Volunteer with Children’s Art Center in Cambodia (Ages 18+)

Cambodia is a country of treasures. Temples, relaxed beaches, fresh seafood and a welcoming vibe all lend to the unique atmosphere of this tropical location. After emerging from the war and chaos that plagued this country in the 1970's, Cambodia is finally enjoying a period of stability. Its tumultuous history has given Cambodia a haunted past, and the buildings scarred by these violent times are a reminder that Cambodia was not always the laid-back place we see today. Such contrasts make Cambodia a destination rich in character.

Volunteering with the Children's Art Center in Cambodia is a way to help children experience a safe, supportive environment, while immersing yourself in a culture that will leave you spellbound. Near the town of Sihanoukville, where the Center is located, participants are surrounded by a heaping dose of sun, sand and surf, making this program an exciting travel experience.

"In Sihanoukville, we reveled in the pleasures that the rest of the coast, however, lovely, had denied us: white sand beaches, shopping, non-restaurant-based night life." Read more about this beautiful town in "Banishing the Ghosts in Cambodia," New York Times, published March 15, 2009.

Program Costs

4 weeks: $ 1,160
8 weeks: $ 1,790
12 weeks: $ 2,190

Volunteer Abroad Program Fees

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.

Included	Not Included
Lodging	Airfare
Arrival pick-up at airport	In-country transportation
Medical/accident insurance	Phone cards
24-hour emergency staff	Meals (except some lunches
Pre-departure and arrival orientation
Full assistance of project staff

Project Details
Greenheart Travel’s volunteer program in Cambodia is ideal for adult participants who have skills and experience with the arts and enjoy working with children. Founded by a professional artist, this non profit NGO is based on the belief that education and creative expression are antidotes to poverty and exploitation. The art center provides neglected, abused and impoverished children ages 5 to 15 with the opportunity to develop their imaginations and skills through painting. The center is a safe, stable and emotionally supportive social environment that aims to help ease the stress and chaos the children experience in their everyday lives.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Assisting the children with their art projects, including but not limited to:

o Texture rubbings, wax resist
o Hand or foot prints
o Portraiture, still life drawing and painting
o Landscape/open air painting
o Folding and constructing with paper
o Collage
o Construction with found objects
o Kite making, painting and flying
o Sand sculpture
o Crushing natural minerals to make pigments
o Group mural, painting or mosaic project

• Instructing children on various painting techniques
• Leading sports activities: Volley ball, soccer, racket ball, swimming
• Tutoring children in math, English and computer skills

Accommodation and Meals
Volunteers stay in a clean, pleasant guest house designed to accommodate up to 6 volunteers at one time. It contains a fully equipped kitchen, indoor plumbing and a living room with television.

Meals are not provided; however, food is plentiful and inexpensive in the area, and volunteers are encouraged to use the kitchen to prepare food if they wish. Volunteers are invited to eat lunch with the children if they like each day the center is open.

Location
The project is located in a beautiful coastal area of Southern Cambodia near Sihoukanville, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Sihoukanville is a short bus ride from Phnom Penh. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in Phnom Penh in the afternoon, so volunteers stay overnight in a guesthouse and take the bus to Sihoukanville the next day, where project staff meet them at the station.

Language lessons
Private lessons in Kmer language are offered by the English-speaking staff at the center. 

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.

Dates, Duration and Application Deadlines
The program is available year-round and volunteers may choose their own start dates. The project runs for 4-12 weeks in length. Applications are due at least 8 weeks prior to your intended start date.