Cambodia: Volunteer Care/Orphanage work

Cambodia: Volunteer Care-Work with Children

Volunteering in an orphanage in Cambodia - one of Asia's poorest countries - can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you are on a gap year, holiday from university or coming to development work as an older volunteer on a career break, you will have a role to play and your contribution will be valued.

Although the civil war in Cambodia has long since finished, its legacy continues to haunt this beautiful country. Amputees begging in the streets are a common sight and a reminder of the devastation caused by landmines that were left behind. HIV and AIDS is a growing problem and has also contributed to the overcrowding of Phnom Penh’s orphanages.

Children remain particularly vulnerable, but by working and interacting with children in orphanages, centres for street children, and centres for children who have physical disabilities you can help to improve their confidence and their future prospects. Our volunteers work with the children lucky enough to be in these homes but also with those left out on the streets.

Volunteering on a Care Project with Orphans in Cambodia

We have a wide range of Care placements in Cambodia which are all worthwhile projects. Project Abroad volunteers work in centres for children who have been orphaned or abandoned, who have physical disabilities or who have HIV/AIDS. If you want to do some overseas voluntary work that can really make a difference to people’s lives, this is the project for you.

Volunteers usually start work between 8am and 9am, and finish by 4pm. Some volunteers who live close to their placement return home for lunch, otherwise it will be provided at the placement. Most volunteers work from Monday to Friday and have the weekends free to travel. However, occasionally an orphanage may arrange a football match or put on a show on a Saturday, where extra help would be appreciated.

Volunteering Abroad on a Care Project in Cambodia

Projects Abroad Care volunteers work in Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city. Volunteers are needed to help at the orphanages and care centres on a basic level; for example, you may be washing and feeding the children or teaching them personal hygiene. On a social level interaction, friendship and support are the key things you can offer when on this placement. Whether you are helping children complete their homework, playing sports or teaching them a new game, the time and attention you give to them is invaluable. Any skills or talents you have are welcomed.

Most of the orphanages in Cambodia are also eager for volunteers to teach some English to the children. Teaching young children songs, the alphabet and colours, for example, would all be greatly appreciated. Some of the orphanages have their own schools on site, and if you are happy to help with more formal lessons you will be able to combine some teaching with the general care work.

Projects Abroad are happy to provide extra help to volunteers on the Care Projects, this may include buying some arts and craft materials or arranging a day where all the volunteers help to renovate a play area at one of the orphanages. Input from volunteers is welcomed and we are open to any ideas you may have to help make the lives of these children brighter.