Cambodia Teaching Program Week 1: 18 th 23 rd September 2016 &/or Week 2: 25 th 30 th September 2016
Located in the tropics of South East Asia, Cambodia is a country of natural wonders, inspiring people and rich history. From Angkor Wat to the mighty Mekong River, there is much to see, and so much to learn. Cambodia has 52% of its citizens aged 24 or under and faces specific challenges and opportunities that arise from such a significant distortion in age demographics. Program Context Despite over half of Cambodia s population being born post the Cambodia-Vietnam war and 71% post the Khmer Rouge genocide, the structural, psychological and societal impacts continue. Recognising the strategic importance that Cambodian youth have for shaping and transforming their nation, World Vision Cambodia have recognised that Youth are creative and active citizens, the next generation of leaders which is one of their four core organisational objectives. `
World Vision in the Community Listening began in 2011 to understand the community s challenges, strengths and vision for the future. Located approximately 1 hour from Battambang, the community faces many challenges including education, access to health care, employment and migration, nutrition, child protection and water and sanitation. Empowering children and youth to have a voice. The creation of child and youth clubs and training in citizenship and community engagement has seen exponential growth in participation. In a culture where youth have little voice, youth in the community are now working respectfully with village and district leaders to facilitate understanding and change in areas such as the environment, child rights and child protection. In the last 12 months, youth club members have started two after school English schools for primary children and now have in excess of 140 pupils attending each day. Asking youth what areas they would like further support in. With the youth identifying English language and ICT training as their two priority areas, September 2015 saw the pilot of a 5-day Summer School. With over 100 youth attending and 12 local teachers, the program was a significant success and a request was made by the local teachers, youth and World Vision team to continue the program. Responding to the reflections of 2015 s pilot program by local teachers and youth, World Vision will again run a Summer School program for the community in September 2016. Sustainably recognising the talent, passion and dedication that exists within the community, the program is developed in consultation with local teachers and youth to assist with new teaching approaches for teachers, whilst conducting confidence building and engaging programs for youth.
Sunday: Arrive in Battambang Program Overview Arrival, check into hotel, team introductions, explore Battambang township, further review of program and materials, Team Dinner. Monday to Friday: Program Depart at 6:15am for breakfast at local café. Session 1: 8am 12noon Lunch Break Session 2: 2pm 4:30pm Travel back to Battambang Dinner & daily reflection Program concludes Friday night Saturday: Depart or Free Time Depart Battambang on personal travel, or if staying for the second week, enjoy the weekend to sightsee in either Battambang or Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) before returning on Sunday afternoon. Assistance with accommodation pre and post program can be facilitated, together with organising transport from Siem Reap to Battambang.
Program Development The program for each week is being developed in consultation with local teacher and youth representatives and with Teachers from the pilot in 2015 with ESL experience. In 2015 an overarching theme of Sharing My Story was used to connect the five day curriculum and enable students to have tangible outcomes from the program. A new theme is being developed for 2016 and the program will again look to use fun and engaging methods of learning. Is this program for me? Whilst we are keen to engage teachers to join the program, you do not need to be a qualified teacher to participate. Experienced teachers are developing the lesson plans to enable people who are passionate and committed to invest their time in supporting Cambodian youth, make a valuable contribution. The program is open to anyone from 18 to 90, pending a short interview to ensure that the program is a good match and aligns to both your needs and those of the local community. I found the experience and the ability to build into teachers and students so thirsty for knowledge, humbling and immensely rewarding Rebecca - Teacher Program Overview
Travel Costs Travel Costs: $349 per person twin share ($449 for single room option) This is inclusive of an initial $100 non-refundable deposit within two weeks of confirming attendance. What is included in the cost? 6 nights accommodation in Battambang Transportation to and from the community each day Breakfasts and lunches for 5 days What is not included in the cost? Airfares to and from Cambodia (Siem Reap is the closest International Airport) Transfers to and from Siem Reap to Battambang (however this can be organised for you at a low cost) VISA s Travel insurance (obligatory) Passport costs Medical health checks prior to the trip Items of a personal nature i.e. phone calls, laundry etc. Dinners Spending money
Fundraising Fundraising amount: $350 minimum We feel privileged that we have the opportunity to visit and engage with these communities, and as such believe it is important to support them in practical ways. In addition to your time and talents, we are seeking to support the ongoing educational goals of this community by providing a set of tablets that can be used for ongoing self-learning through relevant pre-loaded applications (Apps). Each $350 raised will fund the purchase of a tablet and significantly enable youth and children to continue learning beyond their existing limitations of teacher access. Most students in this community have never used a computer, with electricity only coming to the area in late 2014 and resources such as computers out of reach for families. With many remote villages that have never heard of a computer, the more tablets we can fund the more students will have access.
