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Volunteer Cambodia

volunteer-in-cambodiaProgram summary:

Project:                               Teach in a Cambodian school
Price:                                   From NZ$1,895
Accommodation:              Shared volunteer house
Location:                             Siem Reap
Eligibility:                             New Zealand/Australian passport holder. Aged 18+
Duration:                             8, 12, 16, 20, 24 or 28 weeks

The Project:

Highlights

How you can help

Why your help is needed

During the time of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodian schools were closed down, teachers were subjected to torture or execution and education of children was almost entirely neglected. When the regime fell in 1979, Cambodia’s educational system had to be built almost from scratch. By this point, huge numbers of the population were illiterate.

The Cambodian educational system is now in the process of redevelopment but it faces huge challenges. Not only is there a lack of skilled English-speaking teachers available but financial restrictions mean that teachers are often paid extremely poorly, leaving schools severely understaffed and classes overcrowded. Adding to this, schools tend to be equipped only with basic facilities. With a rise in tourism in Cambodia, speaking English is a hugely valuable skill but while the national syllabus requires children to learn a foreign language, this is often not possible due to insufficient resources.

Working in underprivileged schools or colleges, or in grass root community projects, volunteers are able to make a genuine contribution on this project by assisting local teachers or taking their own lessons. Though they are primarily required to help equip children and adults with valuable English skills, the role is fairly varied and there are also opportunities for volunteers who wish to organise extra curricular activities to do so. Whether they choose to organise sports days or football matches, or teach arts and crafts, dance or music, volunteers are encouraged to get involved with the school as much as they can in order to help the development of local children.

How long can I go for? 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 or 28 weeks (plus a 4 day arrival orientation)

Working hours: 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Eligibility:    New Zealand/Australian passport holder. Aged 18+
                     A TEFL qualification or experience of teaching would be an advantage.