Cambodia – Sanitation, education, food and water security The remote and rural community of Ta Lek does not have any mains water supply and the small reservoir that they do have is not big enough to last through the long dry season that they experience in this part of Cambodia. Without a water source, sanitation has been poor and the risk of disease high. What they do have is reliable source of ground water that is reasonably close to the surface. As part of our project work here that you may get involved in we are building wells to provide drinking water and water for irrigation to ensure a reliable source of essential food. You may also build toilets and it is our aim to provide a toilet for every household in the community. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Cambodia – School improvements and jungle garden reforestation It’s estimated that around 15% of Cambodia’s population never enters the education system and those that do often learn in inadequate schools. You’ll help support a local primary school, through projects such as refurbishing and extending classrooms and constructing a library. You’ll also work on the Jungle Garden at our camp to tackle issues of food production in the dry season. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Cambodia? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Cambodia in 2010. We have been delivering school expeditions there for over fifteen years, developing trusted long-term relationships with local communities across multiple camps including Camp Beng Mealea and Camp Beng Pae. That sustained commitment gives school groups genuine confidence in our depth of knowledge and in-country expertise.
What community project work will students do on the 3-week Cambodia Expedition? Students complete community project work at two different camps. At Camp Beng Mealea, projects include making water storage pots, improving infrastructure at the local school and refurbishing community buildings in a village where residents live below the poverty line and lack access to basic facilities. At Camp Beng Pae, students work alongside local people on community development projects such as building wells and constructing toilets. All projects are co-designed with local community leaders and our long-term Cambodian partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs.
What cultural and historical experiences are included in the 3-week Cambodia Expedition? The programme includes an exceptional range of cultural and historical experiences. Students explore the Beng Mealea temple and the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. A visit to the Angkor Artisans and a silk farm showcases traditional Cambodian crafts, followed by an evening at the Phare Circus, a performance company that brings Cambodia’s rich history to life through acrobatics and performance. Time in Phnom Penh includes visits to the S21 prison and the Killing Fields to understand the recent history of the country under the Khmer Rouge, and to Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1372 standing 27 metres above the city.
Where do students stay during the 3-week Cambodia Expedition? Students stay across multiple bases during the programme. Camp Beng Mealea near Siem Reap and Camp Beng Pae, a woodland retreat at the edge of a village with traditional longhouse accommodation, are the two project bases. Students also stay in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh during the cultural phases of the programme. All bases are selected and managed to ensure consistent welfare standards and security throughout.
Is the 3-week Cambodia Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Cambodia since 2010 with experienced permanently based in-country teams. Comprehensive risk assessments are reviewed before every departure, 24/7 in-country emergency support is in place throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au) for school groups at all times.
What is included and excluded in the Cambodia 3-week Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation across all bases including Camp Beng Mealea, Camp Beng Pae and city accommodation in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, entry to cultural sites including Angkor Wat and the Phare Circus, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
