We build traditional wooden Khmer-style houses in rural Cambodia. The families we work with are generally on the lowest rung of the poverty ladder and include widow/widowers with children barely able to provide themselves with one meal a day of rice. We access the poorest families with the help of our local Social Worker and through Village and Commune Chiefs.

In addition to building new houses we also carry out repairs to existing houses if it is more economical than building a new house. This option can sometimes mean less inconvenience to families who may have to live in a temporary accommodation if the new house is to be built on the site of their existing one.

You do not need any experience to take part in our house building project. The work is varied; some days more labour-intensive moving earth for the foundations of the house; other days requiring more concentration measuring and preparing the timber for the house; and other days requiring a bit of brute force when hammering 8cm nails into timber. You will not be asked to do any task you do not feel comfortable undertaking.

Having said that, tradespeople are always welcome also as the team welcomes the opportunity to learn different Western methods and merge the Western and Khmer traditional building methods to provide the best and most economic outcome for the programme.

We never leave you on your own! As a volunteer, you will work alongside our local builders who will instruct and train you as you go. They’re great fun as well!

It is really a wonderful and fulfilling experience having people from all different countries and walks of life come together with a shared vision of helping those less fortunate than themselves. The smiles on the faces of the families you will help is a memory that will stay with you a lifetime!