Teach English in a Cambodian school
How you can help
- Assist a local English teacher
- Take your own classes
- Prepare lesson plans
- Organise extra curricular activities
Why your help is needed
During the time of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodian schools were closed down, teachers
were subjected to torture or execution and education of children was almost entirely
neglected. When the regime fell in 1979, Cambodia’s educational system had to be
built almost from scratch. By this point, huge numbers of the population were illiterate.
The Cambodian educational system is now in the process of redevelopment but it faces
huge challenges. Not only is there a lack of skilled English-speaking teachers
available but financial restrictions mean that teachers are often paid extremely
poorly, leaving schools severely understaffed and classes overcrowded. Adding to
this, schools tend to be equipped only with basic facilities. With a rise in tourism
in Cambodia, speaking English is a hugely valuable skill but while the national
syllabus requires children to learn a foreign language, this is often not possible
due to insufficient resources.
Working in underprivileged schools or colleges, or in grass root community projects,
volunteers are able to make a genuine contribution on this project by assisting
local teachers or taking their own lessons. Though they are primarily required
to help equip children and adults with valuable English skills, the role is fairly
varied and there are also opportunities for volunteers who wish to organise extra
curricular activities to do so. Whether they choose to organise sports days or football
matches, or teach arts and crafts, dance or music, volunteers are encouraged to
get involved with the school as much as they can in order to help the development
of local children.
Cambodia is emerging from a humbling history and although it is beginning to stabilise
itself it still faces real tests. This means that volunteers have the opportunity
to make a genuine difference to Cambodia on a local level and, in immersing themselves
in this unique and lively country, to do something truly rewarding.
How long can I go for? 8, 12, 16 20, 24 or 28 weeks plus a
3 day arrival orientation.
Working hours: 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Eligibility: British/Irish, 18+
A TEFL qualification or experience of teaching would be an advantage.