Cambodia | Mission Direct

Cambodia

Out of sight, but not out of mind

Despite human trafficking being a crime in Cambodia, the country has a significant child sex tourism problem; some children are sold by their parents, while others are lured by what they think are legitimate job offers like waitressing, but then are forced into prostitution. 38% of women and girls working in sexually exploitative conditions had entered the industry because their virginity had been bought. In a survey of Cambodian sex trafficking victims to Thailand, only 25% reported being trafficked by a stranger. Two-thirds of the victims were trafficked by someone that they knew – a family member or someone from their community. Some are as young as 13.*

As part of our Cambodia outreach teams, the team visits the training centre of Precious Women; a Cambodian run NGO which offers women caught up in the entertainment industry a way out by providing training in beauty, hairdressing, cooking etc.

We learn about their work and enjoy beauty treatments, fun and conversation with some of the trainees. Following that, we join the Precious Women staff and volunteers in small groups, visiting 3 or 4 women that have escaped the sex industry and who now utilise these skills. Our aim is to demonstrate love and show interest to the women we will spend an hour or so with that evening. 

*Information taken from World Vision Trafficking Report: Cambodia

Overview:

Building Project   /   City   /   Suitable for all ages

Trip Dates

The Projects

Looking ahead to 2027, we plan to continue strengthening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities to support the work already taking place on the ground. Our goal remains the same: to serve alongside local leaders and help create lasting change for the communities they serve.

By joining this team in 2027 you'll help locals to build a community project - no skills or strength necessary. There is always something to do - from laying bricks, passing materials, painting and clearing - as well as entertaining the local children! Cambodia is a great place for all ages and many volunteers have come as a family.

You will also visit and help at a number of community projects in the region. This may include hair-washing of children in the slums or meeting girls rescued from the sex trade.

Teachers and Healthcare workers
Teachers are welcome to join the team but please remember the main project is to build. However, there may well be an opportunity to teach the local children and to provide some teacher training, but this cannot be guaranteed. Some of the 50 children are currently educated in the nearby church building but this is not ideal as it is also used for other purposes.
 
We are not currently aware of opportunities for healthcare workers, other than perhaps providing simple health education advice to the children and their parents via an interpreter. 

Rest and Relaxation

Volunteers will have the opportunity for rest and relaxation exploring the famous Angkor Wat temple complex near Siem Reap and other attractions in Phnom Penh area.


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Country Information

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia

The time zone is GMT +7

Local language of Khmer. Also English, Chinese, French

Average 27°C

The flight to Phnom Penh is approx 14-15 hours - return flight from Siem Reap can be a bit longer

The Impact So Far

The teams in Cambodia have been doing an incredible job.
Here are a few of the most recent stories and stats from the projects...

3

New villages of homes for vulnerable people in Phnom Penh

3

Schools built incl. a floating classroom

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Bamboo houses built to move families off of dumps in Phnom Penh

Trip Dates

Cambodia 2027 – Team 1

06 Feb - 20 Feb 2027

Info & Book

Cambodia 2027 – Team 2

27 Feb - 13 Mar 2027

Info & Book

You only have to give a £150 deposit to your trip contribution upfront.
The contributions listed are a reduced amount, based on the assumption that Gift Aid will be declared.

Orientation and Reunion days

Orientation days and reunion days are included to help you get the most from your trip.

Orientation Day

Reunion Day

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