Building and Construction Volunteer Project in Cambodia, Samraong

• Improve the quality of life for underprivileged citizens in and around Samraong
• Assist the locals with construction and renovation efforts in an organised team
• Create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals
• Gain practical experience in light renovation work

To book an activity with us we require you to participate for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you would need to book a quantity of two for this activity, unless you choose a separate activity to go with it. See the ‘Related trips…’ section for more options.

Construction Effort in Samraong

On this project, you will get your hands dirty with construction assignments. Our main construction focus is working at our own school, which has been allocated as an education resource for the children of poor villagers. This school was built with the support and sweat equity of helpers like yourself, along with skilled local tradesmen. Today, more than three hundred children attend classes here daily. Despite previous efforts, the work here is far from done and we continue to construct new buildings, pathways, toilets, walls, drainage systems for rain run-off, etc. to meet the needs of all those using the facility.

Those with an artistic talent can help decorate the walls by creating murals and paintings of their home countries and cultures. We have a feeling that this will be a nice way of reflecting the good, hard work that has been done by people like yourself over previous  years.

Other construction efforts might be carried out in the local village (renovating and building houses and sanitation facilities) or working on construction projects at the local hospital – this very much depends on the needs of the particular time. So what you can expect from your efforts is to be directing and implementing your construction skills wherever they are needed most!

Activities focus on light construction work and you will be expected to help paint the school buildings, make tables & chairs, construct and renovate the playground, make pathways, build toilets, repair the school walls and help build new classrooms. You can look forward to working out in the local community, if construction and renovation jobs arise.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check

It is required that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details).

Start dates are every week of the year with your activities starting on a Monday. Saturday or Sunday between 06:00 – 16:00 to be met upon landing by our team. Flight arrivals after 22:00 will incur an additional fee for pickup. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation, so arriving on the Sunday will be your better option.

Your trip will finish on the Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.

Schedule

Monday to Friday

After breakfast, you will head off to the construction project; this will mainly be at our school, homes of local residents and local community facilities. There you will be briefed on your tasks for the day by our coordinator. You can expect to engage in construction and renovation work at the project location for 4-5 hours per day with a lunch break in between. Lunch can be at our accommodation or near the project site.

Location

Samraong, which name translates from Khmer into “impenetrable jungle”, is a town located in northwestern Cambodia, close to the border with Thailand. You will be located in a small, rural village located in the outskirts of town. This remote location will give you a taste of what rural Cambodia looks and feels like, while at the same time allowing you to explore some of Cambodia’s highlights, as Siem Reap is located only two hours away.

About the Accommodation

The accommodation in Samraong is simple and natural. There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. However, there are some places that you can do laundry in the town for a small cost. All locations have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants or use the free Wifi. Requests for specific locations or room configurations cannot be guaranteed. There are bikes available, which you can use to explore the area during your free time!

For participants desiring more comfort and/or privacy, families, couples, and more mature participants, we recommend upgrading to a comfort room. These rooms have more amenities and may be in a different location than the standard rooms, which means that it may be noticeably quieter.

Available room types

* 3 meals on weekdays, 2 on weekends
** Drinking water, coffee and tea
*** At an extra cost in local launderettes

Food Arrangements

Prepare your palate! During your stay the meals will be typical Cambodian style, which includes plenty of rice and noodle dishes. On a few occasions there may be meat, but generally speaking there is no western food served. Vegetarian options are available.

Facilities

There are ATMs in Samraong, as well as a bank. There are numerous local shops where you can get all the basics you might need during your stay. Depending on the location of your accommodation, these may be accessible within a 10 – 15 minute bike ride or walk.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
• Khmer Do’s and Don’ts, Khmer Culture Lessons and Khmer Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Lunch
• Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project.

Activities & Events

No scheduled activities outside the programme.

Sights & Surroundings

There is a nearby park where you can relax or play volleyball with locals during your free time. Further away is Siem Reap, which is two hours away from the accommodation. Participants often choose to head there during the weekends to explore the famous Angkor Wat and more!

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):

• Siem Reap
• Kampot
• Banteay Chhmar

Accommodation
You will live at a shared volunteer house, basic but comfortable; with a shared bedroom, toilet and shower and communal area for socialising and relaxing

Food
Three meals a day on weekdays and two meals a day on weekends

Airport Transfers
Included on arrival and support provided on your departure. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Induction
Full project induction and local orientation on arrival

Project Coordinator
You will have someone who can help translate for you during your project

Donation
Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring further donation, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Spending Money
• Independent In-country Travel
• Extra Activities not on the itinerary

Preferred Duration
There is no preferred duration but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit.

Pre-requisites
No prior experience or qualifications are required, but an interest in building/renovation, community projects, and a desire to help others is required. It is important that you can speak English. All participants require a CRB check to take part in the project activities.

Ideal for
Renovation and Construction Placements in Asia; Community Work and Activity Breaks in Cambodia; Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in Asia; and Student Summer Holidays in Cambodia.

Suitable for ages 18 to 70