NGO Management

After the Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge Regime and several years of civil war, Cambodia has many problems to cope with: a weak democracy, rampant corruption and extreme poverty among the largest. Nevertheless, Cambodia’s economy is growing rapidly and plenty of local and international NGOs are working here to help put an end to these issues. We would like to give volunteers the opportunity to learn about those issues right where they are being address – in NGOs, together with the local staff. The local NGOs usually have only limited financial resources. They often struggle to run their programs and to raise funds from international donors. Many staff members are volunteers themselves and receive no or a very small salary. All NGOs urgently need support from our volunteers to work in fund-raising, proposal writing, organizational development, administration, and community development. The responsibility of the volunteers depends on his/her skills and interests and especially the length of the stay. For example: If you only stay a few weeks you will mainly help using your English skills, supporting an organization by writing proposals for fund-raising, case studies and reports. You may also help with IT skills, teach English to the staff or do some research on the success of the programs or future plans. Beside this you may visit the fields and projects in the countryside to get to get a first-hand idea of the problems the people are facing. If you stay a number of months (longer than two months) you will have chance to work within the human rights programs. You organize the projects, observe them and evaluate them with the NGO.

Every volunteers will get the weekend off. There are many places volunteers can visit at the weekend including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, National Museum, Killing Field... Volunteers can also travel by bus to visit many provinces at weekend or during national holiday such as to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat, the famous historical place or Sihahouk Vill and Kampot to see beaches. Phnom Penh is a very international city, you will find a lot of western bars, supermarkets offer western articles, and especially the riverside is the spot for diplomats, travelers and international NGO-workers. But of course, you will also find the Cambodian Culture everywhere in the city. Walk around the different markets, try the food of the food stalls at the street or just walk around the streets, there is really always something to explore. Phnom Penh is a good base for trips through the country as it is very central.