Location:

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Education, Health, Social Services, Translation

Duration:

1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

Today, Cambodia continues to struggle after decades of war and corruption. Poverty, abandonment, and HIV/AIDS have led to an increase in the population of orphans. Young people remain vulnerable and do not receive sufficient attention from HIV/AIDS prevention organizations. With the help of international volunteers, Global Service Corps hopes to inform children in need about HIV/AIDS in order to keep future generations safe from the disease, as well provide support and life skills for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS in order to help them successfully integrate into Cambodian society when they leave the orphanage. The Global Service Corps International Health Program combines the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Program and the Orphanage Care Program, giving participants a unique opportunity to not only see firsthand how HIV/AIDS is affecting youth in Cambodia but also to help ensure healthy, positive futures for the most vulnerable children. International Health participants will lead essential workshops that teach Cambodian youth about HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. These life skills classes aim to empower the children of Cambodia to break away from lives of poverty and lead healthier lives free of HIV and drugs. Along with leading HIV/AIDS and health education workshops, International Health participants will also experience living and volunteering at a children's center that cares for poor and abandoned children, many of whom are HIV positive and receiving antiretroviral drugs. Volunteers become friends, mentors, and educators as they share their time and talents with the children, leading them in activities that can range from gardening to break dancing! While these children are already educated in HIV/AIDS, volunteers provide further support and life skills that will help them to successfully integrate into Cambodian society as they grow up and leave the center. The Cambodia International Health Program is available throughout the year, and requires a minimum commitment of three weeks, allowing five days for cultural orientation and training followed by at least one week in the HIV/AIDS program and one week in the orphanage care program.

All participants begin their program with a five-day cultural orientation and training. Khmer language lessons are included in the orientation as well as a guided tour of historical and cultural sites that will provide insight into the storied history of Cambodia. Prior to departure, International Health volunteers receive the GSC Cambodia HIV/AIDS Prevention Manual. The manual serves to educate volunteers on HIV/AIDS in Cambodia and is full of teaching tips, including sample lesson plans and time tested games and activities. Volunteers will not only become knowledgeable of the issues but also effective trainers.

Participants discover Cambodia by living, working, and learning with Cambodian people in their own communities. They are immersed in the local culture and enjoy language lessons, cultural orientation, and technical trainings. By sharing their time, talents, experience, and knowledge, volunteers transform their own lives as well as the lives of the local community members.

Setting Description:

During the first week of orientation, participants will be housed in a local hotel/guesthouse in Phnom Penh. After orientation, you will either stay in a guesthouse or in your placement’s on-site accommodations (for the Orphanage Care and Buddhist Immersion Programs). All accommodations are shared with same-sex volunteers.