I have recently completed my Speech and Language Therapy BSc at City, University of London, and have been selected to take part in the City Cambodia Project 2019. The aim of the project is to develop services for and improve the quality of life of people with speech, language, communication and swallowing needs. Alongside a small team of newly qualified SLTs, I will be volunteering in Phnom Penh for three months from September.

Despite huge developments in Cambodia's healthcare services in recent years, Speech and Language Therapy is not yet an established profession. This leaves a vast gap in the availability of services and support for those in need, impacting on their health, attainment and social and emotional well-being.

The project has been running since 2007, under Professor Tim Pring. Through developing and maintaining links with services in Phnom Penh, each year a team is able to visit and deliver vital training and education to staff and families. Recently, this has also involved teaching a module on the first Speech and Language Therapy course at Paññāsāstra University and developing students’ clinical skills through observations and workshops. On top of this, graduates have been working with local charities and NGOs to maximise their outreach. Our hope for the future is that the combined efforts of the teams and local professionals will lead to Speech and Language Therapy becoming an established and self-sustaining profession.

I will be working across multiple hospitals to develop the knowledge and skills of local speech advisors in assessing, treating and providing advice regarding speech, hearing and swallowing difficulties associated with cleft lip and palate and hearing impairment. I will also be working with interpreters to provide communication and feeding advice to families in the community.

The cost for volunteers is around £3000. If you can spare any amount to contribute towards the project, which will have a lasting impact on local communities, it will be greatly appreciated.

Please get in touch if you have any questions. Thank you so much!