Once described as the Pearl of the Orient, the Kingdom of Cambodia has been through so much. From the ancient wonders of the Khmer Empire to the modern horrors of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, there is so much to explore and learn here.
In its riverside capital, Phnom Penh, over 140,000 people are living in more than 500 slums across the city, where families have little to no security of land, clean water or sanitation. The impacts of inadequate housing really takes its toll, – families suffer health problems through lack of secure housing and sleeping arrangements and poor sanitation and children often do not go to school.
Through the Global Village program, you can help to make the dream of a decent home a reality for these families, including those living with illnesses, child-headed households, and the elderly. Habitat for Humanity works closely with vulnerable families in Cambodia to improve their access to safe, dignified, and affordable housing. Volunteers work shoulder-to-shoulder with Habitat partner families over the course of a week to build them a new home and, most importantly, a brighter future.
Join us for an unforgettable trip where you will take in the wonders of the vibrant Cambodian culture, you will make new friends and change lives – including your own.
Your adventure begins today with your arrival in Phnom Penh! We will arrange your transfer from Phnom Penh International Airport to your hotel, where you have time to unpack and unwind. Take yourself on a walk to acquaint yourself with the city before heading back to your hotel for a welcome dinner and orientation. 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.
Today is a free day to explore some of the wonderful things that Phnom Penh has to offer. 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!
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!
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, to perhaps , take a swim in the hotel’s rooftop pool and recharge your batteries for the following day’s work.
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. 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! That evening is time to celebrate the team effort and the end of an incredible week with your group.
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.
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
Volunteers are responsible for booking these on their own but the Habitat team is happy to assist you with your search
Want to learn more about this event?
Get in Touch
Phone
1800 88 55 99
Email
[email protected]
Address
Level 9, Suite 2
80 Mount Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
