Care for Kids in Cambodia with i-to-i

via CAAI News Media

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Cambodia has emerged from its grim history to become one of the world’s coolest travel destinations. But amid the magnificent temples and funky cafes, there is still biting poverty – personified by the many thousands of homeless children. i-to-i is calling on travellers to volunteer with education and community projects in Phnom Penh to help these kids share in their country’s bright future.

i-to-i’s volunteer projects in Cambodia’s capital aim to broaden the horizons of underprivileged youngsters through providing mentoring, coaching and education. For volunteers, it’s a way to contribute to the kids’ – and the country’s - future, as well as gaining an insight to Cambodian culture that most tourists would never experience.

“Volunteering brings a new level of understanding to anyone’s travel experience: it’s a chance to see a place through the locals’ eyes and to gain a much deeper understanding of the culture,” explained Mat Lewis, General Manager of i-to-i Australasia.

“Our programs also make a significant impact on the people we work with – our volunteers help teach hundreds of underprivileged children each year. It’s a positive outcome all around.”

In the past year, 108 i-to-i volunteers have dedicated 384 weeks (around 7.4 years) of their time to help teach and care for orphans in Cambodia.

Various projects run throughout the city, and volunteers can stay from three up to 12 weeks, helping to teach the children English and basic life skills; playing games and generally looking after them. i-to-i works with locally-operated homes which provide safe shelter, education and vocational training for orphans and street children. Volunteers’ participation costs also help to provide clothing, medical care and three meals a day.

No previous experience is necessary to volunteer - just flexibility, motivation and a genuine love of children. All volunteers undertake an on-line TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course before leaving home to help them prepare lesson plans and to provide the basic skills needed to teach English.

Activities at the project vary according to the volunteers’ skills and interests and the needs of the individual project. But there is plenty of spare time to explore Phnom Penh and the many other wonders of Cambodia.

The Help Teach and Care for Children in Cambodia project costs $1499 for three weeks, and $295 per additional week. This includes share accommodation in a guesthouse; airport pickup; in-country orientation; emergency support and an on-line TEFL course.