Don Bosco Technical School
Available Ministries
- Education
- Teacher (Secondary)
- Agricultural
- Vocational
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Motorcycle & Auto Repair
- Plumbing
- Welding
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
The school provides a two-year technical education in the areas of computer, printing, electronics, electricity, automotive and mechanics. Each student undertakes one of these areas of specialisation and a work placement as part of the course. DBTS is such a well-respected institution that it boasts a 100% employment success rate among its graduates.
DBTS is also a home for boarder boys and boarder girls. These young people are students at DBTS, often coming from the poorest families and backgrounds. The school also houses the Besucco boys, who are a group of high school aged boys generally coming from extremely poor families.
Purpose & Objectives
Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS) located in the outer suburbs of Phnom Penh, was opened in 1991 in order to provide education for poor Cambodian young people. DBTS was the first institution in Cambodia to provide a free technical education to young adults in extreme poverty after the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
There are many activities for the volunteer to engage with in this placement. As there are boarder students present at the school the volunteer can provide tutoring and mentorship to these students. A volunteer can also participate in retreats and seminars that are offered to the students.
An oratory for local children is run after school each day and volunteers are also able to assist in the oratory.
Duties & Responsibilities
– teaching English as a second language (ESL)
– teaching technical skills for subjects including computer, graphic design, printing, electronics, electricity, automotive and mechanics
– leading oratory activities including after school and weekend tutoring
– giving formation talks, workshops or retreats on personal and spiritual development
– providing marketing, fundraising and administrative support
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
No specific qualifications are necessary however a background in teaching would aid a volunteer to be very successful in this placement. Volunteers need to have experience and desire to work with and for young people.
Useful Academic Preparation
Education, Social Work, Youth Work
Useful Experience
Any kind of previous experience with young people
Special Challenges/Conditions
The volunteer will primarily be working in the school however as outlined above there are also other opportunities for involvement.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
The volunteer will primarily be working in the school however as outlined above there are also other opportunities for involvement.
Involvement with the greater community
There is a very close community at the school that is inclusive of many different people – the students, teachers and their families and other community members.
Special Challenges & Conditions
The Salesians of Don Bosco function as an NGO in Cambodia due to government restrictions. It might be difficult for volunteers who want to explicitly evangelise as this is not possible.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
There are local people who work with the community to get clothes washed or they can do it themselves
Access to ATM
Local Diet
The staple food is rice which is served with vegetables, eggs and meat. It is not a traditionally spicy cuisine.
Local Medical Facilities
As there are many ex-pats living in Phnom Penh the medical facilities are easy accessible and of high quality