Children's Health & Sanitation Programme in Cambodia

  Cambodia

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: On this week long project you will be based in Kampong Cham in Cambodia working with schools to help children learn how to clean their teeth! Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia's poorest areas which has seen very little investment over recent years - meaning that not only is the work you will do well received but you will get a great insight into a 'traditional' Cambodian life. As well as working to ensure the little ones learn how to clean their teeth properly you will also assist in helping the children learn about basic standards of hygiene - important things that you and I both take for granted.

* What the project does and why it needs you:

Following the end of the reign of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 Cambodia was left with millions of uneducated people and previous high standards diminished. The country has had to rebuild itself pretty much from scratch ever since and has relied on help from other countries, it has been a long process and still has a long way to go! Approximately 35% of the population live under the poverty line and mortality rates are high, 1 in 8 Cambodian children die between birth and the age of 5 years.

Basic hygiene is something that most of us take for granted but some Cambodian children in the poorer rural areas have never been taught how to clean their teeth or the importance of washing their hands. Any communicable diseases can therefore be spread very quickly throughout the children. With the influence of Western culture, diets have also changed and more snacks have been introduced into the children's daily lives but they lack the knowledge of how to care for their teeth thus increasing the incidence of oral problems such as bleeding gums and tooth decay. This project aims to teach the children the basics of personal hygiene and how to clean their teeth thus improving their health condition and reducing illness.

Highlights:
* Based in Kampong Cham, the third largest city in Cambodia but one of Cambodia's poorer regions
* Help release the true potential of children's smiles!
* Teaching children basic hygiene to improve their life
* Get a real insight into Cambodian life away from bustling Phnom Penh and the tourist draw of Siem Reap
* Sample freshly pressed sugar cane juice - a Kampong Cham speciality!

Qualifications: Who is it for:
This project is for anyone who is looking to help children in Cambodia learn about the things that we often take for granted and who have a love of children. Have a great time teaching how to wash hands and clean teeth and be prepared to get wet in the process! However, as well as making a positive difference in the country you will also learn a huge amount about Cambodia, her people and the way that they live.

What you'll be doing:
You will be working in a primary school in a rural community teaching the children the basics of hygiene and how to wash their hands and clean their teeth. Help hand out toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap to the children and see their faces lighten up! Interaction with the community is also a large part of this opportunity and when not working on the hygiene project there will be plenty of time to learn about life in Cambodia, the people and the community.

Cost in US$: USD 985.00 for 1 week

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse
* Food: Breakfast is included, you will need to purchase all other meals (budget approximately USD 50 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early! - Transfer back to the airport on the last day
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Cambodia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

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