- The House Building Programme has seen 13,068 houses being built from 2001 to date -

In early 1995, Andy and Mary Payne, both teachers at UWCSEA in Singapore, came to Cambodia and learned about Tabitha. They wanted their students to come to Cambodia and attain knowledge of poverty through a volunteer experience.

Tabitha responded to this request by developing the House Building Project. The concept was to provide the students with an experience that combined an understanding of the recent history of Cambodia with an opportunity to build a small home for a family in need. This enabled the students to see for themselves the direct positive results that they could make through their own actions.

This is how the House Building Programme was born. Tabitha coordinates volunteers from around the world to help build houses for families participating in the Savings Programme. Community elders and Tabitha staff select the neediest families to receive a house from within the community.

Each Cambodian family receiving a home contributes a portion of the cost, usually between US$25 and $100. It may take nearly four years for a family to save this amount, and it is a huge effort for them. The average family earn less than US$1 per day.

Volunteers around the world independently form their own groups, often from within schools, companies and volunteer organizations. The group is expected to raise the funds to support the cost of the project.

Each team raises roughly US$1,500 per house and completes a minimum of six houses per building trip.

This donation covers three elements essential to a family's journey out of poverty: housing, access to clean water and participation in the Savings Programme.

The number of houses that can be built depends on the size and fitness of the group, the funds raised and the time available. A team of 10 people usually builds four to six houses a day.

Prior to the team's arrival, a Cambodian builder, under contract to Tabitha, builds the foundations, frame and roof. The volunteer team should include some members who are comfortable using a hammer and at least some who are comfortable working from ladders. The contractor (and the families) will guide and direct you.