Experi

ence

two a

mazing

voluntee

r opportunitie

s

CAMBODIANVILLAGE LIFE

ProgramBook

WHY VOLUNTEER

IN CAMBODIA?More than one quarter

of Cambodians live below the poverty line,

earning less than $1.25 per day.

Malnutrition is the main cause of child mortality and illness in Cambodia.

Only 24% of Cambodian children eat an appropriate diet.

Only 15% of rural Cambodians have access to adequate sanitation, and 35% do not have

access to safe water. About 23% of young women and 16%

of young men are illiterate.

“After seeing the finished project of

the house we completed, I felt accomplished. To be able to finish a

house in 4 days was absolutely amazing! I do think that I made a worthwhile

contribution.” —Lili

CAN YOU MAKE A

DIFFERENCE? Yes! Every person has the ability to make a

difference, and this is your opportunity to reach out and help! Between 2011-2013 volunteers

with Reach Out Volunteers have been able to build 18 houses for impoverished families and at risk adolescents, they installed clean-water

catchments and sanitation systems; they created simple food sources – such as fishing

ponds – and re-built flood damaged homes.

From homes to classrooms, from new food sources to supplies of clean water and

medications, each of our activities has made a real difference.

Watching th

at build

ing finall

y

come t

ogether on

the l

ast day

was

the most

inspiring feeli

ng. I just

wanted

to go s

tart a

nother house!

—Kris

ty

WHERE IN CAMBODIA

WILL I BE? Volunteers will be based in Siem

Reap and working in a village about 30 minutes from the city, near

the remains of ancient Angkor. A thousand years ago, Angkor was the world’s largest city, with a population

of 750,000 – it was ten times the size of medieval Paris and London combined. Now only the stunning temples of this city, the UNESCO

listed Angkor Wat complex, remain in the jungle near Siem Reap.

“I ENJOYED THE VILLAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM IMMENSELY.

HELPING OUT AT THE VILLAGE, BUILDING THE HUT, SPENDING TIME WITH THE CHILDREN AND HELPING THEM WITH THEIR ENGLISH WERE

ALL VERY REWARDING TASKS, AND I HAVE HAD A GREAT TIME HERE.”

—Brittany

“I enjoyed both the visit to Angkor Wat and the Floating Village – particularly the

floating village as we really got a taste of the Cambodian

culture. Climbing the tree out at the bird sanctuary was a

really eye opening experience.”—Alana

Siem Reap is a small city with Khmer and Chinese-influenced architecture. The Old French

Quarter boasts local and international restaurants and cafes, while the vibrant Old Market, known for its spectacular food stands, offers everything from spices to clothes to housewares. In the city you will discover traditional Apsara dance performances,

craft shops, and even silk farms. Siem Reap, surrounded by rice paddies and fishing villages,

is near Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and the Prek Toal bird sanctuary.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING? Weeks 1 & 2 Village Project:

During your program you will be living in Siem Reap and taking a tuk tuk (a motorcycle with a trailer) from your guesthouse

to a village approximately 30 minutes away, travelling along rice fields on the only dirt road into the village.

There you will be working side by side with the villagers as they share their daily routine. Traditional Khmer house construction will occur under

the guidance of local craftsmen. You’ll also be shopping in the local market and preparing lunch in village homes, enjoying the hospitality and gratitude of these Khmer villagers as you provide opportunities for shelter and education for those in need. We follow priorities set by

the village elders to improve the facilities and life enhancing skills to disadvantaged rural children and orphans. You will also be

working at the local village school, interacting with the children, playing sports, helping them improve

their vital English skills. Depending on the needs the community set, you might also be building new

pig-pens or student shelters.

Once the construction phase of the building is completed you may work on other projects according to local needs,

for instance digging and installing a fish pond where local fish are cultivated and developed as a future food

source; or digging, planting and fencing a vegetable area for sustainable crops; or planting and harvesting rice

from the village paddies. The work is not gender based, everyone is treated as a tradesman. But you’ll need strong working gloves, as western hands can be soft and prone to

blisters in no time at all.

You will really become a part of this vibrant community, and at the end of two weeks you will share a celebration

with the village as they thank you for your time, your contribution and for really making a difference to the

quality of their lives. It will be time for partying and dancing – Khmer style.

