With open arms and warm hearts, the Khmer people are one of the friendliest in the world. Behind the wide and perpetual smiles however, are struggling citizens striving to overcome their grisly past under the cruel hands of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Within the last 10 years, many NGOs in Cambodia have been established in order to support and encourage positive changes in the community. These NGOs emphasize on improving the living conditions of the community through various community development initiatives.
New Hope collaborates with these NGOs to help them reach out better to its communities. The NGOs are involved in many aspects of community development, so there are many gaps to be filled in terms of manpower and skills. Volunteer in Cambodia and lead the local communities to better pastures while soaking in the grandeur of the majestic city!
Volunteers’ Responsibilities
Volunteers will be working with local municipalities and organizations which are active in community development. All placements will be designed to suit the volunteer’s area of expertise and interests. Your daily activities may involve, but are not limited to:
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Writing grant proposals
- Aiding organizations with web design and information technology
- Project planning
- Surveying
- Building and maintaining databases
- Supporting with organizations’ accounting
- Teaching English, health, math, science, nutrition, etc
- Assisting with administrative tasks
- Organizing events and trainings
- Assisting the public library
- Teaching basic business skills
- Promoting community health and sanitation
- Supporting schools
- Helping community centers
- Organizing recreational and extracurricular activities
- Aiding institutional development and networking with local governments
How You Can Make a Difference
As a volunteer in Cambodia, you will be assisting communities in every way imaginable. The local NGOs are doing great job at focusing their efforts towards building up the community. That said, they also face various obstacles in carrying out their initiatives because of limited and non-existing financial resources.
In fact, many staff members are volunteers who receive no salary for their efforts. They urgently need skillful and adept volunteers who can support them in their work, such as in fundraising and proposal writing, organizational development, administration and community development.
No matter your background, you will be able to lend your help as these NGOs continue to improve the quality of life for communities in Cambodia. This is also the perfect opportunity for you if you’re seeking hands-on experience in community development in a different background.
Skills and Qualifications
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and interested to lend your skills working in a rural community. This project is seeking volunteers to fill a variety of gaps in local NGOs.
To volunteer in Community Development Volunteer Project in Cambodia applicants must have some experience of international volunteering, or experience of developmental work in developing country, or must have studied international development or something related to it.
You will also need to submit your resume when applying for the program. While volunteers with any background are encouraged to apply, there is a stronger need for those with experiences in: social sciences, social work, psychology, sociology, development, economics, management, marketing, political science, international relations, humanities, arts, tourism and communications. Interested individuals must be enthusiastic, motivated and proactive.
Volunteers must be able to volunteer for a minimum of 5 weeks.
Project Location
This project is located in Phnom Penh. Chaotic yet charismatic, Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia. Amid the apparent poverty and depravity of the people, lies a historical treasure trove worth exploring.
For an eye-opening experience, visit The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) and The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, relics of the plight and the suffering of the people under the hand of the Khmer Rouge. The magnificent Royal Palace, The National Museum of Cambodia and Wat Phnom are less-disheartening visits.
Amidst the chaos, lies a laidback culture. Volunteers can take a pleasant stroll along the park-like riverfront, where plenty of cafes and restaurants are located - idyllic settings for you to kick back, relax and absorb the local culture.