Message from a volunteer
I am currently volunteering in an association called Viva La Vida Family, located in a small village near Kampong Cham in Cambodia. We are building a cultural centre for Khmer children, with school, sport, farm and dormitories. Every volunteer is encouraged to contribute with their own ideas and skills.
We are always surrounded by beautiful and strong children and experiencing real local Khmer life.
Accommodation
We still have 2 beds available in our volunteer house (information originally shared for May – please check current availability with the association).
About Viva la Vida Family
Viva la Vida Onlus is an association that supports children who live in poor conditions, with the aim to improve their living conditions and make them autonomous, free and self sufficient, removing cultural, economic and social obstacles.
Mission
Our mission is to help children and young people in difficulty, giving them the opportunity to build a future through projects that educate them and provide technical and scientific knowledge, useful for achieving their economic and cultural emancipation.
In historically disadvantaged contexts, we want to promote international cooperation to ensure respect for universal human rights, so that children can self determine and enjoy freedom.
The founders
Viva la Vida is the initiative of Nicola Regina, after a long journey around the world which changed his life. In October 2017 Nicola began to build the Viva la Vida Cultural Center thanks to the proceeds from his book Controvento. Around the non profit organization a large volunteer channel opened up and the projects began to take form.
In February 2018 Carmen Ruiz Garrido arrived to live a simple volunteer experience. She immediately took the project to heart and decided to continue indefinitely this journey in the heart of Cambodia.
Carmen and Nicola manage, with passion and enthusiasm, a centre with around 100 children who have the opportunity to study and carry out many educational activities, follow the projects of the orphanage of Kampong Cham, and support several families living in poor conditions. On the horizon there are many ambitious projects.
Fees and volunteering model
According to the most recent information on Viva la Vida’s website, volunteers are asked to make a daily financial contribution that helps cover food and accommodation and supports the family home and projects. There is also an initial non-refundable donation to confirm the placement. This means the program works as a fee based volunteering experience, not a free work exchange. Always ask for the latest volunteering brochure to check current amounts, what is included, and minimum stay.
Child protection: Viva la Vida works with vulnerable children and adolescents in schools, a family home and in cooperation with a local orphanage. Before applying, ask about safeguarding policies, screening of volunteers, supervision by trained local staff, and recommended minimum stay. Responsible volunteering with children should always put local children’s rights and stability first.
Contact details
This volunteer project may change over time. Please contact Viva la Vida Family directly to confirm the current status, conditions and application process.
Website: vivalavidafamily.com
Facebook: facebook.com/vivalavidafamily
Email (general): vivalavidafamily2016 AT gmail DOT com
Email (volunteers, from latest info): volunteersvivalavida AT gmail DOT com
Hi.
I’m a photographer and documentary film maker with experience for making films for UNICEF, Tata Trusts, etc. I’m planning to take a break from my work and travel to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
I did my MA in Mass Communication and Journalism from Tezpur Central University, Assam. My BA was in English.
I’m an astrophotographer and hace been doing astronomy outreach in my region using telescopes.
Let me know if there is any opportunity.
Thanks.
Hello Dipankar Bhagawati thanks for commenting!
If you want to contact the hosts please use the contact details section.