“The Cambodian culture is AMAZING, i literally have no words. I have

learnt so much through these people and the kids of the village. They truly were an inspiration for me.”

—Pritika

ACTIVITIESYour program is full of activities to ensure you are

immersed in Khmer culture.

Siem Reap is home to one of the wonders of the world: Angkor Wat. Your itinerary will make sure

you get to the view the temples of Angkor – for example Ta Prohm (featured in Tomb Raider)

and Bayon (famous for its 37 free-standing towers).

Additional activities include Khmer language classes, a Khmer cooking class, Apsara dancing, a history lesson

on Khmer people and their fascinating past, temple blessings and much more!

To really immerse your self in the daily routine of Siem Reap we have organised walks and bike rides. The flat central plain makes it an ideal place to explore. You’ll get to take your time moving through the villages and outlying areas of the city. Children will run out to meet you on the village

roads and their parents may even practice their English on you! You’ll also get the opportunity to visit local markets,

or even stop for a massage.

“It is the most rewarding experience you will ever have.”

—Kristy

You will also visit the great lake of Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South- east Asia. It is an ecological hot spot

designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. In fact, 16% of Cambodia’s GDP comes from fishing in this lake, and it is home to a vibrant mix of floating villages, inhabited by Khmer, Vietnamese

and Cham ethnic groups. Tonlé Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From

November to May, Cambodia’s dry season, Tonlé Sap drains its waters collected from the Himalayas into the Mekong River at

Phnom Penh. When the rains begin in June, the Tonlé Sap backs up to form an enormous lake. You will visit the floating villages at the edge of the lake and have an optional choice of a canoe ride

through the floating forests.

“DEFINITELY, IT WAS A FABULOUS EXPERIENCE AND I CAN’T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF MY TWO WEEKS IN SIEM REAP.”

—Brittany

You will also get the opportunity

on program to visit a local Carnival to see how the

Cambodian’s spend their free time. There will be carnival

style rides including a Ferris wheel and roller coaster if you’re brave! While at the

carnival why not try your hand at some carnival games, visit the market stalls, or try some of the delicious local food on offer. You might even be lucky enough to find some stir-fried

crickets to try!

Did you know that fried Tarantula is a specialty of

Cambodia! Will you be game to try one? When in Cambodia.....

“I’d say if you love working with

people and want to make a difference, you

should do a ROV program as it is probably one of the best

decisions I have ever made. I hope go on another ROV trip

in the future.”—Asleigh

BLOG: LIVE FROM CAMBODIA!

Want to know what your life will be like in Cambodia? Check out current and past

blogs to find out how a Cambodian program operates. When it’s 6 a.m. in New York, it’s 5

p.m. in the afternoon in Siem Reap!

Communication with home can be tricky – but that’s where the ROV blogs can fill the

void: we provide daily updates with snippets of news and lots of photos! The blogs are

updated daily while you’re in Cambodia so your friends and family can see what you’re

up to. All they need to do is go to to www.rovolunteers.com and choose your program (Volunteer Cambodia: Village Life) and click on the “Live from Cambodia” tab

(on the far right).

“The most memorable part of the program was being able to meet people from all over the world with the same goal, to make a

difference in someone’s lives. In 14 short days, strangers

became family and I will forever cherish the memories

from this trip.”—Lili

“the program was incredible, the balance of volunteering but also

seeing the culture and the sights was well managed and allowed us

to experience Cambodia while also contributing

to the community.”—Jodi

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

The history of Cambodia is still being written today with the country

rebounding and emerging from the nightmare of the Killing Fields

THE PEOPLE AND LOCATION

The Khmers

The majority of Cambodians are Khmers, and descend from the Khmer Empire that once extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its peak between the 10th and 13th

centuries. This is the civilization that built Angkor, which was once the world’s largest city. After a long period of decline – fuelled initially by

Thai and Cham attacks – Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863. After 1887 it was

part of French Indochina. Following the Japanese occupation during World War II, Cambodia gained

full independence from France in 1953.

“Absol

utely a

mazing ex

perience,

definite

ly worthwhile

!!!!”

—Lau

ren

Flights For flight and airport information don’t forget to check your Get Ready page which will be available when you pay your

deposit. If you are extending your program it is very important that you email the ROV office to confirm your arrival and

departure airports before you book your airline tickets.

