Help Teach and Care for Children in Cambodia

  Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 3-12 week placements throughout the year

Description: 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.

*Project details:
In Phnom Penh we work with a number of children's homes where volunteers are needed to improve the conditions and opportunities of Cambodian street children and orphans. The aim of these children's 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.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
The children's homes are privately funded organizations and don't 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.

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Highlights:
* Getting under the skin of this fascinating country
* Playing your part in helping the lives of some very disadvantaged children
* Exploring Phnom Penh - from markets to Sisawat Quay, river trips to temples this is an incredible city to explore

The children's homes are privately funded organizations and don't have enough money to employ a sufficient number of teachers and caregivers. By volunteering at this project 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.

As well as its historical and cultural features, Phnom Penh boasts a deliciously tempting array of cafes and restaurants, most of which reside on the beautiful banks of the Tonle Sap River. Settling down to a delicious coffee as the sun sets over the river is a favorite pastime for travelers and locals alike, and this surreal blend of intense beauty and daily routine is something you'll never forget. It is in this delightful setting that you will be working and living as you help underprivileged youngsters to develop the skills they need to build themselves a brighter future.

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You don't 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-i's 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 as a volunteer:
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.

Cost in US$: USD 1425.00 for 3 weeks, USD 275.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: 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.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994