Location
Samraong is the capital of Oddar Meanchey province, located 120km North of Siem Reap province and borders Thailand.
About the project
According to figures of the UNDP, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in South-East Asia. Over 75% of the Cambodian population lives on less than 2 USD per day, with the figures for the countryside dramatically higher. Basic infrastructure is lacking and education levels are generally low. However, despite these problems young Cambodians are very dynamic and eager to engage themselves!
Early 2008, GoEco's partner organization decided to start up several volunteering projects in the Northern Cambodian countryside working with local and international NGOs as well as the provincial government of Oddar Meanchey.
In cooperation with the provincial education department, volunteers have started working in local schools in Samraong, the capital of Oddar Meanchey, and in the surrounding villages. Considering the state of the school buildings, volunteers are not only engaged in basic teaching activities, but also in the basic renovation of the school.
Project structure
- Week 1: introduction and
volunteer orientation
- Week 2+: community volunteer placement, easily extendable
- Last week (optional): Eco-adventure trips to wonderful sites in Cambodia
Week 1: Introduction and orientation week
The Introduction Week is the first step for a great stay in a new country! It's an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Cambodia cultural aspects.
You will also get time to meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with the local customs. The Introduction Week will take place in the regional center, located in Samraong, in the Oddar Meanchey Province with a group of participants from different parts of the world. Our schedule will be flexible yet will generaly consist of:
Cambodia: Culture, religion, habits, customs, history, social issues, are some of the topics that we will introduce you to through group discussions, workshops and visits.
Language Skills: A first contact with the Khmer language and you will learn a few phrases to get by.
Projects: If you proceed to do a volunteer project, we will give you an overview of the projects we support and send volunteers to, and an explanation of your particular placement.
General Information: Many new things will be introduced to you through some sessions on yoga, cooking, team work, project work, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & don'ts, and emergency preparation.
Cultural Site Visits: and meeting people will acclimatize you culturally. You will have the opportunity to visit market places, and natural sites in groups or individually during free time.
Temple Stay: and inter-action with the monks to practice meditation and to learn about their philosophies.
Group Games: will be the style of operation of our coordinators during the orientation week to make the theoretical sessions as dynamic as possible.
Do not forget to bring items from your home (photos, music, food) to be able to talk about your place and your culture.
Week 2+: community volunteer placement
In cooperation with the full time volunteer a special program will be created for all volunteers involved in this initiative. Activities can include a combination of:
- Teaching English on a non formal basis
- Working with the children in their vegetable garden (for their own consumption)
- Creating activities for the students including workshops for cultural exchange
- Art & Handicraft activities
- Sports after classes
- Environmental awareness activities (Clean Up the World)
- Basic construction to improve the children's livelihoods
The schools are located in the town of Samraong and the villages around it.
***Note: Cambodia is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.
Accommodation & food
Your new home will be one of the ‘Eco Houses' in Samraong in Uddor Meanchey province in Northern Cambodia. The house sleeps 20 to 30 people. It has single gender shared dorm rooms with the number of beds ranging from 3 to 8 and western style toilets, some in the room and some shared. Each bathroom has a shower and the water is always cool - nice and refreshing in the heat. The centre has several communal areas, including a balcony and a garden where you can eat, relax and meet.
The center is within walking distance of a local shop and a make shift bar provided by the friendly locals.
The doors and windows are screened (to protect you from mosquitoes). There are fans in the room. For your valuables, we have lockers available. We strongly encourage you to use them, even if our centres are generally very safe.
There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.
All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Cambodian fare, including plenty of rice dishes.
The camp is situated close to the Samraong city centre where you will find all the amenities you could need i.e. internet, shops, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants. Please note that Cambodia is still a developing country and that the facilities may not be the same standard as in your home country.
Last week: Eco-adventure trips
After you volunteer placement you can join one of the exciting eco-adventure trips:
Central Cambodia Tour
Cambodia is a country of considerable contradictions. Even after going through a troublesome and violent past with extreme poverty, Cambodia still retains it undeniable charm and glory. With a beautiful capital Phnom Penh, and many attractive and the impressive Angkor Wat, Cambodia has become one of the major tourist destinations. During the Tour we will visit several of Cambodia's main attractions.
Beach Week
Our Beach week takes place in Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier beach town. This is also the time for everyone to relax in the company of the other Active in Asia participants and to make an evaluation of the previous weeks.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with children and meet new cultures
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)