Visas A Cambodian tourist visa is purchased on arrival for around US$25. Make sure you have an extra two passport photos in your hand luggage. Cambodians operate on a dual currency,

but prefer U.S. dollars, so we recommend that you bring cash. A valid ATM or credit card can also be used at the airport

ATM (which dispenses U.S. dollars). Note that if you plan to use your ATM or credit card in Cambodia, you should let your

bank know ahead of time to avoid blocked transactions.

Insurance Although our programs are safe, take the stress out of your

trip by making sure you are fully covered for any unexpected health or travel problems that might arise, including cover

for emergency flights and hospital visits.

GETTING READYWeather

The months of November to January are dry in Cambodia. Humidity levels are low and there is little rainfall. Daytime temperatures are mild, while the nights are cool. The hot

months are April to May, with temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to (more often) 40°C (104°F). In July, monsoons bring rain and humidity that last until October. All this water means Angkor

is surrounded by fertile land and lush foliage, but rain can also make it difficult to access the villages where we work.

What to bringThink about your favourite clothes, shoes and handbags

– and then discard those thoughts! Think practical, comfortable, and easy to wash. Think work clothes, work gloves, hats and sunscreen. Your program will involve lots

of hard, practical work, and you won’t require precious garments or flashy jewellery.

It’s about sun protection, easy wear, and no hassle. This information is also located within your “Get Ready” page,

located on your Volunteer Launchpad.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS• Will there be mosquito nets? No, however in Siem reap you will be in

air conditioned rooms so you can close your windows at night.

• Will I be met at the airport? We will collect you on the day you arrive, and drop you off at the airport on the day of departure.

• Can you wear singlets (tank tops) shorts, bikinis? No!

• Can we bring toys and other small gifts? Yes!

• Do we need bedding? No!

• Do we need vaccinations? Ask your doctor.

• Will I have electricity / adaptors? Not all the time, but often enough to charge your cameras, phones and iPods.

• Will there be wifi? Not all the time.

• Will there be big insects / dangerous animals? Not in Siem Reap.

• Do we need to arrange transport for departing flights? No!

• Can I bring a suitcase? We recommend a backpack.

• Do I need insurance? Yes!

• What things / clothing should I bring with me to donate in the village? Children’s clothes and shoes. Early childhood-development and educational materials

such as books, crayons, and pencils. Sports equipment. Running shoes and clothes.

• Isn’t Cambodia dangerous? Cambodia (a predominantly Buddhist country) has very little civil unrest.

FUNDRAISING Because of volunteers like you, we can provide employment for local tradespeople, medication for children, materials for building projects, donations for anti-poaching activities, and

money for local infrastructure (accommodation providers, activities, transport, etc.). Every cent helps the local people.

We need your help to make a difference.

Many volunteers fundraise for their Reach Out Volunteer program. That means not one cent has come out of their

pocket. Your fundraising materials will be available to you once you have paid your deposit or uploaded your priority

code to your profile. We also like using crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe

— be sure to embed Reach Out videos and links to our website to give people an idea of what they’re contributing to.

People will want to help you help others: all you have to do is put

yourself out there!

“Definitely do it! It would be the best time of their lives and they

would meet people and make memories that they would never

forget for the rest of their lives.”—Olivia

SAFETYEvery aspect of your program has safety

as its highest priority.

We organise your program from start to finish. If you arrive at the airport on the day the program commences, there

will be a Reach Out Volunteer representative to meet you.

The Reach Out Volunteer team leader will be with your group for the entire duration of the program and

will be available 24/7 to help in any situation.

You will be living in a shared, same-sex room (whenever it is available), in clean, hygienic,

and safe accommodations.

You will have constant access to safe drinking water.

If you choose an extension (with the exception Of Laos), Reach Out Volunteers will provide on ground transportation

to the next program location, where a Reach Out Volunteer representative will meet you.

READY TO JOIN?

If you haven’t already applied for the program, you

Once you have been accepted, you will need to pay the deposit to confirm your place.

We’re waiting to welcome you to our team!

“Reach Out is particularly special because they immerse you into the culture and get

you personally involved so you see the first hand difference that you have made.”

—Taylor

© 2014 Reach Out Volunteers

Pty Ltd

can do so through our website: www.rovolunteers.com/volunteer_payments/signup.php