Volunteer in CAMBODIA
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English
POPULATION: 14.2 million (2007)
GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): Cambodia $1,619 Canada $36,687 (2008)
% of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 34% (2008)
United Nations Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI measures the average progress of a country in human development. It provides a ranking of 179 countries based on three dimensions of human developmentt: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
CAMBODIA Country Ranking #136
WHY VOLUNTEER IN CAMBODIA?
Cambodia is rich in natural resources; however, decades of war and internal conflict have left it one of the world's poorest countries with deep social and economic scars. During the Vietnam War, two million rural Cambodians were made refugees who fled to the capital, Phnom Pehn. Then, in 1975, the Khmer Rouge rose to power and in three years killed between one and three million Cambodians, most of those living in the capital. Cambodians are making a valiant attempt to rebuild their communities and livelihoods and to create the foundation for a civil society.
Volunteers who choose Cambodia work side-by-side with Cambodians in the rural area of Kep with our Host Partner, Bridges Across Borders Cambodia. Participants support locally driven projects that deal with housing, food security, resource conservation, literacy, and vocational training. One of the most satisfying projects is building 'Dream Homes' for families chosen by the community.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Volunteer abroad! Volunteers support whatever is of priority to the people of Chamcar Bei. Your presence will serve as an important gesture of international solidarity and will honor the people’s efforts in building a future. Activities revolve around land management, organic agriculture and education. Our volunteers are involved in a wide range of activities from harvesting rice to leading workshops at an elementary school. In any case, as a volunteer, you will work side by the villagers of Chamkar Bei. No special skills are required.
We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Cambodian projects and programs through Developing World Connections. Visit the Donate page or contact us for more ways to be of service.
WHAT CAN I SEE?
Upon completion of the Volunteer Experience, we recommend volunteers sample Cambodia’s rich culture by visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Tonle Sap and the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. Once known as the Pearl of Asia, Phnom Penh is famous for its pagodas, museums and French influenced and traditional Khmer architecture. Visit the French Quarter, silk farms, bird sanctuary and craft shops of Siem Reap. Travel by ferry along the coast of Tonle Sap (Sap Lake) to view the floating villages and one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world before witnessing the amazing classical architecture of the world famous Angkor Wat.
WHEN CAN I GO?
| 2012 - Volunteer Experience Schedule |
| APRIL 21 TO MAY 4 (Rotary - open) |
| MAY 5 TO JUNE 2 (Student) |
| JUNE 9 TO JULY 7 (Student) |
| JULY 7 TO JULY 21 (Short Term) |
| DECEMBER 15 TO DECEMBER 29 (Short Term) |
Note: The Volunteer Experiences Schedule will be updated every two weeks. Schedule is subject to change depending on flight arrangements and suitability for host communities.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For one week, the Program Cost is $1,600 and for two weeks it’s $2,000. This includes the cost of in-country food, in-country ground transportation, in-country accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the project. This cost does not include flights. It’s 100% tax deductible.
