A Week in the Life of a Volunteer with Kamboo Project I set out to write a day in the life of a Kamboo volunteer but quickly realised—impossible! No two days are the same. And there lies the beauty of it. Every Monday morning, the whole team gathers to plan the week ahead. It’s a chance to catch up, discuss priorities, and for volunteers to be assigned their tasks for the week. From there, it all begins! Each day starts around 8:00 or 8:30, when volunteers generally head out with Kamboo staff to different project sites. One day you might be painting a library, the next you’re helping build a school, checking progress on new toilets, supporting reading activities, presenting at early marriage workshops or visiting families in their homes to understand their challenges and needs. And often, you’ll find yourself working alongside Cambodian volunteers from other NGOs—sharing ideas, lending a hand, and building friendships that stretch across organisations. The variety is endless, as are the stories you’ll collect along the way. Of course, projects shift with the seasons—construction and garden work understandably slow down in the hot, dry months, but there’s always something meaningful to be done. Getting to the projects is fun in itself—most days you’ll pile onto the back of a moped driven by one of the Kamboo team, or hop in a tuk-tuk for longer journeys, enjoying the sights of real Cambodia along the way. We usually return to the office around 11:30am, ready for a well-earned lunch, either back at our accommodation or in the office. Afternoons can be a little quieter but no less rewarding. This is the time for reflection and reporting—writing up notes from the field, documenting progress, and sharing insights. I found myself really involved in writing reports and case studies, as well as planning and delivering English lessons for the Kamboo staff, which was yet another rewarding experience. What stood out most to me, though, was how welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative the Kamboo team is. They truly value fresh ideas and encourage volunteers to contribute suggestions for future projects. It’s a space where your input—whether hands-on or behind the scenes—makes a real impact and is valued. A week with Kamboo isn’t just about what you do; it’s about the people you meet, the things you learn, and the way you grow. There’s something for everyone here, no matter your age or background. And trust me, once you’ve experienced it, you’ll be wanting to come back and do it all again.

Paolo, 2025