Painting with Children Volunteer Project in Cambodia

My time at CCPP was unforgettable. The other volunteers were fantastic people and the children were inspirational. I cant wait to return at the soonest opportunity.
The roster of work is well organised and allows plenty of down time to enjoy the local town and beach. Everyday was memorable and rewarding and every night involved fantastic food with friends.
Anyone with the opportunity to take part in this program shouldn't hesitate. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.

It's been almost a year since I was with CCPP, I think about it every single day and have just booked my flight back for 2012. Really can't wait to get back there and see all the kids again. When you get up to the center in the morning a lot of children are already there waiting for you and their faces light up when they see the volunteers approaching, they wave, smile and ask you how you are. It's truly amazing to see these children and what a great opportunity CCPP gives them.

During the time I was there the amount of volunteers varied so for some weeks I worked only the morning or afternoon shift and some weeks I worked both morning and afternoon. You will have plenty of time to be on the beach if you want to and in the evenings all the volunteers usually went out for dinner together. You become like a family in the volunteer house and I've made friends for a life time.

As a volunteer you are more than welcome to have your own art lesson or come up with ideas and games for the children. They are open for anything and you will find it really hard to leave this project and all the kids in the end. If you're thinking about doing this, do it!

Hard work and enthusiasm will see you through the day at CCPP. I visited only for a short time but continue to support and recommend the program from home. The children at CCPP made such an impression on me that my continued support was never an option! The children love the program and the interaction with international volunteers. Their commitment to CCPP is inspiring, and the hard work of full time staff is commendable. I hope to one day work in a role this meaningful. If you are comfortable around children, and enjoy hard, and rewarding, work then please visit CCPP! You will not regret it!

I volunteered earlier this year (2011) with a friend, and we've already booked our return trip for 2012. We had the most incredible time!

The organisation is a fantastic initiative, and is an important part of the Sihanoukville community, offering not only a fun and creative education to the kids in a safe, welcoming environment, but also supports children with clothing, bikes, nutritious food, as well as well as the family with food, rent assistance and loans.

This is a great program for those wanting to embrace their creative side, to try new things, as well as those wanting to escape to a new, friendly community and with a friendly, rewarding vibe.

The best part of the program is having the ability to work with the Khmer staff to plan and run art classes, activities and teach English. Not to mention the incredibly kids!

Our usual day was:
8am start at the centre with the volunteers and do yoga with the kids
9am Run art program and English Class
11am Activities
11.30am Serve lunch
12noon Lunch break
2pm - Another group of kids come through, run art and english
3.30pm activities
5pm Finish

7.30pm head out to dinner with group/part of - around $2.50-$3.50 for a meal
and the night usually ended with 50c beers on the beach!

The working week was usually 6 days, depending on how many volunteers were there, and Sundays were spent on one of the beautiful beaches or local islands near by!

The accommodation was great, we had access to free wifi and the whole community was incredible.

Sihanoukville is a pretty notorious beach / party town, so there is always a night life, people to meet, experiences to be had and incredible drink specials!

There are also a few great back bars, great for escaping the intensity of the beach scene- to chill out with a glass of wine and some great music. Plus amazing food!

There is so much to love about CCPP, the kids and Sihanoukville, its definitely worth the every minute! Can't wait to go back!

And I'm not talking about the kids life, I'm talking about mine.
I came firs to CCPP at March 2009, for one month. I end up staying for almost a year.
Every morning, when we open the project at 8 AM, you see so many kids already waiting for you outside, and you know that this place for them is so much more than just getting a free meal, its their home.
Even though the project has its programs, there is always a place for your own ideas and creativity.
One of the most exciting days at CCPP, was the first day of school. for weeks we were busy with preparations: bags, uniforms, registration... and on the day, they all showed up early, dressing nice, waiting. going to school dose not sound very special, but it is for them because other wise, they couldnt have this opportunity.
I learned so much about them,about myself and about love.