Program Reviews

My one-month volunteering in AHHA Education in both Phnom Penh and Kampot was a meaningful, enriching experience that provided me with flexibility, autonomy, and capacity-building opportunities throughout the whole period spent with Peter and the School staff.

I am grateful for this experience because of my involvement with a very interesting social setting and education challenges, and I had the opportunity to work with and on what I felt most suitable for and happy (grants scouting and partnership building + extra school activities). I had constant support and received frequent support while enjoying the company of Cambodian children and youth.

I made several friends and I felt truly happy and motivated to spend all my time in the school and immerse myself in the work of this NGO, believing in and working for concrete change.

I spent 5 months volunteering for AHHA Education, working in various roles as teaching, marketing and recruiting.

I had a fantastic time with Peter and the team. From meals to social activities to bedroom: Everything is taken care of. I received great support by the staff of AHHA and could always fall back on them like aunts and uncles.

The connection with the students is truly one-of-a-kind, since every moment is spent together. I love that about AHHA Education.

When in Cambodia, I could not recommend volunteering here more

I had a very interesting experience working at AHHA in Phnom Penh. Aside from meeting a range of amazing people of all nationalities and backgrounds who keep the school going, I found the fundraising work highly stimulating. The environment in the office was very collaborative, Peter encouraging people to learn from each other depending on their skill set.

I also really enjoyed living on the edge of Phnom Penh. A stone’s throw away from the city and its museum’s and cultural institutions, it also was a lovely place to explore, with the Mekong 5 minutes walk away and all sorts of interesting routes to take around the school.

I’d say that volunteering at AHHA is not for the faint hearted, you are expected to contribute to the community they have carefully built and the housing is basic, but absolutely adequate. It was hugely rewarding and I feel that I learned a lot of practical skills there.

I have spent 1 month in Kampot in 2024 August. The school is located 30 minutes by motorbike outside of the Kampot downtown in a rural area.

The school has two programs, one for English for all students ages 6 to 13 and business program ages 16 to 18 for 2 years graduation program.

There are permanent teachers and they accept volunteers. I was lucky to teach Englush to childrens at ages 6 to 13 and business to older students. Tge local teachers have been very helpful and motivated and passionate. The family who runs thd school is also very supportive and educated.

I loved the atmosphere and the teacher student engagements. We always had good structure in lessons as well as fun time by playing several games everyday.

I stayed in a private place in Kampot. I recomment you arrange your own accomodation and rent a bike.

Teach, travel have fun!

Looking back I had a good time at AHHA and after one year I can still confidently say that I stand behind what AHHA is doing. They focus on education for kids whos families don't have much money. That's why they direct their ressources to the school rather than luxurious stuff.

This Volunteering is good for you if you like working and learning about problems of the education system in developing countries & challenges within an organization who focuses on stuff like that.

I'm still in contact with Peter who is overseeing the volunteers and he's a nice and friendly person. So you can easily reach out throughout gooverseas and just check in a call if you would like volunteering there.

Volunteering with AHHA Education in Cambodia has been one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. As an international volunteer, I came with the intention to give—but I left with so much more: a deeper understanding of Cambodian culture, a renewed sense of purpose, and a profound respect for the power of grassroots education.

AHHA Education is not just an NGO—it’s a movement. Their mission to educate and empower Cambodian youth through formal education and skills training is deeply rooted in community values and cultural pride. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by Peter and his team not just as a volunteer, but as part of an international family. The organization’s culture is one of humility, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to social impact. It was inspiring to witness how every team member, from the founders to the local youth leaders, embodied the values they teach.

What sets AHHA apart is its holistic approach. Beyond traditional classroom education, they offer a diverse portfolio of social enterprises that provide real-world training and sustainable opportunities. I had the chance to engage with several of these initiatives—from office work, digital marketing, hospitality promotions, housekeeping and hotel reception. Each project is thoughtfully designed to equip young Cambodians with practical skills while fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their heritage.

Being immersed in the local community was a reward in itself. I lived among the people, shared meals with the staff, interns and other volunteers, and participated in cultural activities that offered a window into the soul and history of Cambodia. These moments of vicarious learning reminded me that education is not just about textbooks and is not confined in the four corners of the classroom; it’s about connection, identity, and empowerment.

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was learning from AHHA’s organizational culture and public relations strategies. Their approach to community engagement is deeply respectful and inclusive. I observed how they build trust through transparency, how they amplify local voices rather than overshadow them, and how they use storytelling to inspire action. These best practices have reshaped how I view development work and will undoubtedly influence my future endeavors.

AHHA Education is a beacon of hope in Cambodia—a place where dreams are nurtured, and futures are built. For anyone considering volunteering abroad, I cannot recommend this organization enough. It’s not just a place to serve; it’s a place to grow, to learn, and to be transformed.

In a world that often feels disconnected, AHHA reminded me of the power of community, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the enduring impact of education. My time there was not just a chapter in my journey—it was a turning point.

🌱 Thank you, AHHA Education, for the lessons and the legacy you are building every day. 🌱

I had been teaching in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and when my contract expired I decided to take the opportunity to do volunteer work; something I had been wanting to do for decades (I am 60). After sifting through many options I got accepted at AHHA Education, an NGO in Kampot, Cambodia. The section of AHHA that I got recruited for is based in the town itself, whereas two other sections, including a school, are based outside, but close to, the town. So you will not be based in a remote rural area like some volunteer programs are. I worked in the Communications Department of the NGO where we focused on activities involved in raising much-needed funds to support the school program. My business and marketing skills were very much appreciated by AHHA and they were always happy to show their gratitude. The volunteering experience itself was very humbling and satisfying, and is something I would recommend everybody should do at least once in the lifetime. I'm really happy I did it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with AHHA Education as part of the office team. Being able to utilise business skills that I have acquired in my studies and apply it in a southeast Asian context has been a really unique experience and has definitely led to personal development.

Not only have I developed personally and feel I have gained experience and had lots of fun, it has also been rewarding to be giving back to the people of Cambodia through my work and feel I am making a difference.