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"Glory Build"

Cambodia – February 2024

10th - 17th February 2024

Battambang

Cambodia

Registrations close by January 5, 2024

In central northwest Cambodia lies the charming province of Battambang (pronounced “Battam-BONG”), which literally means “loss of stick”, in reference to a legend of the Kranhoung Stick King. Battambang city is situated on the tranquil Sangkae River that winds its way picturesquely through the province. Battambang boasts five impressive Khmer temples and is home to some of the best preserved French Colonial architecture in the country. It is also an area of agricultural prowess, of lush green paddy fields and delicious cuisine, which has earnt Battambang the affectionate nickname “rice bowl”.

Within the picturesque landscape of busy cottage industries and cultural abundance, lives a population of around 250,000 people, of which 50% exists below the poverty line. Many families live in poorly constructed buildings without access to basic facilities like a clean water supply or proper sanitation. Most of the poor urban communities have little formal education, no financial resources and lack vital skills to sustain a livelihood.

Habitat for Humanity works closely with vulnerable families in Battambang to improve their access to safe and secure housing. Beyond the immediate impacts of having a safe and secure home, – privacy, security, climate protection, and more – comes improved physical and mental health, livelihood, social cohesion, education, food security, economic growth, risk reduction and resilience. Global Village volunteers work shoulder-to-shoulder with the partner families which include those living with illnesses, child-headed households and the elderly, to make their dream of having a decent place to live a reality. You will build more than homes, you will build communities and futures.

Through shelter, we empower.

Sample Itinerary

10th – 17th February

Saturday: Arrive in Siem Reap

Your build week begins today with your arrival in Siem Reap! Habitat will arrange your transfer from Siem Reap Airport to the hotel, where you have time to unpack and unwind. Take yourself on a walk to acquaint yourself with the city before heading back to the hotel for dinner. You will finally get to meet your fellow volunteers, your Team Leader and the Habitat for Humanity coordinator who will be accompanying you for the week. Habitat for Humanity staff will give you a thorough orientation for the week ahead, including construction safety and building tips.

Sunday: Travel to Battambang

After a good night’s sleep the team will depart for the project location in Battambang after breakfast! Habitat will organise a cultural activity for you all to enjoy and a special for dinner with the team. This is your opportunity to get to know one another and get excited to spend the week working together. Make sure you have a good rest to prepare for your first day on site the following day!

Monday: Begin construction of the house

Arriving on the build site for your first day of construction, you’ll meet the family whose home you will be helping to construct, and will have the opportunity to learn about their stories. The construction supervisor and local labourers will show you the ropes, and you can get started on the house construction. There will be rest breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, which will all be provided on site. You can stop for a drink of water and a break as often as you need. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a team dinner and a well-earned rest!

Tuesday to Thursday: Full days building with your teammates

For the next few days you will see the new house take shape. You will be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one week. From laying bricks to mixing cement and rendering walls, there are plenty of ways to contribute. Each night we will take you to some local restaurants, where you can unwind with the team and get to know one another better. The evenings are a chance to relax and recharge your batteries for the following day’s work.

Friday: The handover ceremony and celebration

The final day of building is emotional for everyone involved. You will add the finishing touches to the house and maybe even add some celebratory decorations too. You will welcome the partner family to their new home and reflect together on the contribution that you have all made. You will share a special farewell lunch with the whole team and the partner families. This is the time to celebrate all your hard work and imagine the new life that the partner family will have in the home that you have built. Be sure to bring tissues; there won’t be a dry eye in the house! After lunch, the team will make the return journey to Siem Reap for their final night and celebrate the team effort and the end of an incredible week with your group.

Saturday: Global Village concludes

Today you will depart for home or further adventures. You might like to combine your build with travel to other overseas destinations or indulge in some well-deserved R&R. Although your trip has come to a close, you will be left with amazing memories and long lasting friendships that will keep the experience alive.

Financial Contribution

Fundraising

Fundraising target: $1,800

Once you register to a Global Village build you commit to fundraising $1,800 for Habitat’s Programs. This program donation allows Habitat to fund our mission in countries where resources are very limited. Funding is used to support our operations so that we can reach out and serve more households.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and goes towards families through a wider program in the Asia Pacific region.

Fundraising contribution deadline: One month before build start date

Costs

Registration fee: $200, which you pay when you select a build.

This covers medical and evacuation insurance, your online fundraising page and a build pack to get you on your way.

In-country expenses: Estimated between $780 – $1000 (twin – single share accommodation)

These expenses can be fundraised separately from the fundraising above but these donations are not tax deductible. This amount will go towards the budget that your Team Leader and the Habitat host country will devise to cover your accommodation, meals, bottled water, ground transportation and local activities for the week.

In-country expenses payment due 6 weeks before build start date

What’s Included

- Habitat branded T-shirt and cap
- Accommodation
- All meals for the week
- Transportation to and from site
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Snacks and water
- All necessary building materials and safety equipment
- 24 hour support
- Insurance whilst on the build site

What’s Not Included

Volunteers are responsible for booking these on their own:

Flights to and from the country
Travel Insurance for before and after the build
Visa
Vaccinations
Police Check (if not already current)
Any extra accommodation required outside the build week dates

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