In Cambodia, not everyone has equal access to education, as the state education system does not cover the entire population. We collaborate with teaching volunteer programs in the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
At times, volunteers will have the opportunity to lead their own classes for small groups of students. For the remainder of their time, they will be supporting other teachers or long-term volunteers already working at the school. The level of responsibility assigned to each volunteer will depend on their level of involvement and the duration of their commitment to the program.
Volunteers are not required to possess a teaching degree or prior teaching experience. However, since classes are conducted in English, volunteers should have a good command of the language to effectively communicate with the students. Your primary role will be assisting in the delivery of English, mathematics, and ICT classes.
Volunteers are expected to plan their lessons before teaching them. Typically, the school’s staff will provide volunteers with a guidebook that can be used for class preparation. Nevertheless, volunteers are also welcome to plan their lessons independently if they prefer.
Volunteers will be required to work at the school from Monday to Friday, dedicating 3-4 hours each day. Class times may vary, but the typical school schedule is from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Program start date: every Monday
- Minimum stay: two weeks
Observations: Classes do not take place on bank holidays. The dates of these bank holidays may vary, as some festivities are determined by the lunar calendar and the Khmer calendar. Generally, the bank holidays that are most likely to impact the program are as follows: 7 January (Victory Over Genocide Day), “Meak Bochea” Day (January-February), Khmer New Year (April), Visakha Bochea Day (May), Pchum Ben Festival (September-October), Independence Day (November).
Example of the program:
“The People Improvement Organization” is one of the centres that we collaborate with in Cambodia. The organisation has various centres distributed around underprivileged neighbourhoods and in the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The organisation requires volunteers for two areas of work: English teaching and vocational training (ICT for students and teachers, sewing, cooking and hairdressing).
English classes are given to children aged between 4 and 18 years old. Given the lack of resources, it would be a big help if the volunteer could bring their own teaching materials.
The Center of Children’s Happiness is another of the centres that we collaborate with in Cambodia. This orphanage provides a home and education to 120 children who were previously working in the “Steung Mean Chey” landfill site in Phnom Penh. Volunteers will contribute 3-4 hours of their time either in the morning or afternoon and will be responsible for the following activities: Assisting children with their homework, ensuring they complete it accurately, leading fun and educational activities (singing, drawing, educational games, etc.), Supporting children in maintaining their personal hygiene, Guiding children in performing their household chores, including bedroom cleaning and meal preparation, and teaching them computer and technical skills (showing them how to take photos, hairdressing techniques, etc.). – office-based work
