Volunteer in Cambodia
What will I be doing?
You’ll be working alongside local people to build new classrooms to help improve access to education for children living in Pursat.
You don’t need any building experience to take part - just enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and the desire to make a difference!
Optional extension: Siem Reap
Sat 6 - Wed 10 November
from £390 (based on a minimum of 10 participants)
Visit Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temples, where you will spend three days exploring the famous temples and surrounding area. Among the one thousand temples is the jaw-dropping Angkor Wat, said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. You will also visit the temple of Ta Prohm, which was used as a location in the film Tomb Raider.
When you are not exploring the temples, you will have time to enjoy the relaxed Cambodian pace of life and soak up the magic of the country.
Optional extension 2: Battambang
Sat 6 - Wed 10 November
from £420 (based on a minimum of 10 participants)
Despite Battambang being Cambodia's second-largest city, it has much more of a small town feel and is full Cambodian charm. Climb the Wat Phnom Banan temple and reap the rewards of stunning views of the Sangker river, rolling rice fields and sugar palm trees when you reach the top. You'll also have a chance to visit Phnom Sampeau and the famous bat caves!
When you are not riding the bamboo train, there will be time to relax by the tranquil river and perhaps catch an unmissable performance by the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus.
Why Cambodia?
29%
29% of women are not literate compared to 15% of men.
33%
33% of the population lives on less than US$1 a day.
18%
18% of children are involved in child labour.
Brother and sister in Pursat, western Cambodia
Alberto Marotta/ActionAid
How your support helps
You will help to build much-needed classrooms at Put Tream school to help improve access to education for children living in Pursat, western Cambodia.
Low literacy levels remains a huge barrier for those living in poverty in Cambodia. Many children are unable to go to school because they either need to start work from a young age to support their family, or the distance to school is too far for them to walk safely.
In Pursat, ActionAid has been working with parents in local communities to educate them about their children's right to a good education, and how important it is. Many parents have since become more committed to supporting their children to go to school.
However, at Put Tream school, children are still missing out on the education they deserve as the school buildings are not fit for purpose. They are poorly constructed from wood and tin, meaning lessons are often cancelled, especially when there is heavy rain.
By building new classrooms, you will give more children the chance to learn in a safe and more productive environment.
Page updated 27 July 2021
