Cambodia – Community Health Education Project – Images

Samraong, or the “Impenetrable Jungle,” is the capital of Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia’s newest province, which is on the border with Thailand. To this day, the town is still recovering from a long civil war, which resulted in decades of isolation. Most people visit Samraong to do much-needed community and volunteer work. Samraong is about two hours away from the popular tourist destination city of Siem Reap.

Volunteers will be assisting local staff in improving community health education in the rural schools of Cambodia. You will develop teamwork and creativity skills, while providing children with much-needed information. Topics of discussion often include proper hygiene and overall body health.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Assisting local staff
• Preparing lessons
• Leading discussions and/or full lessons
• Demonstrating basic hygiene procedures such as teeth brushing, hand washing, etc

A typical day: Volunteer work is Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, breaking for lunch at around 11:00 AM. The tasks you are assigned each day will vary depending on your level of experience. Weekends are free.

Please note that the schedule may be subject to change at any time.

Internet: WiFi is available in public areas.

Laundry: There are no laundry facilities; clothes can be washed by hand. There are Laundromats in town that can be used for a small fee.

Accommodations: You will stay in a shared volunteer house in Samraong with up to four, same-gender volunteers per room. Private bathroom facilities are available with western style toilets and cold showers. The accommodations are simple and rustic, so prepare to experience a more traditional village lifestyle.

Food: Three meals per day are provided on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. Traditional Cambodian food is available, which includes rice dishes, meat, but also Western food is also occasionally provided. Snacks are also available.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Basic level of competency in English
• Medical background or knowledge of community health and hygiene preferred
• Police clearance
• Minimum age of 18

Located close to the volunteer house is a park where volunteers can relax, play sports, and spend their free time.

Samraong is about a two-hour drive away from the city and popular tourist destination of Siem Reap. Many volunteers use their free weekends to visit this city. There are many shops and pubs as well as museums to be explored. Siem Reap is also within close proximity to the famous Angkor Wat Temple.

Culture Week (Highly Recommended):
For an additional fee you can extend your stay for a week with a program designed to introduce you to a great stay in a new country. As part of your orientation week, you will receive basic language classes to help you get around the country without a hassle. You will also have the opportunity to take some traditional cooking classes as well as travel to some of the finest temples in the area, engaging in Q&A sessions with monks to enhance your understanding of Buddhism and its customs. Throughout the week, there will many opportunities to interact with the local residents, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the community.