Volunteer Policy

Discover Your Possibilities (DYP) values the contribution of volunteers who support education, independence, and opportunities for learners with visual impairments in Cambodia. This Volunteer Policy explains the standards, responsibilities, and expectations that help ensure volunteering is respectful, safe, ethical, and meaningful.

Our Commitment

DYP is committed to a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all learners, families, staff, and volunteers. Volunteers are expected to follow DYP’s policies, respect professional boundaries, and prioritize the wellbeing and dignity of learners at all times.

This policy should be read together with DYP’s Student Protection Policy and Privacy Policy.

Contents

Need to report a concern?

If a child/student is in immediate danger, seek urgent help first, then inform DYP leadership as soon as possible.

1. Purpose

This Volunteer Policy outlines the principles, standards, and expectations for volunteering with DYP. It supports safe and positive experiences for learners and families, and helps ensure volunteer contributions are meaningful, respectful, and aligned with DYP’s mission.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Local and international volunteers
  • Short-term and long-term placements
  • Skill-based and project-based volunteering
  • Volunteering at the Learning Center, in the community, or during DYP-organized events and outreach

3. Volunteer Principles

  • Respect and dignity: treat all learners and families with respect and value their independence.
  • Inclusion: support equal participation and non-discrimination.
  • Safety: prioritize learner wellbeing and follow DYP policies and guidance.
  • Professionalism: maintain appropriate boundaries and act responsibly.
  • Cultural respect: work respectfully within Cambodian cultural context and community norms.

4. Roles & Limitations

Volunteers may support activities such as:

  • Learning Center classroom and learning activities
  • Technology and accessibility skills support
  • Direct Assistance Program (DAP) support activities
  • Research, documentation, and content support
  • Events and community outreach support

Important limitations

  • Volunteers do not replace paid staff.
  • Volunteers do not make decisions on behalf of DYP unless formally assigned.
  • Volunteers must work under the guidance of DYP staff and leadership.

5. Code of of Conduct

Volunteers will…

  • Behave respectfully and ethically toward learners and staff.
  • Use appropriate language, actions, and professional boundaries.
  • Ask before assisting a learner and respect independence.
  • Follow DYP guidance for supervision and activities.
  • Identify risks and report concerns promptly.
  • Respect diversity and individual needs.

Volunteers will not…

  • Take photos/videos without formal permission.
  • Shame, humiliate, or emotionally harm a learner.
  • Use inappropriate physical contact or threatening behavior.
  • Be alone with a child/student unnecessarily (where possible).
  • Take a learner off-site without authorization.
  • Work under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.
  • Ignore, hide, or discourage reporting of concerns.
  • Share private learner information without authorization.

6. Student Protection Commitment

All volunteers must read and agree to DYP’s Student Protection Policy before beginning their placement. Volunteers are required to:

  • Prioritize safety, dignity, and wellbeing of learners.
  • Report any protection concern immediately.
  • Follow DYP reporting procedures and guidance.

Failure to comply may result in immediate termination of volunteer placement and, where necessary, referral to relevant authorities in accordance with Cambodian law.

7. Photography, Media & Representation

  • Permission first: do not take photos/videos unless permission is granted by DYP leadership and appropriate consent is in place.
  • Respect dignity: avoid images that are humiliating, stereotypical, or misleading.
  • Social media: do not post learner photos or personal information on personal accounts without DYP authorization.
  • Public statements: volunteers must not represent DYP publicly (including media interviews) unless authorized.

8. Confidentiality & Data Protection

Volunteers may have access to sensitive information about children/students and families. Volunteers must respect privacy and confidentiality and use information only for authorized purposes.

  • Do not share personal data without permission.
  • Do not discuss children/student information outside DYP activities.
  • Follow DYP guidance regarding documentation and data handling.

DYP also collects and processes personal information about volunteers (such as application details, emergency contacts, and relevant health information) as part of managing volunteer placements. For full details of how DYP handles personal data, please read our Privacy Policy.

9. Health & Safety

  • Follow DYP safety instructions and supervisor guidance.
  • Report accidents, injuries, or hazards immediately.
  • Inform DYP of any health conditions that may affect participation.

10. Photography, Media & Online Protection

Volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns related to student safety, inappropriate conduct, unsafe environments, or ethical issues. Reports should be made promptly to DYP leadership or a designated supervisor.

Good-faith reporting

DYP does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith.

11. Ending a Volunteer Placement

DYP reserves the right to end a volunteer placement if there is inappropriate conduct, policy violation, safety concern, or if the placement is no longer suitable.

Volunteers may also end their placement respectfully by informing DYP leadership or their supervisor.

12. Governance & Review

  • This policy is approved by DYP leadership and applies to all volunteer placements.
  • DYP may review and update this policy to reflect best practice and Cambodian legal requirements.
  • Policy-related information is handled confidentially and shared on a need-to-know basis.

13. Contact Information

For volunteer-related questions or to report a concern connected to DYP activities, contact DYP leadership.

Discover Your Possibilities (DYP) Organization

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +855 78 255 773 

Address: Thlok Angdoung Village, Sangkat Sla Kram, Siem Reap Municipality, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.

Related policies: Student Protection Policy • Privacy Policy