Voluntourism

Heard of this? I just recently found out.

Voluntourism = Volunteer + Tour

I've been telling my friends I needed a vacation. And I'm planning to do one in Feb 08. Tentatively blocking out 9-16 Feb. Going to commemorate my 30 years on earth in a special way. So, maybe, I will be a voluntourist. Meaningful, isn't it?



Globalteer is a UK registered non profit charity that serves to help those in need. I was surfing their website this morning.

A donation is required for a volunteer placement to ensure the continual existence and improvement of the project. As a registered charity, Globalteer is legally required to ensure that 100% of all monies received are used to promote the charitable objectives. Globalteer is an organisation independent of government, politics and religion with the objective to help projects and communities around the world.

Let's see - I could either volunteer in the Cambodia Kids Project (minimum 1 week) or the Thailand Animal Rescue Project (minimum 3 weeks). Of course, there are other projects. To be practical, I don't think I can afford 3 weeks of leave. So it's down to Cambodia.





Minimum donation of USD620 (Approx SGD895) is for one week's stay (though you don't have to volunteer for entire 7 days, they are flexible). Comprises:

• Airport pick up from Siem Reap International airport.
• Project and Cambodia orientation briefing on arrival.
• Accommodation for the duration of your stay at the project.
• Free bicycles for all volunteers.
• In country support from our volunteer co-ordinator, project manager and Cambodian staff.

Excludes flights (probably cost about SGD450), visas or insurance.

The volunteers are required to pay for their own daily transportation to the projects (Between £1 to £3 / $2 to US$6).

I probably need to be vaccinated up-todate if I'm going, with tetanus and diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B and typhoid. Eww.. jabs freak me! And I'll need to get a visa.

Cambodia has four seasons! November to February is cool and dry - suitable for me! : )

Nothing's firm yet. Am also considering other destinations: Gold Coast, Melbourne, Cairns.

Will find out more. Anyone wanna join me? : P