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 in Siem Reap and across rural Cambodia that give school groups genuine confidence in our depth of commitment to the region.
What community project work is included on the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Students take part in community development projects in rural communities near Siem Reap. Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, and seasonal food shortages and a lack of employment opportunities leave rural communities vulnerable to continued and increased poverty. Projects include constructing water storage pots, improving infrastructure at the local school and refurbishing community buildings. All projects are co-designed with local community leaders and our long-term Cambodian partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs.
What is the jungle trek and what does it involve? The jungle trek takes students through rural Cambodia, taking in the sights and atmosphere of the jungle before camping for a night near a monastery pagoda. The route also passes sights of religious and historical importance through the Cambodian countryside. At the end of the trek, students transfer back to Siem Reap for a well-earned meal, shower and rest. It is a multi-day trekking challenge requiring a good level of fitness, led throughout by experienced local guides familiar with the terrain.
What environmental project work is included on the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Students take part in environmental project work, which could include reforestation using native saplings and planting cash crops for the community that are both sustainable and provide an income to local people. Evenings after project work are spent back at camp for dinner and a night in traditional longhouse accommodation.
What cultural and historical experiences are included in the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Students take a guided tour of Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring temples that were lost for hundreds of years. Time in Siem Reap includes the old market, the Angkor Artisans to see traditional Cambodian crafts and the bustling night markets. Time in Phnom Penh includes visits to the S21 prison and the Killing Fields to learn about the recent history of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, and Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1372 standing 27 metres above the city and the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh.
Is the Cambodia Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Cambodia since 2010 with experienced locally based teams. Comprehensive risk assessments are reviewed before every departure and 24/7 in-country emergency support is in place throughout. The jungle trek is led by experienced local guides familiar with the terrain and conditions. We follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au) at all times.
What is included and excluded in the Cambodia Trek Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation including traditional longhouse stays, jungle camping during the trek and city accommodation in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, entry to Angkor Wat with guided tour, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
