Volunteering in Cambodia on a Special Needs Project

In November this year, I am heading to Cambodia for a month to volunteer on a Special Needs Care Project through IVHQ.

IVHQ has a number of projects based around the world in 30 different countries placing thousands of volunteers a year. I chose Special Needs Care Project in Cambodia

This is a rewarding yet challenging project which focuses on personal interaction with the children. I will be assisting in special needs classes which cater for children ages 5-18 that have a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. Some include cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, deafness and blindness.

I will be working in small classes as they're often divided up to allow more individualized teaching. Some of my jobs may include dressing, washing and feeding the children who are glad to have the company of the volunteers. These children are often rejected in the Cambodian society.

The focus is to assist the local teachers in a classroom setting with the option to work at another small home for children with special needs if I would like to work longer hours.

I am trying to raise the cost of my program and registration fee which goes towards my living costs and placement when I am in the country! As well as to IVHQ head office which helps them to keep up and running!

A little about me and why I am volunteering:

I am 18 years old. I love sports and fitness. Skiing, hiking and all that fun stuff! I love to help people and travel and volunteering is the perfect way for me to do both at the same time!

2 years ago I volunteered in Vietnam with special needs children also and that was the best decision of my life! I was 16 at the time and it was a rewarding and humbling experience that got me hooked!

I've always wanted to volunteer in Cambodia after my experience in Vietnam. I find volunteering is very rewarding. I gain invaluable life lessons and experiences, along with making friends from all over the world by helping people at the same time! Which I find is amazing. I gain so much for giving what I feel like is so little; my time and love.

I have uploaded a couple photos of my trip to Vietnam 2 years ago feel free to check them out too!