We recomend that you download and read the following documents thoroughly. After you have done this then please email your application or any enquiries to the email provided in the forms. 

If on the other hand - after reading all this - you decide that Green Gecko may sound a tad too full-on or isn’t quite what you are looking for, there are MANY other wonderful NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) in Cambodia that need your support and time and as much as we do. If you are interested in learning more about them please go to www.globalteer.org. 

:: FAQ'S ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

What hours will be working?
Although the kids are at Gecko are up at the crack of dawn we don't expect you to be there at that time, phew! Basically volunteers can share time with the kids between 8:45am and 7:30pm (Monday to Friday) with some time out for lunch and rest time and 9am - 4pm on Saturdays. But don't panic... no volunteer is expected to be there all day every day... classes, activities and homework time is shared between volunteers... so there is plenty of time to recover between shifts!

There are opportunities or events that sometimes fall outside these hours like excursions or football matches... which are optional and generally a hoot. As with everything, these hours may change as our programs develop.

What kind of backgrounds do the children have?
All of the Green Gecko children are ex-street kids who in their past have lacked order, discipline, and been abused. Most have had little or no parental care. Although they have improved in leaps and bounds it is important to keep in mind where they have come from and aware of the scars that they may be concealing, both physically and emotionally.

Do you offer accommodation for volunteers?
All our volunteers come to Cambodia independently or through an Independent Volunteer Program. Each volunteer is completely responsible for themselves (as our hands are pretty full already :-) There are many budget guest houses available that are clean, neat and safe, some very close to town and our centre, a favourite is the www.thesiemreaphostel.com. They also offer great discounts for Gecko volunteers so be sure to let them know why you are in town! Siem Reap is a very touristy town with many westerners and western food shops etc so if you come alone, you need never feel alone.

What clothing is appropriate in Cambodia?
On arrival in Cambodia you will instantly notice that they are very modest people, even the men. Bare shoulders in front of a monk, at the temples or in a pagoda are considered offensive. Also considered a no-no in Buddhist society is our ever-popular short t-shirts/singlets and low cut/hipster trousers or skirts that show your belly button or, even worse, your underwear! Short shorts or skirts are definitely frowned upon. It of course is not a rule, but it is a sign of a respectful, informed and conscious traveller.

What do we wear when volunteering?
All our volunteers are issued with "gecko crew" t-shirts that can be warn with your own long shorts, jeans, pants or long skirts.

What will my role be?
There are many roles and responsibilities a volunteer can take on depending on their skills, experience and interests.

While an important focus at the centre is having fun (the others being health, learning, self-esteem building and security) there are many duties that can be not so 'fun'. De-licing infested hair, cleaning up seeping wounds, waiting in a hospital for hours, holding a hand during teeth extractions, being exposed to contagious illnesses and seeing children that have been beaten badly by their parents are all common Green Gecko experiences.

Of course it's not always like this; most of the time is spent playing, giving one-on-one attention, leading activities, hugging, combing clean hair, holding a skipping rope and assisting, teaching English class, working on training staff or developing programs.

Do we need prepare anything before we arrive?
The more preparation you do beforehand, the better equipped you will be to 'handle' the kids before they 'handle' you. Please try and remember your childhood games or activities and bring them along to share. Keep in mind most will need to be adapted to overcome language and developmental barriers. The simpler the better! Interactive lessons and games involving props, drama and fun are especially good. Initiative is our most needed resource! Please come prepared to think on your feet and give it your all.

Do any of the children have HIV?
Due to the UN's child's right to privacy we are unable to find out or disclose ac child's medical status or history. For this reason we take the same precautions with every child with the use of rubber gloves.

Do I need health insurance?
It is our strongest recommendation that you take our comprehensive medical insurance to protect yourself against accidents or serious illness. Good medical treatment is at a minimum and can cost the earth. Make sure your insurance has evacuation cover if ever the unmentionable happened.

Do I need to insure my valuables?
Understandably, the Green Gecko Project is not in a position to be responsible for personal loss or injury. While we trust the children wholeheartedly, please don't risk carrying anything valuable unnecessarily to the centre … or for that matter when out and about at night. The dangers are no different to that of any main city. Walking home alone at night in dark areas is not recommended, nor is carrying your bag in the front basket of your bicycle without tying to the handlebars.

Do you follow a code of ethic?
We follow the Early Childhood Australia's Code of Ethic for working with each other and with the children. Please go into their web site and read the Code of Ethics. www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

Do I need to fundraise for Green Gecko?
While it is not by any means compulsory, many of our volunteers manage to do some fundraising before they arrive, and of course we greatly appreciate and always need financial contributions. Please feel free to use our website in any way you can to spread the news about the Green Gecko Project to friends and family who may wish to support your volunteering spirit without being able to join you in person. What you do with any money raised is completely up to you. It may be as simple as paying the centre's rent, or as detailed as actually developing a micro business for a family. We welcome project ideas, plans for how to execute them, and the funding to get them up and running, and we aim to get you as much involved as possible to make the most of your experience here. Ultimately, we hope you will return home inspired to continue your association with, and support for, the Green Gecko kids.

Does Green Gecko charge a fee to volunteer?
No we don't, but we don't provide any accommodation or travel assistance either. All Gecko volunteers come to us as either independent travellers (who find their own way here and around) or connect with a volunteer organisation who will help them along their way. 

Can I interact with the children outside of the green gecko centre?
While there is so much fun and laughter to be had, there is also a very serious side to volunteering. It is SO EASY to form favourites (even though we know we shouldn't) and want to take a child or children somewhere special or buy them something as a treat out-of-hours. Besides creating jealousy and rivalry there is a worse consequence to consider. Unfortunately having positive experiences like this with you, can lead a child into a false sense of security and wanting to replicate the experience with another, only to find the next westerner they spend time alone with may not as well intentioned as you. Terrible things have happened as a result of this and for this reason we have the following rules for ALL volunteers/visitors to abide by. The children's long term safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. We are sure you understand our position.

* NO child is to be taken on a motorbike, tuk-tuk or car without making prior arrangements with the directors of Green Gecko.

* NO children are to be taken to your guesthouse or accommodation (under any circumstance). This is an offence and punishable by Cambodian law.

* NO socialising with the children outside the centre apart from a friendly hello (unless arranged by management).

* NO emails are to be sent to children except via the GGP email system, no one is to set up a personal email address for the children. 

* NO children are to be singled out with special attention or gifts.
Please refer to our child protection policy for further detail.

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