What cost a home? In rural areas of Cambodia's Siem Reap, that cost is just US2,900 (around A$3,800). But the difference it can make to the life of a family living in poverty is immeasurable, as 15-year old 'P's' story relays.
A simple, sturdy Khmer-style wooden house provides shelter and security for Cambodian families living in need. Poor education, lack of skills and a shortage of job opportunities mean many rural Cambodians are still living in extreme poverty with inadequate shelter.
Volunteer Building Cambodia run volunteer programs which involve a week of building a house to replace the fragile structures that offer little protection from the elements. This not only provides a home for families living in poverty - improved living conditions change lives, through better sanitation, increased security, better sleeping arrangements and healthier living. Children in secure homes are less likely to get sick and more likely to attend school.
Building a home for a family is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. It is so rewarding knowing your hard work directly improves someone’s quality of life.
Volunteering with VBC will take you into the countryside where you will see a real slice of life in Cambodia.
Our projects are suitable for individuals, groups and families, although the work is strenuous and we don’t recommend bringing children under 15.
Check out the video to see VBC in action.
Are you a Company interested in sending a Corporate team to volunteer? Check out our Corporate Volunteer campaign and find out how your Company could take part in a house build and change a family's life, and simultaneously change the lives of your employees, forever.
Are you looking for a worthwhile project? Join us for a house build. You can come for a few days or a week. We currently have seven scheduled house builds for 2018 locked in as follows:
May 14
May 28
June 11
July 2
July 30
August 13
September 3
Our build sites have a great, fun vibe with many like-minded people joining in to finish each project. No experience or skills are required, but you must be physically able.
Each house build requires 10 volunteers but you can come alone or with a smaller group.
1 week US$490
2 weeks US$650
3 weeks US$810
4 weeks US$970
5 weeks US$1,120
6 weeks US$1,270
7 weeks US$1,420
8 weeks US$1,570
Each house costs US2,900 (around A$3,800) to build. Please note that house builds only start when there are enough volunteers whose combined fees make up the project costs. Builds/voluntary work will still go ahead with just one volunteer, but might include installing a well or building a toilet.
Arrive Sunday
Sunday evening: Briefing followed by dinner
Monday - Thursday:
7am -12.00pm: Picked up from accommodation and dropped off at work site. Building work to commence until 12.00pm
12:30pm onwards: Free time (organised team activities or sight-seeing can be arranged)
Friday AM:
House blessing, hand over of keys to new house recipients
Friday PM/Saturday: Depart Siem Reap