Whilst we believe that skilled and professional volunteers are always of special value to a project, experience has shown us that if you are OPEN-MINDED about other ways of doing things, PATIENT when things do not go according to plan, ENTHUSIASTIC about your work and full of INITATIVE so you can make the best out of a bad situation, then regardless of your age, ability or level of skills, you will always make a difference for good on the project that you work.

What type of volunteer are we looking for?

Imagine, a long time ago, in a place far, far away… that you are working on a rural project, and you arrive at 8am in the morning, only to discover that the materials you require have not arrived.

What do you do? Do you:

(a) go home?

(b) complain to us about the problem?

(c) attach your hammock to the nearest tree and kick back initiate a debate about who would win in a light-saber duel between Yoda and Darth Vader? or

(d) think on your feet, use your initiative, and find something productive to be doing?

If your answer was (a) or (b) then we urge you to stop reading now, and go find another volunteer placement organisation to work with.

If HOWEVER your answer was (c), then it was clearly Yoda – he may not have had the longest of light-sabers but he sure well knew how to use it!

AND If your answer was (d), then WE WANT YOU!!!

The reality of work in a developing country is that things go wrong: taxi-drivers do not arrive, key equipment and materials are not delivered on time, staff don’t turn up to work and projects can change at a moments notice. You need to be able to make the best of a bad situation.

So if building materials do not arrive, you need to keep a positive attitude, and make the most of the day. That could mean clearing a patch of unused land, getting some seeds from a neighbouring farm and making a vegetable patch. Or it could mean using some old bits of wood and rope to make some swings for the local children.

The possibilities are endless – but only for those who have initiative and can think outside the box. Use their imagination!!! BE CREATIVE!

Another important question that you should ask yourself before you click the ‘apply’ button is whether you are the type of person who:

(a) needs or wants a detailed structure, time table and or framework for your volunteer placement?

(b) prefers less structure in your volunteer placement, and more flexibility and opportunity to innovate?

If your answer was (a) then please do not apply with vMaD!

We want volunteers who are resourceful, who can think on their feet, and are positive, self-motivated and full of enthusiasm, creativity, imagination, desire and get going attitude.

If your answer was (b) then we think you will enjoy our entrepreneurial approach.

We believe volunteering is an EXPERIENCE not a JOB! Every volunteer is unique… personalities differ greatly as do reasons and motivations for volunteering. We believe creating a strict and regimented framework does not benefit anyone. Sure it makes it easy for some volunteers, but it stifles initiative and does not allow entrepreneurial volunteers to achieve their potential.

Volunteers who have come with no expectations, have applied themselves and sought to give and get as much as they could from the projects are, in our experience, those who have made a difference to the community. Those are the volunteers who are remembered years after their time with vMaD comes to an end.

AND for those who just love being supper critical and judgmental – seeing the best in a situation is a talent! Make a Difference and do something for Good!

So if you are passionate about making a difference, and you feel you have the skills and character traits that we are looking for, then what are you waiting for? We are 110% confident that your time with us will be one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile experiences of your life, and that you help us to make a difference for good where it is needed most.

Who can volunteer with vMaD?

vMaD Cambodia volunteering opportunities are available to groups, families, couples & solo volunteers; to the young, middle aged, disabled & seniors; to students, skilled professionals, corportate volunteers and those with no experience at all. Click on the icons below to see how vMaD Cambodia caters for each group specifically.

A Positive Mental Attitude is Essential!

Note: All prospective volunteers should read "The REALITY of Volunteer Work in Cambodia" document before filling in a Volunteer Application Form.

Calling Long Term Skilled Volunteers!

Fed up of the Western rat-race? How would you like to join vMaD as a long term skilled volunteer?

Volunteers Past & Present

Above are some of the faces of volunteers who have volunteered with vMaD in Siem Reap, Cambodia.