Community Development Phnom Penh
This essential program works with communities located in rural Cambodia. These rural populations have suffered greatly from human rights abuses, discrimination, poverty, health issues and from low education levels. The Community Development Program aims to work with these communities to build a fairer, more egalitarian society, reducing poverty and building education and confidence levels. Volunteers can find themselves working on a multitude of extremely worthwhile programs, including access to education for marginalised communities; food security; asset creation; reducing the risk of disasters and adapting to climate change.
Volunteers may visit the relevant communities and assist in organizing events and training sessions designed to improve the situation in the community. This is a massive undertaking and various projects and initiatives are underway to help these populations achieve a fairer society.
For volunteers who really want to help those who have been marginalized in society – this program offers an amazing opportunity to help communities who have suffered greatly.
Goals of this Project:
- Build a fairer, more just society for the impoverished people of Cambodia
- Improve the future prospects of Cambodia’s most marginalized citizens
- Assess and mitigate the biggest risks to poor communities
- Create inter-cultural understanding which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
This program provides volunteers to work alongside local staff in Phnom Penh to better the prospects of rural communities in Cambodia. Volunteers will spend their time working on programs and initiatives that will benefit these marginalized communities and work to right the wrongs that have been committed against them. Participants in this program will gain a greater understanding of the history of what happened during the Pol Pot era, while working on projects that help to break the poverty cycle and improve education and wellbeing levels among local populations. Volunteers will find this to be a hugely educational program for themselves, and will teach them much about the history and culture of this wonderful country.
For volunteers who wish to experience Cambodian life and culture while helping its marginalized communities – this program will deliver.
Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and can expect to;
- Implement programs to to improve the livelihood of rural communities
- Assist with report writing and editing
- Research relevant laws and other critical information.
- Support monitoring and reporting activities
- Assist program staff with administration and program development
Cambodian NGOs are crying out for international volunteers to assist with the focus areas listed below. If this interests you let us know!
- Good governance
- Democracy
- Conflict resolution
- Natural resource management
- Fund-raising.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Cambodia. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social work, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Cambodia's vibrant capital has overcome the hardships of a violent past to once again become a "Pearl of Asia". Whilst tourists are still drawn by the memory of the Khmer Rouge and their horrific Killing Fields (and rightly so, this should never be forgotten), the city itself is taking a cue from it's majestic river and moving on. Chic, bustling bars and restaurants line the riverfront and streets beyond with patrons watching boats cruising, motorbikes and tuk-tuks buzzing and pedestrians strolling on by. The Cambodian people are courageous and incredibly hospitable and a stay in this city is not to be forgotten.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round. Programs start the 1st and 3rd week of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 or 8 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team and will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Phnom Penh and taken to the Guest House to settle into their new environment. An orientation session will take place on Monday and Tuesday to cover the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and fellow volunteers and ask any last questions you may have.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SUNDAY
- Arrival Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Code: PNH)
We can arrange pick-up on Saturday if required. The extra cost for an additional night's accommodation is $22 per person.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers in Phnom Penh are accommodated in a Volunteer House, centrally located and close to amenities.
Rooms are shared by up to 4 guests and split by gender. Fans are available for comfort in the summer months. Western style bathroom facilities, hot showers and bed linen is provided, so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and a towel. The accommodation is basic but comfortable by local standards.
Wifi is available at the Volunteer House and laundry facilities are located nearby and cost around $1 per kg.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily and included in the program fee. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time. Strict vegetarians and vegans should be ready to help with the cooking and shop for additional items if necessary.
Host family accommodation is also available for female volunteers. Host families are carefully vetted and provide a wonderful way to experience life in Phnom Penh like a local.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
No problem! The program fees will be adjusted to:
2 weeks $253
3 weeks $319
4 weeks $385
5 weeks $396
Wish to stay extra nights?
If you are arriving early or staying on after your volunteer placement, let us know and we will book your accommodation accordingly. Per night costs, with 3 meals are:
$13 Shared room with fan
$21 Shared room with A/C
$18 Private room with fan
$25 Private room with A/C
Please note that transportation to and from the placement is not included in the program fee. The cost can range from $6 per day to $15 per day. If you are staying for an extended period it may be possible to work from 'home' for some of the time to keep the cost reasonable. Simply discuss this with the local team on arrival.
Fees
That’s just USD 30 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.