CAMDOC

CAMDOC Training Center

In the execution of CAMDOC's programs the CAMDOC Training Center plays a central role. It is intended to be the local office of CAMDOC, visible in the center of the commune. But most of all it is the place where education (English classes) and vocational training will take place.

The center was started in March 2010 with 2 English classes in existing school buildings. After initiating a sewing class, it appeared that the regional school inspection does not allow adults to be trained in state school buildings. Therefore it was decided that the center should be housed elsewhere. At the moment CAMDOC rents a big house with sufficient room for both the English class (2nd level) and the sewing class. Initiaves are taken to open a tailor shop in conjunction with the sewing class. Due to its good location on the local main road and close to the Commune Hall there is lots of interest in the center's activities.

The center is being equiped now with low level electricity supply through a basic Photo-Voltaic solar panel installation. It feeds the batteries for led lamps in the class rooms and some some electronic devices as support for the English class. Next steps in the very near future are the start up of a class in basic computer use and additional vocational training.

Meanwhile CAMDOC bought a piece of land (4000 sqm) nearby to build its own center. Studies are starting up which should make clear if the buildings can be constructed from newly re-developed local materials, e.g. adobe-like building blocks, light-weight concrete etc., including intensive participation of the local people. This way the buildings are cheaper, the people will feel it as something of their own, and at the same time they can learn how to use such materials to improve their own living conditions.
Eventually, the buildings will comprise school classes, an appartment for housing volunteers and visitors, an office room, a shop for the things produced and tool shops for vocational training. On the property there will be enough room for small scale agricultural and construction experiments.

In the course of time the following facilities should become available: PV-solar electricity system -for light, electronic equipment and portable computers-, composting toilet facilities and a basic water distribution system based on a solar pump with reservoir.

Initially, the property will be privately owned and freely available for CAMDOC. The running costs of the center will be financed by Cambodia Child Aid in Germany.