Cambodia has a higher number of orphaned children in proportion to the countries population. The Missionary of charity Orphanage is based in the centre of Phnom Penh and is funded by charity work and volunteers only. The orphanage has about 20 children aged between birth to 6 years old that actually live in the orphanage and about 50 to 60 street children aged between 5 and 18 that visit the orphanage to be fed and showered every day. Many children have lost their parents due to HIV, while other parents cannot provide food, accommodation and education for their children. However, many “orphans” still have parents or relatives they may visit sometimes.
Orphanage work ranges from cooking, administration, cleaning, painting, singing and sports to assisting with homework, feeding, caring for children and teaching. Alongside teaching, volunteers help with general work and will normally work 4-8 hours a day depending on the placement and there is normally a 2 hour lunch break which can be spent at the orphanage or at home gathering energy for the rest of the day
Volunteers have the choice to be accommodated in either a volunteer house or a homestay. Typically you will be sharing a room with one or two other volunteers. Host families are located in Phnom Penh. Staying with a family is a good way to learn the Cambodian way of life, meet local people, eat local food and engage in local customs and traditions. the families are given money from the fees to support, food and board.
The acomadation is basic but all home stays have electricity and running water (some rural home stays may not have electricity or running water during times of drought). All home stays are inspected by local staff and chosen because of their safety and security.
Volunteer houses are located in Phnom Penh. Most of the rooms have private bathrooms. There is a sitting area, TV, a restaurant, Internet access and other services that will help you organize and enjoy your stay. The volunteer houses are a great way of getting to know other people in the same situation.
Pick up from the airport and orientation to the placement is normally included in the price. Volunteers are greeted at the airport by a member of staff and then taken to your accommodation via a tuk tuk..
Getting around the city is fairly easy as there are plenty of tuk tuks and Mottos, however volunteers should agree to a price before using the methods of transport. It is easy to bartar with the drivers and always start lower when negotiating. It normally costs $5 a day to get to the orphanage and back. It is important to point out that when traveling by Tuk Tuk or Motto to keep hold of your bags as pick pocketing is very common in Cambodia.
If you are using a coach to travel to different cities in Cambodia, you will need to obtain a ticket from ticket offices prior to catching the coach. This should cost no more than $10.
Normally the weekends are allocated for your own leisure. There are many places to sight see in Cambodia. You can either go 3 hours down south to Sahanouk Ville , which is the party town of Cambodia, with relaxing beaches, bars and restaurants or go 7 hours up north to Siem Reap to look at the famous temples and markets or enjoy cocktails on the famous Pub street.
The main city also provides many temples and markets to go and explore, and also has a riverfront where there are many bars, restaurants and cafes to go and visit. There is a famous mexican restaurant called Vivo with amazing food and a great bar to visit is Happy 11.
Things to do, things not to do
In the city of Phnom Penh i would reccommend visiting the russian market as there are many great bargains to buy. I would recommend going to Sihanouk ville towards the end of the volunteering as it is a great places to relax and chill out by the beach. I would also recommend visiting Siem reap to explore the famous temples and the famous Pub street. Hostel Bookers is a great website to use to book accommodation whilst you are out in Cambodia and i would recommend Soya Travel for cheap bus tickets.
Dont wear things that make you stand out e.g to much jewellary as you will attract people who pick pocket. Sensible clothing is reccomended, as it is respectful to cover the knees and shoulders.
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