Volunteer at New Futures

We would like to invite you to put something special into your travels around Cambodia.

NFO is seeking volunteers to help in the orphanage. Relax in the peaceful countryside while helping enrich the lives of the children at New Futures.

Why not take time out to come and visit us - your contributions will be appreciated for the entire lives of the children

--> Click here to read an excellent article on volunteering at NFO by volunteer and travel writer John Carleton <--

Who volunteers for NFO?

Anyone and everyone!  NFO's previous volunteers have come from numerous countries and from every continent; from a diverse range of social, economic, cultural and religious backgrounds; They've ranged in age from from gap-year A-level students to retired couples, and from university students on vacation to high-flying professionals taking a career break; from couples and singles on a round-the-world trip of a lifetime to whole families on a two-week vacation. We've been helped and supported by engineers, teachers, hairdressers, office workers, police officers, sports coaches, lawyers, sales assistants, company directors, carpenters, flight attendants, and even a squadron of US Marines!

Regardless of their varying backgrounds, NFO volunteers have one thing in common - a desire to make a difference and help the children of Takeo.

What do volunteers do?

The short answer is, whatever they like! The children love playing with and talking to the volunteers who come to visit, and will be keen to ask about your country, your home and your family. Just playing with the kids is of great value to them, they gain so much from meeting with foreign volunteers and are always learning in many different ways.
Some volunteers do a bit of teaching, to help the children improve their vocabulary and reading skills - this is often done through games, songs and play, not just through 'formal' teaching methods!

But teaching is by no means the only thing to do at NFO - volunteers in the past have used their varied skills in many ways to benefit the orphanage and training centre. Previous projects undertaken by volunteers have included digging drains, building a volleyball court and adventure playground; 

helping the children design and paint murals on and around the orphanage building; decorating bedrooms; renovating the medical room;  constructing a roof over the dining area; working on the construction of the new Vocational Training Centre building;  helping out on the farm; creating an architectural plan of the premises; and building an organic compost heap, to name but a few!

Alternatively, you could help out in the vocational centre - perhaps teaching children to sew or cook, or to Email and improve their typing and IT skills - or maybe you'll be roped into joining a game of volleyball or football with the kids! Whatever you do, it will be a great benefit to the children, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.

How do I get to Takeo and where can I stay?

New Futures can provide accommodation at the Volunteer Centre in town. The centre is based in a large house, located a short 5-10 minute walk from the orphanage. Our large rooms can sleep between

one to four visitors, and all are equipped with en-suite bathroom and shower facilities. The communal lounge areas on each floor and the first floor balcony contain comfortable chairs and couches, and a selection of books, games, DVDs and videos to help make your stay more enjoyable. Fast and reliable Internet access is provided in the downstairs lobby.  During busy periods when the house is full up, many volunteers stay at the excellent, cheap, clean and friendly Sotheavy guesthouse which is about a two minute walk away down the street.

Delicious breakfast, lunch and evening meals are available, cooked by our housekeeping staff; alternatively there are a number of cheap local restaurants in the town. Next door to the centre is a laundry where visitors can have their clothes washed for a very reasonable price; and several shops nearby sell water, soft drinks, beer, snacks and other essentials.

Getting there

To get to Takeo from Phnom Penh, head to the Central Market and look for the Phnom Penh Sorya bus company - they are next to a petrol/gas station. Ask at the ticket office for the bus to Takeo, which is the last stop (approx. 2 1/2hrs). In Takeo, the bus stops close to the main market, from where guests can either walk (around 20 minutes) or take a moto or tuktuk to the volunteer centre.  A map and further directions are available here - We recommend you to print this out and bring it with you to Takeo.


Does it cost anything to volunteer with New Futures? How much is accommodation?

We do not expect our volunteers to pay to spend their time here. However, if you choose to stay in the accommodation at the volunteer centre, we do make a small charge to cover costs. Currently, prices per room are $5 per night for single occupancy; $7 for double occupancy and $9 for a triple room. All rooms are large and contain ensuite shower and bathroom facilities and storage. Alternatively, there are a number of guesthouses in Takeo. Rates for these vary, but the Sotheavy guesthouse, which is just two minutes from the centre and recieves regular positive reviews from volunteers, also charges $5 a night for a room with fan; $15 air-conditioned rooms are also available.  If volunteers wish to make a further donation to NFO, they are, of course, always gratefully recieved!