Nuestros proyectos

Teaching English

Volunteers on the Teaching English project work with children who do not have the opportunity to learn English, a most sought after skill for jobs in Cambodia. They will work in orphanages and schools where assistance is needed to improve the students’ English skills.

The high levels of poverty and unemployment have rendered many parents unable to afford education for their children. In some cases, volunteers will not only teach English, but also share their knowledge in other subjects they know, such as Information Technology, Mathematics or Art. These schools in Cambodia are open all year round except for public holidays.

Volunteers’ responsibility within the program will increase the longer they participate in the program. They will have to plan their classes and devote some time to that planning every day. Still, as CW’s local team guides them, volunteers are not required to have experience in teaching or hold any qualifications. However, we encourage volunteers to complete some relevant training before arrival, such as a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) certificate.

Working with NGOs

Our local partner works in cooperation more than 40 local NGOs and they can offer volunteer placements for many projects including education, assisting the community, raising awareness against HIV/AIDS and other health issues, or developing environmental sustainability.

NGOs in Cambodia are usually economically limited and have difficulties to receive help from international funding sources to run their projects. They need the support of many volunteers, to raise the necessary funds by writing proposal letters, and to research, administer and develop the organizations as well.

In this program, volunteers work varies based on their skills and interests, but also on how long their stay is. They may work from 3 to 8 hours every day. If they decide to stay for less than two months, volunteers will most probably assist with their English language skills at the NGO; that is, they will be writing proposals, reports or teaching English to other volunteers, among other activities.

If volunteers stay for more than two months, they will be able to become better involved and more independent within the Organization. They may also have the possibility of being part of some field-based research.

It is worth mentioning that NGOs are assigned volunteers based on how suitable and needed they are. Volunteers have to join the project for at least 5 weeks and bring their own laptops. We consider each volunteer’s interests, educational background, skills and experience. They should be at least 19 years old and have relevant studies or job experience, in the area they are willing to be work in!

Childcare

Volunteers on the Childcare project are sought after to assist children that live in orphanages or daycare centers. HIV is a serious issue in Cambodia, and many children have lost their parents because of it. Many other children live in poverty and their parents cannot afford their education and basic needs.

As part of this project, volunteers work from 4 to 8 hours and have a 2-hour lunch break every day. Their activities are mainly focused on preparing meals, cleaning, looking after the children, teaching and helping them with their homework, and carrying out other artistic, sporty or creative tasks.

Most placements will focus on education and children will be taught to read and write in Khmer and develop their English language skills as well. Classes may cover topics such as hygiene, morality and Khmer traditions, as well as include visits to the beach or other nearby locations.

Special Needs Care

The Special Needs Care project in Cambodia is ideal for volunteers who are looking for a rewarding experience in relation to children and education. The main focus of this program is to work and interact with children with special needs from 5 to 18 years of age.

This is a more challenging program, as volunteers will have to assist physically or mentally challenged children whose conditions may include cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and blindness. Volunteers will teach these children in small groups for the most individualized teaching and attention.

Some activities that volunteers are needed for include dressing, feeding and washing the children. As disabled people are often rejected in Cambodian society, children are always very pleased to meet friendly volunteers and be in their company. Volunteers may also help local teachers in preparing their classes, and those who have skills and experience in therapeutic treatments will be able to work individually with the children at the care center.

 Medical Volunteering Program

The 1960s meant the destruction of the Cambodian social structure. During the Vietnam War, Cambodia suffered a civil war and the Khmer Rouge seized power leading to the Cambodian genocide. Unfortunately, many medical doctors and health professionals were killed at that time and now Cambodian health services cannot comply with international regulations.

Responsibilities

Being a volunteer in Cambodia is ideal for those who wish to help some of the poorest medical institutions in Southern Asia. The responsibilities of each volunteer will vary based on their educational background and experience, but in general terms, they will work together with nurses and doctors and will be able to observe how work is carried out in many departments.

To be able to participate, volunteers are required to have completed at least one year of medical school, nursing or some other health-related training. Volunteers who wish to assist in the Surgery department are required to have at least 3 years of previous experience.

HIV/AIDS Awareness

The main objective of this project is to promote education to prevent HIV/AIDS and to bring support for those who suffer from it. The number of victims of this disease in Cambodia is among the highest in Asia, so our aim is to make health centers and the community staff to work together for the same cause.

Responsibilities

Volunteers will mainly assist in creating marketing materials and other administrative work such as maintaining the website and writing reports, although these activities will depend on the needs of the local organization. CW’s local team encourages volunteers to bring and introduce as many new ideas and helpful activities as necessary.

Teaching English to Buddhist Monks

Buddhism is the national religion in Cambodia, with a 95% of the population believing in Theravada Buddhism. Pagodas (Buddhist temples) are not only important for religious reasons, but also for educational purposes. In these places, monks have the opportunity to study, which would not have been possible if they were not monks, so Buddhism is more than a religion in this country.

After the catastrophe caused by the Khmer Rouge period, most monks had been killed and most all temples were ruined. However, Buddhism managed to become the national religion once again and most Buddhist young men are expected to be monks at some point in their lives. Monks are highly respected in society.

Volunteers’ Responsibilities

Volunteers will teach at the Pagodas for 3 to 4 hours a day, both to old and young monks. They will have to prepare a lesson plan for each class, to develop the students’ elementary English abilities and help them improve their conversation skills.