Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Community Centre of Grace House (also referred to as Grace House Community Centre) (GH) in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Please read this information and, if you are interested, please complete the application form below.
How long has Grace House been running?
GH was opened by Globalteer in November 2008. Globalteer is a well-known UK-based charitable organisation founded by Jim Elliot. Globalteer funded Grace House in honour of his grandmother Grace. Nowadays, Grace House is run by a dedicated team of Cambodian staff who are supported by volunteers, donors and fundraisers, and other organisations from across the globe to deliver a number of programmes vital to the community, which include: education, family support and wellbeing, and support and education for children with disabilities. GH still work with Globalteer but has been run independently for several years now.
Is Grace House a registered charity?
Yes, GH is registered in Cambodia as a non-political, non-religious organisation NGO (no. 580).
GH is supported by a separate charity ‘Grace House Cambodia Trust’ (GHCT) which is registered in England and Wales with Charity number 1155678. GH is a distinct legal entity with its own charitable objectives and Board of Trustees.
Where is Grace House?
Grace House is situated in Siem Reap province west of Siem Reap River and in-between the temples of Angkor Wat in the north and of lake Tonlé Sap in the south. It’s nestled in the village of Korkranh beside a dusty track away from the main road about 4km from the centre of Siem Reap.
What exactly does Grace House do?
Our education programme aims to improve the opportunities of children and young people, with classes commencing at early years and continuing to upper primary level; the programme also sees sponsorship for further and higher education through both vocational training and university.
Our family support programme aims to address the issues faced by the community by working directly with the families most in need. Our social work team supports families with practical aid in the form of housing repairs and provision and installation of clean water and sanitation systems, through support and advice on health-care services, and by providing food supplies primarily in the form of staples such as rice.
In 2012, we began supporting children with a disability by providing specialist care and therapeutic interventions to enable individuals to achieve their full potential. Over many years, and with the support of specialists, we have developed curricula to meet the needs of students with physical, mental health and intellectual disabilities.
What can I do?
Tell us what your skill sets are and we’ll place you where we can all benefit. Your role as a volunteer varies depending on the needs of the project at the time (and your skills). This means you may be asked to help in class, listen to children read, support the Khmer team with report writing, help with gardening, tidy the resources room or engage in an art project such as a new mural. Maybe you have marketing or fundraising skills you can share? Or accounting? Volunteers with special needs experience will obviously be assigned to those classes.
How long can I stay?
We’d like a minimum time commitment of 4 weeks as this gives you the opportunity to really get to know the staff and children. Shorter periods can be disruptive for the children but if you are unable to manage 4 weeks perhaps you can assist with something without interacting with the students. You will be expected to attend Grace House Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 4.15 pm (lunch time is 11.15 am – 12.15 pm). You may also be asked to work outside these hours to meet any special needs.
Is there an age limit?
No, not at all. We have students from 18 up and some of our repeat volunteers are in their 70s so anything between those ages is good for us.
What else do I need to know ?
Yes. We ask volunteers to make a minimum donation of $300 (US) towards the running of the project and many also set up some form of fundraising as we are entirely dependent on donations. As a small NGO this is an important source of revenue for us.
Any fundraising you do prior to volunteering is most welcome. You can collect cash donations locally or you can request donations through the Grace House website. We can advise you on this at the time.
Amounts under $1,000 (US) will be used at our discretion to meet the general needs of the project. Over $1,000 (US), the management will discuss with you the current needs and inform you how the money is to be spent. All donations are spent at Grace House and used for the benefit of the students and their families only.
Grace House has a very strong Child Protection Policy to which you must adhere. A copy is attached along with your other volunteer forms. We will need to check two referees for you to be able to volunteer and you will also receive induction training on arrival.
You are responsible for your own travel, accommodation, food, visa, travel to the project and insurance. We highly recommend you take out insurance for medical expenses and loss of property as a minimum. Grace House cannot be responsible for any of these costs. You are asked to provide details of your insurance on your application form.
You’ll be working with a totally dedicated staff team who put the needs and safety of the children first. You will receive induction into the project and your role.
If you are assisting with teaching, there is a comprehensive curriculum which will be explained, and you will receive support and assistance with teaching techniques if needed. We aim to provide good resources and a small library; however, you may wish to bring your own materials and you might want to ask if we need anything special when you come. Supplies can be hard to find in Cambodia.
We can help you find an hotel, local SIM card, perhaps a bike to rent or even contact with a local tuk tuk driver for transport to the project.
We have a network of repeat volunteers from all around the world and can link you up with them so they can answer any questions or concerns you may have. Many have been coming since Grace House opened. Just ask and we’ll introduce you.
We hope that volunteering at Grace House will be a rewarding experience for you. Please take the time to talk to the teachers and staff as this will build a relationship with them and support their learning of English. Learn as much as you can of the Khmer culture to respect their beliefs and their country; staff and students are happy to help you learn their language. Ensure that you have read the Child Protection policy fully and implement the child protection practices.
Cambodia is very different from the West and, especially when volunteering, it is important to respect their modesty and customs. You will be briefed on arrival but do please pack lose fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, waist, and knees (applies to all volunteers) or you’ll need to go shopping before you can start work. Ensure that clothes are not see through in the light.
It’s not obligatory, but we encourage you join the communal lunch with the staff. The staff will mostly cook and share but for less than a dollar you can buy a meal and rice in a local restaurant to bring back and share. The local market is also nearby, and volunteers often buy fruit to share too. Salaries are low in Cambodia and it’s good to offer the staff little treats. You’ll note they eat well after pay day but less so as the end of the month approaches!
Just email your questions and we’ll do our best to answer. We hope to see you soon!