Community Development Phnom Penh
Cambodia is restricting entry due to the pandemic and this program cannot receive the international help it needs right now. Sign-up for late 2021 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
This essential program works with communities located in rural Cambodia. These rural populations have suffered greatly from human rights abuses, discrimination, poverty, health issues and from low education levels. The Community Development Program aims to work with these communities to build a fairer, more egalitarian society, reducing poverty, and building education and confidence levels. Volunteers can find themselves working on a multitude of extremely worthwhile tasks, including helping to monitor the human rights situation and investigating violations; protecting the rights of children and women; teaching English and human rights in local schools, helping to develop new teaching methods; visiting the relevant communities and participating in organizing events and training sessions designed to improve the situation in the community. This is a massive undertaking, and various projects and initiatives are underway to help these populations achieve a fairer society. For volunteers who really want to help those who have been marginalized in society – this program offers an amazing opportunity to help communities who have suffered greatly.
Goals of this Project:
- Build a fairer, more just society for the impoverished people of Cambodia
- Improve the future prospects of Cambodia’s most marginalized citizens
- Increase gender equality and the understanding of human rights
- Create inter-cultural understanding which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
This program provides volunteers to work with program staff among the rural communities of Cambodia. Volunteers will spend their time working on programs and initiatives that will benefit these marginalized communities and work to right the wrongs that have been committed against them. Participants in this program will gain a greater understanding of the history of what happened during the Pol Pot era, while working on projects that help to break the poverty cycle and improve education and health levels among local populations. Volunteers will find this to be a hugely educational program for themselves, and will teach them much about the history and culture of this wonderful country. Community Development placements are mainly in rural areas, where accommodation is traditional, and the level of cultural immersion is high. For volunteers who wish to experience Cambodian life and culture while helping its marginalized communities – this program will deliver.
Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and can expect to;
- Work with local communities on building human rights awareness
- Educate children and communities on new teaching methods and on human rights
- Organize events and workshops
- Assist program staff with administration and program development
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Cambodia. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social work, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Cambodia's vibrant capital has overcome the hardships of a violent past to once again become a "Pearl of Asia". Whilst tourists are still drawn by the memory of the Khmer Rouge and their horrific Killing Fields (and rightly so, this should never be forgotten), the city itself is taking a cue from it's majestic river and moving on. Chic, bustling bars and restaurants line the riverfront and streets beyond with patrons watching boats cruising, motorbikes and tuk-tuks buzzing and pedestrians strolling on by. The Cambodian people are courageous and incredibly hospitable and a stay in this city is not to be forgotten.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd week of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Phnom Penh and taken to the Volunteer House to meet with the hosts and other volunteers and settle in to the new environment. An orientation session will take place the following day which covers the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and fellow volunteers and ask any last questions you may have.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SUNDAY
- Arrival Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Code: PNH)
We can arrange pick-up on Saturday if required. The extra cost for an additional night's accommodation is $22 per person.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a friendly and comfortable Guesthouse in central Phnom Penh. A great way to connect with other volunteers in a safe and social environment!
Rooms are shared by up to 3 volunteers, split by gender and each room has its own bathroom with western-style facilities and hot showers. Fans are available for comfort in the summer months and bed linen is provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and towels. Air-conditioning is also available for an additional cost.
The second floor rooftop has been set up as a spacious communal area volunteers can utilize to relax and socialize with dining tables, sofas, hammocks, TV and DVD facilities. Wifi is available free of charge and affordable laundry services are available nearby. Everything you need in a home away from home!
Volunteers on our wonderful programs in Phnom Penh are well catered for with breakfast lunch and dinner available daily.
Breakfast at the Guesthouse comprises coffee, tea, bread and spreads, cooked eggs and fruit. Lunch and dinner can be ordered from a simple menu of local fare at the Guesthouse. Lunch can be eaten in or packed to take-away, depending on the volunteer schedule. Dinner is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of fellow volunteers in the comfort of the Guesthouse.
Volunteers are also welcome to dine out at any of the affordable and accessible local eateries. A great way to explore the local area and sample delicious local fare.
All meals in the Guesthouse are included in the program fee. Meals eaten out are at the volunteer's own expense.
If you have special dietary requirements please let us know ahead of time so that we can advise the local team. Strict vegetarians and vegans should be ready to help with the cooking and shop for additional items if necessary.
Volunteers can also request to stay with a local host family who have been carefully selected and are experienced in caring for international volunteers. Host family members will speak some English and provide comfortable, private rooms. Lockable storage will be available for valuables.
For those wishing to stay in their own accommodation the program fees are adjusted as shown the Additional Info. section.
Please note that transportation to and from the placement is not included in the program fee. The cost can range from $6 per day to $15 per day. If you are staying for an extended period it may be possible to work from 'home' for some of the time to keep the cost reasonable. Simply discuss this with the local team on arrival.
Fees
That’s just USD 22 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
For those wishing to stay in their own accommodation in Phnom Penh the program fees will be adjusted accordingly as follows:
2 weeks $235
3 weeks $253
4 weeks $299
5 weeks $315
6 weeks $330
8 weeks $418
9 weeks $445
10 weeks $473
12 weeks $484