• Bear Rescue
• Orphanage
  

Bear Rescue

Natasha - Aug 09

"Yes everything went smoothly. They are great here. The program is well organised and very good :)"

Laura - Jun 09

"Would definitely recommend the placement because it was so rewarding and an experience that I will treasure forever."

Kevin - Jun 09

"If you are willing to get dirty the rewards are there, getting that close to the bears seeing how much better you can make their lives after what people have done to them. It didn't matter in the end if it was two weeks or like the others part of their lifes. It was for the bears and great to see them enjoy a better life. Enriching the enclosures you feel rewarded even if you only make a difference for two weeks. Although it was a working holiday it was my best one. The people were great & Cambodia is great to explore on your time off."

Gemma - Jan 09

"Caring for the animals, by helping to feed them and by cleaning and enriching their environments, was a totally unique experience. It was a world away from my typical day in the office and very refreshing. I really enjoyed being part of these great programs and helping to care for these wonderful creatures, who have sadly been captured and/or mistreated by people before being rescued and brought to live in the centres. I'm glad they have a natural and positive home now."

Lynn - Jan 09

"So far so good. First week has been collecting bear poo, scrubbing the cages and then feeding and hiding treats in the enclosures in the afternoons. There are 102 bears here, but the favourite must be nutkins who is a 5 month old bear cub who is really cute and playful. Has huge claws though already.

We had a whole tour of the zoo on monday and saw the elephants having a dip in the lake!

The people here are really nice. There are another 3 volunteers coming next week.

Have come to Phnom Pehn for the weekend with one of the girls, so next weekend when i come back on my own I will know what I am doing! The city is very busy compared to the village we are in.

I would definately recommend people to come for as long as possible. I am already thinking what I can do next."

Lynsey - Jul 08

"I had a great time in Cambodia caring for the bears at the wildlife sanctuary.  I'd never been to South-East Asia, nor had I done any kind of conservation or voluntary work overseas before.  I would definately recommend the bear rescue project to anyone who is thinking of volunteering through the PoD site.  The people out there are all really friendly and made me feel very welcome and part of the team straight away.  I will not hesitate in booking my next volunteer project through PoD!"

Sylvia - Mar 08

"Just to let you know I had the best time ever. It was great I really enjoyed myself. It's such a shame for the bears but thank god they have a centre like this one, everyone had great passion. It was brilliant.

The guesthouse was alot better than I thought it would be and very helpful and friendly.

Be ready to work, it's not too hard it's just the heat that makes it feel hard. Remember that the animals are wild as much as you would love to give them huge hug you can't! Just have fun."

Shawna & Art - Mar 08

"We had a great time at the Bear Centre! I miss them all so much!"

Orphanage

Jonni -  May 10

"Hey Beth, ITS AMAZING!!
Arrived safe and swiftly, was introduced to the orphanage as soon as I put my bags in my room and all the children knew my name the next morning! They are all so friendly and just want to play and talk with you like you said, but recently we have started organised reading sessions where the kids can come to the library they have here between 11 and 12 and they can choose a book they want help reading with. Its so popular its awesome, even though i've never read to a child before, they are so enthusiastic about learning new words it's incredible! And i've learnt my fair share of khmer, good and bad :D

We are putting on a talent show this weekend for them so thats going to be really exciting! Im hoping they all take to it full heart, i think they understand the concept!

What I think is good about PoD is that it didnt lie on explaining the project. It's so laid back, some people dont even turn up to the orphanage, you can turn up whenever, for how long you want etc do whatever you want, no structure exactly how you guys at PoD explained it on your website. A few people here are complaining to their respective project companies because they were told it was for under 4's, you would be getting them ready for school, they paid for khmer cultural and cooking lessons that dont exist, all these extras other companies claim but PoD have told it how it is so I knew exactely what to expect, so thank you :)

I have one week more and wish i could stay longer, i know if I ever come back to Cambodia (which i think I will ) I will be back to Takeo, thats a definate.

I know im gonna be sad to leave, but its been an amazing time and met so many people here. Cambodia is definately my favourite place so far!"

Shaun - Mar 10

"It is absolutely fantastic here, I love it...I have been hard at it since I have been here doing all the jobs Boonseng has had having around for a while.......It's a shame that I am only here a short time, if it were not for work I would love to stay longer and do more. I will definitely return.

I would strongly recommend Takeo to those people that want to see the non touristy side of Cambodia and the realities that come with it. There are also a couple of trips you can do, well one in particular that assist the region spread it's history to westerners. Takeo is very very poor and has because it was once the bread basket of the country has suffered significantly due to the American bombing and Pol Pot regime.

In summary it is a fantastic project in a fragmented but lovely place. The Khmer people are without doubt the friendliest people I have ever come across, generosity abound.  I intend to return."