Location: Cambodia

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks commitment.

Cost: 160 Euros for 1 week placement. Includes 24 hour support,  in country orientation, all accommodation and food.

Travel: You will be met at Siem Reap airport by a project representative, and taken to the project HQ to begin your in country orientation.

Work: Offer medical and development assistance to rural Cambodians.

Introduction

According to figures of the UNDP, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in South-East Asia. Over 75% of the Cambodian population lives on less than 2 USD per day, with the figures for the countryside dramatically higher. Basic infrastructure is lacking and education levels are generally low. However, despite these problems young Cambodians are very dynamic and eager to engage themselves!

Early 2008, we decided to start up several volunteering projects in the Northern Cambodian countryside working with local and international NGOs as well as the provincial government of Oddar Meanchey.

In cooperation with the provincial public health department, we work in several remote areas to renovate several medical outpost/Health centers. In addition, we work on the follow up of a project initiated by the international development NGO Malteser, replenishing medical aid kits in over 60 village communities. For participants with a professional medical training, it will be possible to assist local medical staff in the Health centers or to organize first aid refresher training for villagers. 

Daily Life

Be prepared to get up early and come back late, as the medical outposts are quite far away from the eco-house and the roads in Cambodia are badly developed, especially in this part of the country!

In cooperation with our own full time coordinator we will create each week a special program for all people who are involved in this initiative. Activities can include a combination of:

· Basic construction/painting of the health centers
· HIV/AIDS awareness raising campaigns
· Work with the local medical staff (for those with relevant training)

Accommodation

You will be staying in an eco camp, situated close to a city centre where you will find all the amenities you could need i.e. internet, shops, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants. Please note that Cambodia is still a developing country and that the facilities may not be the same standard as in your home country.

The house sleeps 20 to 30 people.  It has single gender shared dorm rooms with the number of beds ranging from 3 to 8.  The centre has western style toilets, some in the room and some shared. Each bathroom has a shower and the water is always cool – nice and refreshing in the heat.  The centre has several communal areas, including a balcony and a garden where you can eat, relax and meet.
The house is within walking distance of a local shop and a make shift bar provided by the friendly locals.  

The doors and windows are screened (to protect you from mosquitoes). There are fans in the room.

For your valuables, we have lockers available. We strongly encourage you to use them, even if our centers are generally very safe.
There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.

All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Cambodian fare, including plenty of rice dishes.

Requirements

* Min age 18
* Minimum 2 weeks commitment - 25+ hours a week.
* Enthusiasm and interest to work in medicine and development
* Basic Spoken English
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas 

In order to guarantee your place on this project, you will need to pay a 20% non-refundable deposit (paid securely via Paypal). The remaining balance must be paid upon your arrival to the project. There is NO Commission added or Placement fee required.

Send us an email enquiry to find out more, or click the 'Join this Project' button below if you are ready to get involved.