Watch a Video from GSC's Health Education Workshop!

In recent years, Cambodia has made great strides in turning the tide of the HIV epidemic; however, young people and particularly orphans remain vulnerable and often do not receive sufficient attention from HIV/AIDS prevention organizations. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, teachers and trainers are often shy to bring up issues related to HIV/AIDS in the classroom and community. This is one of the reasons why GSC HIV/AIDS prevention volunteers are needed in Cambodia to help close this knowledge gap, increase teachers’ and trainers' comfort levels in teaching HIV/AIDS prevention, and keep future generations safe from the disease.

Health Education Program for Disadvantaged Children

Kind words from the Director of our partner organization in Cambodia...

"THANK YOU- for the awesome preparation and great delivery of the recent Health program.  Our staff and kids have been greatly blessed."

Built upon the best practices from GSC’s Tanzania HIV/AIDS Program, a two-day Health Education Workshop was launched in Phnom Penh in July 2011.  After a successful pilot program, this workshop is being extended to four days and is scheduled to continue along with follow up activities throughout the year.  GSC is collaborating with a partner organization in Cambodia that serves 1,400 disadvantaged children aged 11-13 in Phnom Penh.  The organization currently runs 14 youth centers with plans to establish new centers that will accommodate even more children in need. Providing education, support and mid-day meals, these centers offer children from poor families a safe space for healthy growth and development, as well as an opportunity to engage in academic, art, and enrichment activities such as music, educational play and dance.

GSC volunteers can assist in enriching all aspects of life for these children in need, including teaching them essential English skills that can lead to opportunities that would otherwise not be open to them.  During the Health Education Workshops and follow up activities, GSC will be providing vital training to the children who attend these centers.  Based on a needs-assessment of the local communities in Phnom Penh, GSC’s Health Education Workshops will focus on HIV/AIDS education and prevention, drug and alcohol abuse awareness, and issues related to domestic violence.  The goal is to integrate HIV education and drug prevention in a fun, child-friendly approach that will ultimately empower the children of Cambodia to lead healthier lives and achieve positive futures.

Prior to departure, HIV/AIDS program volunteers receive the GSC Cambodia HIV/AIDS Prevention Manual. The manual serves to educate volunteers on HIV/AIDS in Cambodia and is full of teaching tips, including sample lesson plans and time tested games and activities.  During the first week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia volunteers also receive cultural orientation and training to prepare them to not only be knowledgeable of the issues but to also be effective trainers. GSC will prepare volunteers with role-play materials, conversation practice outlines, and games and activities for use while leading health workshops. Previous teaching experience is not required - just a positive attitude and a willingness to approach challenges with patience and enthusiasm!

The Cambodia HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Program is offered year-round from two weeks to six months or longer.  Participants staying at least three weeks may also spend a week or more assisting staff at a rural residential children’s center that cares for HIV positive children.  See the International Health Program for more details.

Contact Cambodia@globalservicecorps.org for more information.