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Voluntary Projects Overseas

5 Rating
This organization has been expired and its programs are no longer offered.

Why choose Voluntary Projects Overseas?

Voluntary Projects Overseas works in partnership with local projects and communities around the world. We connect them with great people like you who want to volunteer and make a difference and thus change people’s lives.

Our work focuses on teaching, child care, community development, house building and wildlife conservation. We only work with local in country partners which establish opportunities for the locals and establishes sustainable projects.

We believe that our work does make a lasting difference. Who knows? Perhaps together we can end poverty in every community in which we work.

It’s no small task and we can only do it with your support so why not JOIN US?

Website
www.voluntaryprojectsoverseas.org
Founded
2003

Reviews

Default avatar
Kim
49
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Voluntary Projects Overseas in Cambodia

Griffith University ENACTUS Group

Mar 11, 2015

We have been volunteering for 6 years with this project and every year it just keeps getting better. A great experience in a great location. Our University students have found this literally a life-changing experience.

What would you improve about this program?
We have been taking groups for 6 years and every year the organization asks for feedback and every year the projects keep improving.
Default avatar
Julia
49
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Voluntary Projects Overseas in Cambodia

perfect parent with teenager holiday

Feb 25, 2015

When I decided to take my 16 year old son on holiday I was determined to make it an adventure. Volunteering in Cambodia was perfect, he helped build a house and I did some teaching. We worked in the mornings and relaxed in the afternoons. With a ready made social group I hardly saw him, but we both have amazing memories. Perfect.
Highly recommended.

What would you improve about this program?
Specific times for single parents with teenagers.
Default avatar
Kieran
64
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Voluntary Projects Overseas in Cambodia

So good I have returned a number of times!

Feb 10, 2015

The best part of this volunteering house building experience is that you can actually the results of your volunteering by the end of your trip. At the beginning there is a bare piece of land or an absolute shack and then one or two weeks later a brand new house!

Interacting with the family receiving the house is also a memory that will live with you and at the beginning sometimes they do not really believe that it is going to happen and then as the house progresses they start believing and the smile on their face gets bigger and bigger.

I have been lucky to be able to return a number of times and have been back to see the impact of previous house builds on families and it really has been a life changing experience for them.

The good thing about this volunteering is that you do not need any experience as you get instruction on everything you do and are encouraged not to do anything that you are no comfortable doing. I have seen people who have never held a hammer or saw on thier hand before become near experts by the end of the first week.

It is a volunteering experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life!

What would you improve about this program?
Everything can always be improved and the team on the ground are always open to suggestions.
Default avatar
Tony
64
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Voluntary Projects Overseas in Cambodia

Building project December 2014

Jan 30, 2015

In my 3 weeks I was involved in four projects (including building a toilet!) but the house we built in under one week was most memorable!
For me, the highlights included: working with and getting to know local people, especially on the day all the villagers turned out in force to help us erect the huge timber frames in a great show of teamwork; seeing and participating in the house blessing ceremony on the last day and seeing the door keys handed over to the family; working alongside, socialising and making friends with fellow volunteers from around e world, sharing some wonderful funny moments alongside the hard work.

What would you improve about this program?
The guest house we stayed in, Victory GH, was a great place to stay, the only disappointment being the breakfasts could be improved. For example, cereal would be a nice addition although we did buy some at the supermarket, and better quality eggs (with bacon) would set you up better for a hard days work!

Programs

This organization no longer has any active programs. Visit our homepage to continue your search.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Nick Marsh

Program
Voluntary Projects Overseas in Cambodia

Did you volunteer abroad? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Nick: I started VPO after volunteering overseas in Bolivia with Mads, my 'better half.' Our initial plan was to volunteer in the Amazon, but having broken my wrist on the world's most dangerous road, our plans changed. We ended up volunteering in Cochabamba with children with burns - it's an experience I'll never forget. It inspired us to start the charity. We raised over $100,000 for our work in Bolivia and our first daughter is named after a little girl 'Rosita' who was a real inspiration.

How does your organization differ from other ones in the industry?

Nick: We work with locally run charities and have no paid staff ourselves. I see our job as giving locally run projects the opportunity to find great people who'd love to help out and support people in need. As a charity we operate a 100% not for profit approach and we work by day to keep the charity going.

What is one thing you would tell any future volunteer?

Nick: Ask where is the money you are paying actually going - if you can't get a straight answer don't commit. There are tons of great organisations out there.

How does your program support sustainable projects within the community?

Nick: That's 100% our mission. Every project we work with should be looking to develop into a sustainable locally run and funded organisation which is not dependent upon volunteers, but until that happens its our job to connect great people who want to help out with great locally run organisations.