Our Programs
VDCA and the International Community VDCA is part of a global community that supports positive change in the lives of our fellow human beings. A real sense of community and connectedness is important to us here. VDCA currently has supporters from numerous countries, Several organizations, charities and individuals have been supporting VDCA over the past years. Any form of support is appreciated and needed at VDCA.
Anlong Pi Free School
Early in 2012 we began our dream of building another VDCA Free School, in the rural area at Anlong Pi Village, 25km from Siem Reap City. Through the generosity of local and international donors, and friends, we completed the school. Our mission is to provide rural children from Anlong Pi, and the nearby rubbish dump, access to a free education. Mid 2012 our school was completed and a grand opening was held attended by donors, friends, staff and the local community. Our school was blessed by Buddhist Monks in keeping with the Cambodian tradition. The opening was enjoyed by all and generated great excitement in the community. Many local families came to the registration and more than 300 children were enrolled in the school.
We have 300 children, aged from 5-18, who receive a free education in Khmer, English languages, Buddhist morality and hygiene. We support children to attend the State School, providing tuition fees, school supplies and bicycles. We also provide free health screening for the children and families, twice a year.
Anlong Pi Sewing Program VDCA offers women in the Anlong Pi community an opportunity for a better future through our vocational Sewing Program. We currently have 15 women attending our classes, where they learn sewing skills and create goods for sale in local and international markets. Please see our Facebook Page for current information.
School Curriculum
Our teaching’s program, we use texbooks, Family and Friends plus Uper kids for the begginner and elementary classes for the ages 5 up to 16 years, Monday – Friday from morning 8am to 11am and afternoon 1 to 3:30pm not the same students as some they go to stateschool in morning and come to our school in the afternnon and afternnon they come to our school in the morning.
Volunteering
It was the most amazing experience. I learnt more about the way of life, especially being in a rural location. Travelled to school on the back of a motorbike with my teacher. I formed beautiful relationships with the kids, the teachers and felt at the end of my time that I had a new family, I was so enriched by the whole experience. My advice to anyone thinking of volunteering with VDCA is DO IT!!!
You will not regret your decision and it may change your life.’ Debbie Alcorn (UK) February 2015 Volunteering with us VDCA welcomes both short (minimum one week) and long-term volunteers who have a real desire to make a difference in the lives of others and feel good about what they have to give. Volunteers usually function as teaching assistants, under the supervision of one of our trained teaching staff. You can teach English or other languages, hygiene, computer skills, support environmental education or assist other projects. Feel free to discuss your ideas and skills with us, so we can accommodate you and your plans. We take volunteers at our Free School in Siem Reap and at our rural projects in the dump area, 23km from town, where we have a Free School, a Nursery School for the children of the area. The Volunteer Information guide will give you a brief overview of our schools, daily schedules, accommodation and transport options. We are happy to arrange a volunteering schedule that suits your needs and interests. If you are considering volunteering with us, or any other organization, we recommend that you watch this short video before making your decision. Fundraising and Volunteer Donations We request that volunteers fundraise before coming to Siem Reap in order to contribute to the school in exchange for your volunteer experience. Events such as raffles, quiz nights, BBQs and approaching schools to run activities are great ways to raise money. Online fundraising, through crowd funding sites, is an easy way to have your social network help contribute. Please contact us if you would like assistance with fundraising ideas.
If you would prefer not to fundraise, you can choose to make any donation if you wish to spend more than a week volunteering with us. These donations are necessary to keep our projects operating and provide much needed resources for our students at our free schools.
You may also choose to contribute a project of equal value or utilise your professional skills to offer our staff or children special programs in lieu of a donation. Please contact us to discuss this option. Online support prior to your arrival Assistance with accommodation. Transfer from the airport/bus station to your accommodation upon arrival Orientation tour of our projects and Siem Reap including information and local tips.