Visit the alluring and exotic country of Cambodia and discover its incredible combination of dramatic landscapes, captivating cultural and historical heritage, and friendly people. Make a positive and rewarding contribution to the lives of underprivileged and orphaned children, by equipping them with the tools to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty, and opening up opportunities that we in the Western world take for granted.
The project site is situated in Siem Reap, a captivating location that is known as the 'gateway' to the millennium-old ruins of the Khmer empire. This encompasses the awe inspiring temple complex of Angkor Wat, an ancient and world famous monument that is yet untarnished by development. Visitors from the world over have fallen in love with Cambodia, with its fascinating and intoxicating eastern culture, and complex and mystical ambience.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
Poverty, and the consequential lack of education that results from it, traps the children of Cambodia in a cycle of deprivation that causes many problems in their lives such as becoming vulnerable to child labour markets where they can be forced to work hazardous jobs, or even be sold into prostitution. The ever present poverty causes malnourishment, homelessness, and lack of access to healthcare and sanitation, amongst other things. With nearly one in three 7-14 year olds unable to attend school, the prospect of escaping this 'poverty cycle' is bleak indeed.
You can give hope to these impoverished children, giving them the love and affection that they have been denied for much of their lives. You will dance, sing, and play games with children as well as help teach them English. Literacy is key to education and future jobs for poor children, enabling them to move beyond subsistence farming. Illiterate children have few educational options, and your presence in the school gives them the gift of English, the language of commerce and tourism, allowing them access to more stable and secure jobs, and potentially high school and college scholarships.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
You will be working with a registered NGO in Siem Reap, an organisation which is self funded and fully supports local children which cannot afford an education. You will be working at the heart of the community, where you will have the freedom to be creative and inspiring with your teaching, using the innovative and fun techniques of TEFL as the basis for your teaching framework. The children you are helping to teach will be very hard working and appreciative of your contribution to their education, and will be incredibly responsive to your presence on the project.
Teaching these children is a powerful way to enable them to access opportunities that would otherwise be entirely denied to them, and is also an enjoyable way to build up your own skill base and independence with practical TEFL experience, whilst embracing the exotic and friendly culture of this spellbinding pocket of Asia.
If possible we recommend that volunteers try to stay for three to four weeks to maximise the benefit of your presence within the classroom. Those volunteers joining for less than four weeks may not have the opportunity to teach their own class but will play a key part with kindergarten, organic gardening and arts and crafts exercises.
