Siem Reap, Cambodia
July 31–August 14, 2010
This is a project that will allow volunteers to participate in several aspects of Cambodian culture—from living in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, to building in a small community where farming is the primary occupation. This experience will enhance each individual’s understanding of Cambodia, and it will create friendships with a group of interesting people who have a positive outlook on the world.
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Habitat homeowner Thach Pheurk, 52, says, "We are happy now that we have this house. We feel more secure with our lives."
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About Cambodia
Cambodia is located in southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The mighty Mekong River dominates the country’s fertile landscape, and the Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the most treasured and visited sites in the entire region.
Ninety percent of Cambodia's population is ethnically Cambodian, and Theravada Buddhism is the religion of about 95 percent of the people. Khmer is the official language, though French is still spoken in urban areas, and English is increasingly popular as a second language. The climate in Cambodia is tropical.
This Global Village team will be volunteering in Siem Reap, in northwest Cambodia. The city’s historic core features both French and Chinese architecture and is the fastest-growing city in Cambodia. Siem Reap is also the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the ancient Khmer dynasty’s capital that includes the Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
About Habitat for Humanity Cambodia
HFH Cambodia aims to reduce poverty by empowering communities to improve their access to affordable and basic services and better living conditions. Habitat has already started a program of building new homes and rehabilitating existing homes in Cambodia.
Still, housing problems are widespread. In Cambodia, rural households account for nearly 90 percent of the country's poor, with 85 percent of the population living in rural areas. In Siem Reap, thousands of rural families who have moved to the city for job opportunities live in substandard housing.
Types of construction for volunteers
Cambodian Habitat houses are usually 31.5 square meters. The walls are made from fired brick with reinforced concrete post. The layout consists of a living room, bedroom, kitchen and a toilet.
Work on a Global Village trip may involve laying bricks and mixing mortar, digging foundations, pouring cement or plastering the walls. It is a fun and extremely rewarding way to contribute to Cambodian society.
Standard itinerary
July 31, Saturday: Depart for Cambodia.
August 1, Sunday: Arrive in Siem Reap.
August 2, Monday: Travel to work site; welcome and orientation with local staff.
August 3–6, Tuesday–Friday: Begin work; travel to work site; work from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; dinner at local restaurant; individual free time or team activities.
August 7–8, Saturday–Sunday: Cultural activities and site seeing.
August 9–11, Monday–Wednesday: Regular work schedule.
August 12, Thursday: Half-day work; house dedication and farewell activities.
August 13, Friday: Farewell; free time in Siem Reap.
August14, Saturday: Depart for home.
Accommodations
Global Village teams to Cambodia can expect to stay in a local hotel with team members sharing rooms and bathrooms. Breakfast and dinner are usually eaten at the hotel or at a local restaurant, and lunch is usually provided by the affiliate and taken on the work site.
Trip cost
$1,900
Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant air fare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated air fare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant air fare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).
Team leader
Hugh Mitchell is a former Peace Corps Volunteer and has led six Global Village teams. He has been a leader on other overseas volunteer projects as well.
For more information about this GV trip, contact Hugh via phone at 253-752-2802 or by e-mail at hiunuku@comcast.net.