International Placements

WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH MAYIBUYE CAMBODIA?

About Mayibuye

Mayibuye Cambodia believes that providing arts-based opportunities within educational systems encourages confidence, inspires creativity and individuality, improves problems solving abilities, promotes leadership and leads to better lifestyle choices. 

Mayibuye realised that the youth of today are facing some of the toughest challenges in history and the current generation of young people have the unique power to shape their future. However, many of today’s young people do not have the skills or opportunities to be a catalyst for change in their local community. Song and dance is embedded within many cultures; however there is often no program in place to use this passion as a tool for empowering individuals and facilitating community development. This is the gap that Mayibuye works to fill 

Mayibuye has developed various projects to teach a range of dance disciplines and channel the passion of young people through dance. These activities are coupled with structured life skills and mentoring workshops, ensuring the youth are equipped with knowledge and skills to lead and promote a healthy lifestyle. Mayibuye hopes this will help to create positive change in local communities and help put an end to impoverished living conditions.

Volunteer Placement Description

We are pleased to be offering placements for international volunteers at our projects in Cambodia. Our aim is engage local Cambodian volunteers, therefore we only accept 2 overseas volunteers through our placement program, at any one time. 

What do we look for in a volunteer? 

Mayibuye Cambodia is looking for passionate people to volunteer at our Cambodia program. We are looking for volunteers who are truly passionate about the things we are passionate about! 

This can include: 

• Social Justice
• Youth Work
• International Development
• The Arts (Dance, Art, Drama, Music etc)
• The future of Cambodia 
• Community Welfare
• Culture and Anthropology 

Volunteers need to be willing to keep their minds open to learning new things, challenging themselves, working with limited resources, and be ready for the experience of a lifetime!

We are looking for people who: 

• Are willing to expand their worldview and perceptions
• Respect the roles and responsibilities of Mayibuye especially regarding community relationships 
• Are flexible, adaptable and proactive
• Can work independently
• Relate well to children and youth
• Act in culturally appropriate manner
• Have an inquiring mind
• Work well in a team environment

Roles and Responsibilities 

We endeavor to find roles and responsibilities that each volunteer is comfortable with and feels suited to. Mayibuye Cambodia believe in challenging yourself, and part of being a volunteer with us is to challenge yourself by doing new things and gaining new skills, which in turn allow you to grow as a person. 

Volunteers roles and responsibilities can include:

• Planning classes in dance/art/life skills/music etc
• Teaching and facilitating classes
• Administration (marketing, promotion, accounts, documentation, etc)
• Sourcing performance opportunities
• Evaluation – conducting project evaluation with students and the community
• Media and Communications – multimedia documentation, photos, stories, interviews, short film making
• Coordinating and promoting our overnight cultural stays
• Coordinating fair trade purchasing and sales
• Developing health and wellbeing training packages
• Research into local development issues
• Policy development
• Meaningful choreography creation
• Script development for dramatic pieces
• Event management for concerts, exhibitions etc…
• Volunteer leadership and management training

Length of stay

It is important that there is a sense of continuity in the program and operation of classes. We place value on relationship building between participants and volunteers, there for we expect volunteers to sign up for a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 3 months.

This allows for you to make a significant contribution and for Mayibuye Cambodia to operate effectively and responsibly within the community. This can be negotiated during your application process in special circumstances.

Time commitment while on the project 

Mayibuye operated 5 days a week in Takeo, from Wednesday to Sunday. Two days off are granted on Mondays and Tuesdays, during which volunteers often head to Phnom Penh to sight see and relax.

During placements, volunteers are expected to dedicate a minimum of four days per week to working on the program.

What do we provide? 

Accommodation 

Accommodation will be simple but clean and functional. Volunteers may be expected to share rooms with other volunteers. The volunteer house is located in the community we work with, minutes away from our projects. 

Electricity, gas and water supply will also be covered. 

Food 

Mayibuye Cambodia will provide volunteers with 3 meals a day from Wednesday to Sunday. Water will also be provided. Snacks are not included. 

Please note: volunteers are not expected to be vegetarian; however Mayibuye chooses to serve vegetarian meals to reduce risk of illness due to unsafe meat. Meat is usually ok to eat at restaurants and homestays.

Airport pick-up 

We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport at Phnom Penh at the time of your flight arrival if needed. You will be taken to the volunteer house in Takeo, which is approximately 1.5 hours away. If you will not be needing airport pick-up, we will arrange for transportation from Phnom Penh to Takeo for you.

Pre-departure preparation 

You will be invited to a meeting in Australia to brief you on your trip, what you can expect, and our organisation. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, to those who have already volunteered in Cambodia. You will be provided a handbook including packing lists, timetables, location information, cultural information, contact details etc. 

In-country orientation and support 

You will be taken through a detailed orientation on arrival. Orientation will cover topics including cultural guidelines, health and safety, project details, village lifestyle, etc. 

You will have a 24/7 support person in Cambodia, as well as 24/7 emergency support from our team in Australia. 

Office, internet and phone

Volunteers will be provided a safe and secure office to work from in Takeo. We endeavor to provide the resources and equipment needed to fulfill your role. Internet will be provided, however we cannot guarantee its reliability at all times. You will be provided with a phone and local sim card, this is to be used for work related calls and communication with other team members in Cambodia and in Australia if needed. Whilst we will not cover your international calls to family and friends, the phone number can be provided for them to call you. 

Mayibuye T-shirt

You will be provided with a Mayibuye Cambodia Tshirt to wear during your placement. You are able to purchase additional t-shirts for $3. 

Homestay with a local family

Volunteers will have the opportunity to do a local homestay. You will live and eat like a local, and experience firsthand the Khmer way of life. Placements will be with families and homes of our participants and local volunteers.

Pricing 

Application Process 

Love everything you have read above? Ready to make a difference in Cambodia? 

Then we would love to hear from you! 

-      First check the availability on our website. Please only apply for a month that has placements still free.

-       Ensure you have a passport valid for the dates you wish to travel.

-       Whilst we will support you in your fundraising and sponsorship efforts, you are responsible for paying the placement fees by the due date.

Online Application Form 

We have an online application available at http://www.mayibuye.org.au/get-involved/international-placements/placement-application-form 

If you are unable to access it or would like a word version of the form please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Interviews

Short listed applicants will be invited to a 2hour interview. There will be a serious of questions to ensure suitability, however it is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and gain a better understanding about the program. 

Background Checks

Approved applicants will be asked to provide a police and working with children’s check. Upon receiving these, Mayibuye will send out acceptance letters. (Please note you are not required to have these upon application, we will provide you with the forms  and support you to get them)