

YOUR NEW FAMILY
This year we are proud to continue our support to the Kampong Cham orphanage. Here we will provide meaningful service projects that improve the general living conditions for the children in this community. Our partnership is with a local NGO, which is doing amazing groundbreaking work, and they cannot wait for us to come back this coming summer! This project is helping more than 50 children who range in age from 5 to 16 years old. These children are all here for different reasons. Some have lost their parents to disease, tragic events and others have been abandoned or their families simply cannot care for them. All are in need of a solid dose of positive energy in their lives. You will become a part of this warm and welcoming family as soon as you step foot in the door, and working alongside these children will give you insight into the daily lives of some of the poorest citizens in Cambodia.

You will spend your time working alongside the Cambodian children who live here on various projects around the modest shelter the kids call home. You may find yourself laying bricks to improve the facility, planting rice in the orphanage's fields, tutoring students in English, or painting a mural to help brighten the atmosphere. There is always something to do, and with the help of your new friends, you will be amazed at how fast the time will pass. By the end of your stay, you won't want to go home!

WAT NOKOR AND THE VILLAGES
When you take a break from your time with the kids, you'll have a chance to explore a little of Cambodia's past. Kampong Cham has an amazing variety of ancient and modern temples. Some such as Wat Maha Leap, are among the last of the wooden pagodas in Cambodia, spared by the Khmer Rouge. Wander with the children through the ruins of Wat Nokor, a pre-angkor temple, or take a bicycle over to Paen Island for a gentle ride through farmland and villages. You'll hear a small voice yelling HELLOOO from almost every house as your ride by.

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF HOPE
The need for assistance at the Kampong Cham Orphanage Project is truly endless, and in addition to the work you do on the facilities, there will be countless ways you can help the youngsters who live here. You'll find yourself surrounded by smiling children (most of them under 10 years old) who are hungry to learn everything they can from you. Teach songs, art, and English, and help the older students hone their math and computer skills. Let them show you how to play their favorite games and sing their favorite songs, boom boom bop bop will be in your head all week... Journey out of town on exciting field trips and show these children things they've never had the chance to see. Treat them to ice cream, play endless games of tag, and swing on the new playground we build this last year. Every moment you share will enrich their lives and remind you how much you take for granted. When it comes time to go home, you'll realize that it's impossible not to leave part of your heart here with these wonderful kids.

Highlights

OPEN your heart to these eager Cambodian orphans and make a huge impact on their lives through rewarding service projects.

JOIN the family and get acquainted with your new Cambodian brothers and sisters. They're looking forward to meeting you!

ENGAGE in service that will empower these poverty-stricken children and give them an opportunity for a brighter future.

FEEL the joy radiating from these amazing children and witness their happiness despite extremely difficult living conditions.

GAIN a new perspective on your life and go home with a great appreciation for the simple things you once took for granted.

Qualifications

Students must be 15-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,495 USD + International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983