Why Care & Community in Cambodia?

At the heart of Indochina, Cambodia is bordered by Thailand to the West, Laos to the North and Vietnam to the East. After three decades of civil war, Cambodia can now happily say that it is a land of peace and beauty and can boast a rich culture of traditions which pre-date those of Thailand. With empty beaches and islands, national parks, and the breathtaking ruins of Angkor, Cambodia is a truly wonderful country to visit.

Volunteering in Cambodia

Volunteers assist the staff in various orphanages and specialist centres in Phnom Penh. The work can be challenging at times but the strength and resilience of the children in the homes is striking. Years of fighting has left many physical and emotional scars and a large number of child landmine victims. Through the work of volunteers and caring Cambodians, these children are starting to experience hope and see the possibility of a brighter future.

Why Volunteer in a Care and Community Placement?

Voluntary care work is extremely beneficial to all those involved, whether it is in a developed or a developing country. Throughout the world, there are vast numbers of children who are orphaned or neglected, and in need of love, care and affection. These are things which you do not need to be trained or qualified to give. The only qualities that the volunteer needs to possess are a care for fellow human beings and a desire to improve the lives of those with domestic or physical circumstances less fortunate than their own.

People are often unaware of the impact they can have on another person's life, with even the smallest gesture. Spending as little as one month working in an orphanage, a volunteer can have a hugely significant and positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children.

While the input of the volunteer is beneficial to the placement, in turn the placement proves beneficial to the volunteer. Volunteers are in a privileged position to be able to work in an environment culturally different from their own, where they can have unique experiences and develop a greater understanding of how other groups of people think and live. They go home with more self-confidence and a greater knowledge of the world.