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.
Medical volunteer placement
Be prepared to get up early and come back late, as the medical outposts are quite far away from the eco-house and the roads in Cambodia are badly developed, especially in this part of the country! In cooperation with a full time coordinator, a special program will be created each week for all the volunteers. Activities can include a combination of:
- Basic construction/painting of the health centers
- HIV/AIDS awareness raising campaigns
- Work with the local medical staff (for those with relevant training)
*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
Volunteers will be housed with local home-stays or in a guest house where this is not feasible (for example in the case of larger groups).
There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. Volunteers will be expected to clean up after themselves, and to play their part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.
All meals are included during the stay. The meals will be typical Cambodian fare, including plenty of rice dishes
The doors and windows are screened (to protect from mosquitoes). There are fans in the room. For valuables, we have lockers available.
The camp is situated close to the Samraong city centre where volunteers will find all the amenities they 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 volunteers are used to in their home country.
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)