The Red Road Foundation

I started as just a volunteer in 2015 helping build the school with an awesome group of people. Many of whom I regard as good friends and talk to often. The camaraderie at camp was unmatched and unlike any other volunteer program I've done. It was an amazing experience and I decided to continue on as an intern until 2016. I learned a lot about earthship building techniques and farming in Cambodia. Along with learning Khmer and cooking local delicacies. I miss Kampot pepper pork! Living at The Red Road was a blessing and I loved the simple life that it provided. Helping teach students English was rewarding and playing volleyball with them was even more so. We often went to the river to cool off after a long days work and visit a local sugar cane vendor. The Red Road even lived up to its name. The road leading to the school is made up of vibrant red soil. I cherished the motorcycle rides from Kampot to the school and miss stopping in the various villages for supplies. The people were welcoming and forgiving when it came to the language barrier. I might have learned some Khmer but my pronunciation wasn't great. The weekends I spent in Kampot city were also amazing. Lots of great places to eat and guesthouses to stay at. I recommend you do a sunset cruise on the river.

Rachel and The Red Road Foundation are truly one of a kind if you're looking for a direct experience with rural Cambodian culture. I was there in 2018, during monsoon season, and my first introduction to the locals was boarding a small boat with our motorbikes to get across the river to the village! The children were always smiling and laughing and the farm was lush and vibrant. I learned how to cultivate and manufacture turmeric and moringa into capsules, help out with English for the students, and explore the area by bike and by foot. The house is a traditionally built structure, so while it was definitely a cultural shock to me I really enjoyed the humbling experience of an outdoor kitchen and off-grid living. Rachel and the host family were very accommodating for my dietary restrictions and personal needs, and I left the foundation with many new friends and family to return to in future years!

Cambodia's red dirt, luscious landscapes, and beautiful people will always have a dear place in my heart. I made my way to Kampot, a trendy little Cambodian town full of ex patriots, In Januay of 2020. There were juice bars, sushi, excellent cuisine, and all the fresh fruit and fish you could ever want. I rented a motorbike for $5 a day and made my way down dirt roads to the Red Road Foundation School. I could have hitched a ride in the pickup truck but I couldn't resist renting the bike. As I followed Rachel (also on a sweet little motorcycle) and her volunteers in the truck, I was greeted by smiles from all the people I passed along the way.
The school left a lasting impression. It is amazing what Rachel and her foundation have accomplished. They use absolutely everything, and are industrious about it, creating sustainability and little to no waste. The kids are grateful, and may not be able to attend school if it wasn't for the RRF. It really helps to create a grateful heart and widen your perspective to spend time volunteering at RRF. I highly recommend this life changing adventure. I am still so much more conscientious about waste and single use plastics!

Imagine navigating dust with a motorbike, and adventuring to Kampot for exotic fruit from busy markets and a clolorful maze of streets. Heading into the country under the big hot sun where turmeric, moringa, and children grow strong toward clear night skies, contemplating society, counting stars. Resting easy, full of purpose, giving water to roots, recycling plastic, building together, and learning the minimal magic dance of such peaceful memories... this was a life changing & deeply meaningful experience

I loved my time with the Red Road foundation !

Going to the school to share your culture and your knowledge with these wonderfull children will bring you happiness and love. And most important, this is the best gift you can offer to these kids.

The family living on the farm is absolutely lovely too and Rachel, the founder, is an amazing woman, passionate, that you can trust 100% !

If you are hesitating for choosing a project on gooverseas, I absolutely recommend the Red Road Foundation ! And I promess you won’t regret your choice !