Project Overview
Want us to let you in on a secret? For too long famous for all the wrong reasons and missed off the travellers itinerary, these days Cambodia is making the headlines as one of the ‘coolest’ travel destinations in the world and the people are welcoming the opportunity to show you around the best kept secret in Asia. Phnom Penh has become a melting pot of cultures every bit as diverse as the architecture that cram its busy streets. Amongst the cafes, restaurants and street traders though, you will glimpse the problems of the past in the shape of biting poverty and large numbers of street children. Our partner projects in Cambodia help the country on its journey from the dark past to a bright future by broadening the horizons of underprivileged youngsters through education, mentoring and coaching in the city’s many children’s homes. Our TEFL certification is included to give you ideas for fun educational activities.
In Phnom Penh we work with a number of childrens homes where volunteers are needed to improve the conditions and opportunities of Cambodian street children and orphans. The aim of these childrens homes is to provide a safe shelter, education and vocational training. The children are cared for with clothing, medical care and three meals per day.
The childrens homes are privately funded organizations and dont have enough money to employ a sufficient number of teachers and carers. By volunteering at these projects you will be in a position to improve the education of the students and provide them with a role model and coach. Acquiring language and computer skills can broaden the students horizons and give them access to far better employment opportunities in the future. At the same time you will be giving a much needed helping hand to the staff in the daily task of looking after the children.
You dont need any qualifications to participate in this project but you should have a genuine love for children, be self-motivated, flexible and adaptable and have plenty of patience. You should also have a willingness to work hard. To give you a head-start with teaching English you will be trained before you go on your project through i-to-is International 40-hour on-line TEFL programme (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This course is included in the cost of this venture. If you have any computer skills which you can pass on to the children that will also be a great advantage.
Your role will partly depend on the individual needs of the project where you are based, and partly dependent on your skills and interests. As a guide, you will be teaching the children English and computer skills in the morning or afternoon, as for the remainder of the day they will be at the public school. While the children are at the school you will have time to prepare lessons for them for the next day, or you can help with work around the home. You may also find yourself preparing food, cleaning and playing with the children.
One of the projects will accept volunteers for a minimum of two weeks, please contact the i-to-i team for more information and to confirm with the team that this will be available at the time of your travel.
The projects are based in childrens homes around Phnom Penh. You will be staying at a guesthouse in Phnom Penh.
Please note that you will need to come to Cambodia with an open mind and be prepared to be flexible. In Cambodia things can change from day to day and numbers of children at the projects can vary due to last minute holiday changes by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Please note that a copy of your CV is required upon booking.
Please book your flight to arrive into Phnom Penh (airport code PNH) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
Project Information
- Project Duration: Min 3 weeks - Max 12 weeks
- Project Costs: £595.00 for 3 weeks, £125.00 for every week thereafter
- Location of project:Various locations within Phnom Penh
- Arrival Airport:Phnom Penh (airport code PNH)
- Activities:Providing general care and assistance in looking after the children. This will involve playing games, teaching English & basic life skills
- Working Hours:Flexible; usually 8.00am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 4.30pm as required by the project, all other time is free
- Getting to the project:Dependent on location; accommodation on site or 15-30 minutes tuk-tuk ride (budget approximately US$15 per week)
- Requirements:Minimum age 18
Whats Included
- Accommodation:Shared room in a guesthouse
- Food:Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately US$70 per week)
- Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if youre arriving early!
- Training:In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
- Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
Whats not included
- Flights, Insurance, Visas, Return Airport transfer, Local Transport, Food