Frequently Asked Questions How do I fundraise? There are various fun and creative ways to successfully fundraise. When you register for the trip, you will have a regular point of contact that will be there as support right up until your departure and can provide ideas to assist if required. Given the tangible nature of a tablet and its ability to provide educational assistance in both Khmer and English to remote communities, one of the most effective ways is share your journey with family, friends and colleague who may be willing to fund a whole or part of a tablet. Photos can be provided to all supporters showing the tablets in use and the youth involved. What sort of things do people do to fundraise? Sausage sizzles, trivia nights, auctions, morning teas, collecting gold coins, ebay sales, school activities, family dinner, chocolate boxes, dance parties and donations from family and friends are just a few ways to fundraise. How can I get the company I work for to help me? Many larger companies have Community Foundations or Corporate Social Responsibility programs and as part of these programs they offer to dollar match funds raised by employees for World Vision. We recommend approaching your company and finding out if they are able to support your fundraising efforts. Why would people want to donate to me? Generally, people want to make a difference. Critically, your friends and family will support your commitment to helping the world s poor. Fundraising is a way to include them in your journey, before, during and after the program. Are donations tax-deductible? All donations that go to World Vision over $2 is tax-deductible (providing your supporters received nothing in return for their donation) your donors will be issued with a receipt. When does the fundraising target need to be reached by? By August 15 th, to enable the relevant learning apps to be installed. The secret to making fundraising easy is to speak to us, develop a clear strategy, and then get started! How do donors get receipts? When your fundraising monies are paid to World Vision we will issue a tax-deductible receipt to the supporters who made a donation, providing they have provided all the relevant details.
Is it safe to travel in Cambodia? World Vision International monitors security in Cambodia. In addition, staffs monitor the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au) for security and risk levels. Cambodia is currently categorised as exercise normal safety precautions. What is the accommodation like? When choosing accommodation and transport methods, the security of our travellers is always our first priority, and our well-travelled staff members from World Vision Australia are there to support and journey with you. The accommodation will be in a 3 star hotel with western facilities to ensure participants are well rested after a busy day. Do I need to get medical clearance from my doctor? Yes, every participant will need to have a medical check completed by a doctor. We advise participants to see a travel doctor who can provide specialist advice about travelling in Cambodia. Do I need travel insurance? Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all participants and is the responsibility of each participant to arrange. Is there consular representation in Cambodia for Australians? Australia has an embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. What if there was an emergency in Cambodia? All necessary steps and precautions will be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of the group whilst in Cambodia. World Vision has a comprehensive emergency and crisis management plan, should a situation arise. Our leaders are experienced regular visitors to Cambodia and we are also supported by World Vision Cambodia staff. What will be the size of the group travelling? The size of the group is generally 10 participants and 2 World Vision Leaders.
Countdown to Cambodia Teaching Program! Click Register Now before the trip becomes full A $100 non-refundable deposit is required 14 days after registration. An information pack is sent to you after deposit is received Fundraise a minimum of $350 for each tablet you would like to provide the community Final payment is due one month prior to departure Team meets in Cambodia 18 th Sept 2016! Please note: dates above are subject to change depending on group needs and schedules