18 Houses Constructed through School Group Programs  |  Cambodia

Impacts

Background

Since the 1980s, the World Expeditions Schools group has pioneered the concept of Service Learning trips, guiding students on their journey to becoming responsible global citizens while addressing global challenges one step at a time. With the support of student participants, the organisation has successfully completed over 400 Service Learning programs across developing countries. It remains deeply committed to supporting a wide range of meaningful causes, including social justice, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and more.

Cambodia has been a location of continued support, and World Expeditions Schools has connected with the local organisation Volunteer Build Cambodia. Volunteers such as school groups are the backbone of Volunteer Build Cambodia. This organisation builds sturdy, steel-framed Khmer-style houses for some of Cambodia’s most impoverished communities. Based in Siem Reap, in the country’s northwest, most of their housing projects are located in the rural areas surrounding the popular tourist destination and the historic Angkor Wat temple complex. Their efforts are focused on communes and villages experiencing high levels of poverty and where few other aid organisations are active. Much of the construction takes place approximately 25 kilometres outside the city.

Poverty remains widespread in rural Cambodia, where many families survive on less than $1 per day. Housing in these areas is often extremely basic, with many families living in fragile shelters made of palm frond walls and dirt floors. Such structures frequently fail to withstand the country’s heavy seasonal rains.

In contrast, the houses built by this organisation are durable and designed to provide long-term security. They are expected to remain maintenance-free for at least ten years, though they can be refurbished or repaired as needed. Each home features a steel frame with concrete footings, hard-wearing walls, wooden floorboards, and a tin roof. The layout typically includes one enclosed room and one semi-open room, with the space beneath the raised house commonly used as a living and cooking area.

Each house takes approximately four days to construct, followed by a traditional Khmer house blessing ceremony on the fifth day, held before the family moves into their new home. The organisation employs three skilled builders, all of whom work under the guidance of founder Sinn Meang. Each builder is experienced and capable of leading construction efforts and guiding volunteers throughout the building process.

Inadequate housing has a profound impact on families. It contributes to children missing school and leads to various health issues due to poor sanitation and insecure living conditions. Through ongoing impact assessments, the organisation has consistently observed the transformative effect of providing a safe, dry, and secure home. Families report improved sleep, restored hope, and increased school attendance among children.

The selection of recipient families is carried out with care and diligence. A dedicated social worker conducts thorough assessments in collaboration with village and commune chiefs, as well as reviewing referrals from other NGOs. To ensure long-term stability, families must own the land and be free of debt, reducing the risk of eviction or loss of the home due to financial claims.

This work would not be possible without the incredible support of volunteers and donors. Their contributions—whether time, skills, or financial—are essential to delivering this life-changing impact.

On the completion of the World Expeditions Schools Programs in Cambodia, Volunteer Build Cambodia sends updates at 6 months, one year and two years documenting the success of the family household that was supported by the school group. There are many heartwarming stories of progress, financial security and most importantly of all, safety and security that are being reported back. The connections made are important to both the families recieveing the house, but also for the students building the houses who are able to make a meaningful contribution and take this forward in their learning journey.