At a glance
- Volunteer alongside other teenagers and help underprivileged children in Cambodia learn through play. You’ll work in kindergartens, primary schools or care centres and support teachers.
- Gain childcare experience by running educational activities that will teach children important skills such as the English language.
- You’ll also renovate schools or care centres, adding a touch of paint and creating educational materials. You’ll stray in a hotel or guest house in the bustling city of Phnom Penh with organised weekend trips and social activities for all.
- Download an itinerary for this project.
Is volunteer work with children in Cambodia for teenagers right for me?
This project is perfect for teenagers who enjoy working with children and want to travel at the same time.
You’ll learn more about childcare and do hands-on renovation work. You’ll also develop important personal skills, like leadership and planning. You’ll add value to your CV, and have plenty to talk about in applications and interviews.
You don’t need any experience to join, but you should be interested in working with children. You’ll have Projects Abroad supervisors with you every step of the way. If you need help, they’ll be there to guide you.
When you aren’t working, you’ll get to travel around Cambodia with the other teenage volunteers and our staff.
This High School Special runs over fixed dates during the summer holidays, and you can join from between two to four weeks.
What will I be doing during my project in Cambodia?
In Cambodia, you’ll be working with children at kindergartens, primary schools, or care centres in disadvantaged communities. Here are a few of the activities you’ll be involved in:
1
Teach the children basic English words and phrases
2
Organise fun, educational games with the children that will help them learn skills through play
3
Learn about the history and culture of Cambodia through social and weekend activities
4
Assist with renovation work around the schools and care centres
Here are the activities you’ll be involved in:
Work with the children at a kindergarten, primary school, or care centre
You’ll work with the other volunteers and help make learning fun for the children. You can teach them basic English words and phrases through songs, pictures, or role play games. Or, play a football game outside and run arts and crafts lessons where they can unleash their creativity. Your supervisor will also be able to help if you need any assistance.
Help improve the schools and centres through renovation work
During your project in Cambodia, you’ll spend some time making improvements to the placement where you’ll be working. You can help with renovation work where you’ll dig and build flower beds. Or, you can help renovate the classrooms by adding a coat of paint and painting educational wall murals.
Explore Cambodia with other teenagers
On your High School Special, you’ll be working with volunteers your own age. Use this opportunity to build friendships with teenagers from around the world as you work and explore together.
After your volunteer work, you’ll get to experience Khmer culture by watching Apsara dances, talking with the locals, and eating traditional Cambodian cuisine. Your supervisors will also take you to explore the magnificent Angkor Temples, historical museums, and Buddhist temples.
Where will I be working in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh
You’ll live and work in the beautiful capital city of Phnom Penh. Even with Cambodia’s history of war, the city is rapidly developing to keep up with an expanding population and growing tourism industry. There is much to see and do in Phnom Penh, and we’ll show you as much as possible when you’re there.
As a volunteer, you’ll work at a kindergarten, primary, school, or a care centre in the more rural areas of Phnom Penh. Many of the placements are overcrowded. With your support, the local teachers will be able to provide the children with more individualised attention.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The aim of this project is help disadvantaged Cambodian children learn through play and support local teachers. We also aim to give teenagers the chance to learn about a different country and culture.
With Cambodia’s harrowing history of war and genocide, many communities have yet to recover. Although Phnom Penh is rapidly developing, many people still live in poverty and are unable to afford a basic education.
By working with children and encouraging them to learn, you’ll be building a solid educational foundation that will benefit them later in life. This also helps children at kindergartens learn the skills they’ll need to thrive when they start the first grade.
Along with our partner NGOs, we are working to improve the standard of care and learning the children receive. We support the schools and care centres run by our partners, both financially and by sending volunteers to help. The care centres also provide opportunities for the children’s parents to focus on work without worrying about their children.
Do community volunteer work for teenagers in Cambodia and help us work towards our long-term goals to help disadvantaged children.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.
We produce an annual High School Specials Impact Report, which documents some of these achievements. Find out more about the impact of these projects, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers and interns during your stay in Phnom Penh. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and interns, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your time together.
On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer or intern of the same gender and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
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