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What is the Building & Garden Volunteer Work in Cambodia all about?
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Volunteers with a passion for the outdoors who are keen to use their physical strength to help to build structures, clear community spaces or assist with agricultural work will enjoy this building and gardening placement in Cambodia. Many NGOs are underfunded and under resourced and struggle with the maintenance and development of their project sites and work in the community. Where possible NGOs and projects will employ local workers to help with the work but extra help is needed with specific projects or larger activities. Extra pairs of hands are often requested to ensure community buildings such as classrooms or community centres are needed. Volunteers are sought to help clear and maintain gardens and to support agricultural projects, which are often linked to sustainable livelihoods, nutrition or community projects. Bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help where needed to assist local NGOs who are supporting the urban and rural poor in Siem Reap province.
Why choose this Building & Garden Volunteer work project?
Many NGOs are looking for extra pairs of hands to help them with ad hoc building, gardening or agriculture activities because they do not have the funds to pay everyone they need to do manual work, despite labour costs being very low in Cambodia. Volunteer support can help complete these activities much quicker than they would otherwise be able. Volunteers benefit from working with local materials and helping to build structures that are important to either the NGO or local community. These are really rewarding placements that see direct results.
Role of the Community Volunteer
Your role will largely depend on your skills and experience and the time of your placement. There is not one placement, but a number of NGOs and projects that are hoping for your support. Placement availability varies due to the needs of the projects. Projects are hoping for assistance with gardening and agriculture projects so digging, weeding and planting are tasks that volunteers can help with. Other projects may need support with preparing, decoration or building structures with guidance from the local team. These tasks may be at the NGOs themselves or in the communities which they support. Please be aware that tasks may not be approached in the same way that you are used to at home, so you will need to be flexible.
What skills do I need to be a Community Volunteer in Cambodia?
Volunteers should be physically fit to be able to participate fully in the activities on this placement. Please note that it is hot and humid in Cambodia and this can impact on productivity. In the rainy season tasks can often be impacted by the rains with September and October being particularly difficult. No particular skills are needed to join this placement but volunteers will be asked to be patient, be able to work in a team and willing to get stuck in!
Because we work with a number of different placements in the area, we like to conduct telephone interviews with volunteers to find out their skills and what they are looking for. That way we can make sure you are placed in the most appropriate placement for you. You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project. You will also be asked to send a letter of motivation, medical certificate and 2 references from a former teacher or employer.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To provide extra hands-on help to local NGOs and communities
To spend time outdoors
To combine volunteering with visiting Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Cambodia?
About the Location
Our projects in Cambodia are all based in Siem Reap, the countries most popular city due to its proximity to the magnificent Angkor Wat temples. Phra Thom is one of the most popular temples and it is where Angelina Jolie filmed the movie Tomb Raider! Those who visit Siem Reap must not miss the opportunity to see these amazing complex of temples with sunset and sunrise being the most popular times to visit.
Translated, “Siem Reap” literally means “Siam Defeated”, which serves as a reminder of the centuries-old conflict between the Siamese and the Khmer. The Khmer people are native to Cambodia and often celebrate many occasions. Not to mention that they are very friendly and welcoming, so you will most likely be invited along to attend these celebrations.
Accommodation
Whilst you are volunteering abroad, you will be living in a guesthouse accommodation within in Siem Reap. You will have your own bedroom with a fan and a convenient ensuite bathroom. Having said this, if you want to share a room with a friend or family member, we can help you make the necessary arrangements for you. You will have admission to an open dining room where you will be able to connect your laptop or iPad to WIFI and contact your friends and family back home in your spare time. There is a pool at a neighbouring guesthouse that you and other volunteers can use for a small price. A relaxing swim would be the perfect way to end a busy day of work.
What to do in your Spare Time
Despite the many tourists, you will still be able to get a feel for authentic Cambodian life in Siem Reap. Rent a bicycle and explore the back streets of the city or head to a barrai (a lake) and hang out with the locals on your day off. Why not go to one of the Khmer Beer Gardens with friends from your projects. Siem Reap is also located about 6 hours by bus from Phnom Penh or 3 hours to Battambong where you can explore the caves or take the unique bamboo train. In addition, you will be able to visit the wonderful complex of Angkor Wat with ease, as your accommodation is set only 5km away!
If you fancy some peace and quiet, then why visit Kulen Mountain National Park? You could gather a group of volunteers together to take a day trip out where you will all be able to enjoy swimming beside a scenic waterfall. Not to mention that you can visit the Kbal Spean where the Thousand Lingas are. Each Linga was sculptured to represent the Hindu deity Shiva – a sight not to be missed. You can also visit Preah Ang Thom Pagoda within Kulen Mountain National Park to see the huge reclining Buddha.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4+ weeks
- Cost: £1309/$2043 for 4 weeks, see drop-down menu for additional weekly pricing.
- Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Working hours: Varies depending on project
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Sunday
What is included
- Accommodation: Single room, with fan and private bathroom in a guest house, safety deposit box available, communal dining area
- Food: breakfast (restaurant open all day for other meals)
- Airport pickup and drop off from Siem Reap International Airport
- Training: Pre-departure information pack, 2.5 day in-depth orientation, including Child Protection course, and project induction provided
- Bicycle for your personal use.
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
- Wifi at accommodation
- Activities: Support booking trips locally to Angkor Wat and floating village.
- Fundraising Guide
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Arrangement of Work Permit in country cost $100
- Transport to and from your place of work
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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