By: Rin Ousa
Cambodia celebrated the 15th International Volunteer Day from Dec. 3 to 5 at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. Photo: Rin Ousa
“I have observed the growing number of volunteers each year,” he said on Dec. 5. “During the recent border clashes, numerous young people have helped directly, while others have contributed indirectly such as by providing support toward safeguarding national security.”
As Cambodia celebrated the 15th International Volunteer Day on Dec. 3 through 5, he noted that young people are an active workforce, expressing hope that they will remain engaged and pursue paths that benefit both themselves and society.
As Samphors explained, volunteering is not a waste of time or money: it is actually an investment that helps individuals develop skills to compete in the job market and on the international stage.
“Some individuals may not realize that what they have done from a young age qualifies as volunteer activity,” he said. “From kindergarten onwards, children can volunteer, including planting seeds or collecting garbage.”
Volunteering includes a wide range of work, Samphors said, from helping schools and pagodas to planting trees.
Since Aide et Action Cambodia was established in Cambodia in 2003, the NGO has supported young people volunteering in some cases for one-year community projects and in diverse activities to help them develop skills through education, environmental, eco-tourism and economic programs.
“If they are dedicated to education, they will become talented,” Samphors said. “Similarly, if they contribute to the environment, the economy or agriculture, they will significantly contribute to the country’s growth.
“We believe that when we help children today, they will contribute to national development in the future,” he said.
In the meantime, Samphors expressed hope that local communities will provide more opportunities for children to take part in community activities so that by learning about local issues, they can help find solutions.
However, he expressed concern for those involved in gangster activities, noting that some may not yet have found the right path, and have therefore spent their time engaging in actions that could negatively affect their future.
Vorn Samphors, country director of Aide et Action Cambodia
The Volunteer Day aims to recognize volunteers’ contributions, highlight the value of volunteerism, and encourage stronger government and community support for efforts that promote peace, development, and inclusive growth.
This year’s theme, “Volunteer Spirit: Together We Build a Digital Society of Accountability and Solidarity,” seeks to inspire volunteers and the public to support a responsible and inclusive digital future.
With support from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, development partners and relevant institutions, a three-day celebration was held at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia to mark the International Volunteer Day.
Aide et Action is a global non-profit organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, that supports the development of sustainable education projects.
Jade McCulloch is director of engagement at Educate A Child programme of Education Above All Foundation.
Sopheak SREY is communication and partnership manager at Action Education in Cambodia.
Education Above All Foundation, with its partner Action Education, supports efforts to ensure displaced children have access to quality education.
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