Global Service Corps offers International Health volunteer programs and internships in Cambodia for those with an interest in public health.  The International Health Program combines the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Program and the Orphanage Care Program, giving participants a unique opportunity to not only see firsthand how HIV/AIDS is affecting youth in Cambodia but also to help ensure healthy, positive futures for the most vulnerable children.

As part of the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Program, GSC has teamed up with a local community development organization in Cambodia that currently serves 1,400 disadvantaged children between the ages of 11 and 13 in 14 youth centers located in poor districts throughout Phnom Penh.  These children are given a new life off of the streets as the organization not only provides education, mentoring, and meals at the centers but also enrolls the children in local schools.  In addition, families of these children receive food as compensation for the income lost by their children no longer working on the streets.

Volunteers have the opportunity to assist in enriching the lives of these children.  International Health participants will lead essential workshops that teach Cambodian youth about HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence.  These life skills classes, paired with the English education and support that volunteers can provide, complement the services offered by GSC’s partner organization and aim to empower the children of Cambodia to break away from lives of poverty and lead healthier lives free of HIV and drugs.  Using creative methods such as music, art, and games, the goal is to integrate HIV education and drug awareness in a fun, child-friendly, culturally appropriate, and ultimately sustainable manner.

Along with leading HIV/AIDS and health education workshops, as part of the Orphanage Care Program, International Health participants will also have the chance to experience living and volunteering at a children's center that cares for poor and abandoned children, many of whom are HIV positive and receiving antiretroviral drugs.  This unique center is located outside of Phnom Penh and the local staff is committed to raising these children to young adulthood.  Volunteers fill an important role of bringing light and happiness into the lives of these children.  They become friends, mentors, and educators as they share their time and talents with the children, leading them in activities that can range from gardening to break dancing!  While these children are already educated in HIV/AIDS, volunteers provide further support and life skills that will help them to successfully integrate into Cambodian society as they grow up and leave the center.

Prior to departure, International Health 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. Topics covered during the training include: Teaching HIV prevention; cultural issues; what to expect in the classroom; lesson planning; and effective use of games and activities. 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 International Health Program offers volunteers a rich and rewarding experience as they address important public health concerns facing Cambodian children and families.  The program requires a minimum commitment of 3 weeks, allowing five days for cultural orientation and training followed by at least one week in the HIV/AIDS program and one week in the orphanage care program. Scheduling depends on individual interests and participants determine how long they would like to volunteer at each placement.

Contact Cambodia@globalservicecorps.org for more information.

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