Palmera Projects
Cambodia
Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia
How Much: Airfares and Accommodation
When: Mid December 2010 (TBC)
Contact: Rhamya Logeswaran
Contact Email:
Palmera Projects is offering people the opportunity to participate in teaching English classes and helping with organisation infrastructure at the Volunteer Development Children's Association (VDCA) in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This Volunteer Program is a great way to learn about Cambodia, its culture and share the skills and knowledge, you have been privileged enough to acquire, with those less fortunate.
About Volunteer Development Children's Association (VDCA)
This is a school started by two monks in 2004. The focus of the school is free English education for any child. Poor English competency is a barrier to gaining employment in the hospitality industry in Siem Reap. However most children who can afford to pay the approximate 20c it costs to attend the school can only afford one English class per week. Thus by giving these children 5 classes a week these children have much higher chances of being able to gain employment and even gain entry into further education.
Our program is ideal if you are:
• Over 18
• Motivated to make a difference
• Interested in learning about Cambodia
• Interested in teaching in third world environments
• Enjoy interacting with and teaching children
• Able to bring knowledge, creativity and a positive spirit to the children
• Able to easily adapt to new cultures and teaching styles
What can I do at the school?
It is important to remember you are there to help with their vision. You may make suggestions but it is not your role to force modern methodology and structure. It is also important to note that things move at a slower rate in Cambodia. Change must be gentle.
Teaching:
This project is flexible. A timetable can be worked out so that you can have time to relax and sightsee, as well as maintain your teaching commitments. VDCA classes run from 2-7pm, however you are not expected to teach a full day. As long as a short preparation for the classes ahead is completed (30mins - 60mins), we expect a commitment of 2 hours a day as a minimum. How much you choose is up to you!
The age group ranges from 4 to 25 years old. You will be allocated your class/classes by the onsite Palmera volunteer. Depending on how involved you want to be, your can help the teachers with the daily errands of the school. Each class should have one Khmer (local) teacher who you will support will either help translate your classes or who will guide the class for which you will then help with grammar and translation.
Fun Day Friday:
This is the most exciting day of the school week! Fridays at VDCA are filled with fun and creative games with the students. Whilst normally you would assist the local Khmer teacher with the class, Fridays are for you to take control. Students are always happy to participate, and wait anxiously as to what games await them! Some ideas for games are bowling, hangman, spelling bees, spelling bingo, and sports!
Other Possible Projects
Palmera Cambodia is branching out beyond VDCA, and wants to give more to Cambodia. If your interests extend beyond a teaching experience, or if you are looking for projects to work on over time and sink your teeth in, the projects listed below may be of some interest to you.
One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Program in Cambodia:
In conjunction with OLPC Australia, Palmera will be doing research into an appropriate NGO in Cambodia to set up the OLPC program. OLPC provides laptops specially designed by MIT which assist children of third world countries in educating themselves. This particular project will involve raising funds for a "twinning" project in which every laptop that is puchased for a child in Cambodia, there is one purchased for an impoverished child in Australia. Helping two countries in one! Once funds are raised, .
Dental Program:
Palmera is currently undertaking research into setting up a dental program in Siem Reap. Priorities of this project will include relieving pain from rotting teeth and education of proper dental hyigene to students of VDCA. If you are a dentist, or would like to be involved in fundraising for this, this could be the perfect ongoing program to get involved in. Execution of this program is planned for 2010/2011.
How long is the volunteer program and when is it?
Program dates: Mid December 2010 (TBC)
How does the program work?
After sending an expression of interest to the volunteer coordinator, a Palmera representative will be in contact with you to discuss program dates. Prior to departure, volunteers will meet regularly to discuss their impending trip, meet previous volunteers and part take in some pre-departure training (including basic teacher training and cultural etiquette).
To be eligible as a volunteer, candidates will need to fill out a questionnaire, and have a casual interview with someone from the Palmera Cambodia team. Places are limited, so we recommend you get your application in early.
Do I have to speak Khmer?
No, there is no need to speak Khmer as you will have a Khmer teacher with you in class. It is also quite easy to get around Siem Reap in English.
Fundraising for the school
It is a requirement that volunteers fundraise for the school before they leave. If you would like to contribute to a particular aspect of the school we can assist this for a particular project.
Costs
Volunteers cover their own airfares and accommodation. Airfares fluctuate, depending on the time of travel, from $800 - $1500. We suggest you book early for the best rates!
Internal Travel and Food
Travel is by Tuk Tuk (motorbike driven carts) and is around 2 U.S Dollars from the main street of Siem Reap to the School, and return. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Siem Reap due to the European influence. Food is very affordable, you can eat for a couple of dollars a day.
Accommodation
There is clean accommodation to suit any budget. If you are travelling with another person (s), the price is even cheaper and you maybe able to get resort style accommodation for low prices.
Budget $10 - $15 per night
Medium $15 - $40 per night
High $40 - $100 per night
Luxury $100 - $400 per night
If this sounds like an adventure you would like to embark on, drop us an email at