GATN 2026 by Cambodia YMCA
Last Updated (Friday, 23 October 2026 15:32)
Name of the Program/Activity: Global Alternative Tourism Network (GATN)
Date: 07-17 April 2026
Venue: Phnom Penh
1. Objectives of the Program
The Global Alternative Tourism Program (GATN) of the Cambodia YMCA aims to promote international understanding, cultural exchange, community engagement, and youth leadership through educational travel and volunteer experiences in Cambodia.
Main Objectives:
Promote Cultural Exchange and Global Understanding
To provide opportunities for international participants and local communities to learn from one another by sharing cultures, traditions, values, and experiences, while building friendship and mutual respect among young people from different countries.
Support Community Development
To engage international volunteers and students in meaningful community service activities that contribute to the well-being of vulnerable children, youth, and local communities in Cambodia.
Develop Youth Leadership and Volunteerism
To strengthen leadership skills, teamwork, responsibility, and active citizenship among both local and international youth participants through hands-on learning and volunteer activities.
Encourage Responsible and Alternative Tourism
To promote tourism experiences that respect local culture, support local communities, and encourage sustainable and socially responsible travel practices in Cambodia.
Strengthen International YMCA Partnerships
To build strong collaboration and friendship among YMCA organisations worldwide through joint programs, volunteer exchanges, and educational activities.
2. Details of the Program (Describe what happened during the program,
number of participants, their YMCAs, Countries, etc.)
10 days of International Exchange and Community Impact in Cambodia
The Global Alternative Tourism Network (GATN) Program 2026 successfully organised a meaningful week-long international exchange and community service initiative in Cambodia, bringing together YMCA participants from Japan, Taiwan, Denmark, and Cambodia. The program focused on community engagement, child safety education, cultural exchange, and youth leadership development.
One of the key highlights of this year’s program was the “Swim for Safety” initiative, designed to raise awareness about drowning prevention and promote basic water safety skills among vulnerable children in Cambodia.
International Participation and Collaboration
The program welcomed participants and volunteers from several YMCA organisations around the world, including:
3 instructors from Osaka YMCA, Japan.
2 instructors from Tainan YMCA, Taiwan.
18 students from Denmark.
45 Cambodian YMCA staff, volunteers, and local coordinators.
250 local students, from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang.
100 street children students from Phnom Penh.
Together, the international team worked closely with local communities to deliver educational activities, cultural exchange programs, and meaningful social engagement opportunities.
Swim for Safety Program Reaches 100 Street Children
A major highlight of the week was the successful implementation of the “Swim for Safety” program, which reached approximately 100 street children in Phnom Penh and nearby communities. Professional instructors from Osaka YMCA and Tainan YMCA led practical training sessions and awareness workshops covering:
Water safety education
Basic swimming techniques
Drowning prevention
Emergency response and rescue awareness
Building confidence in water environments
The initiative was especially important for vulnerable children who face increased risks of water-related accidents during Cambodia’s rainy season and in rural areas near rivers, lakes, and ponds. Children actively participated in interactive games, demonstrations, group learning activities, and safety exercises. International instructors also worked closely with local YMCA volunteers to ensure that every session was educational, engaging, and enjoyable.
Cultural Learning Journey Across Cambodia
In addition to community service activities, the 18 Danish students participated in an educational cultural exchange journey across four provinces in Cambodia:
Phnom Penh
Siem Reap
Kampong Thom
Battambang
Through site visits, community interactions, and educational discussions, participants gained deeper insight into Cambodia’s history, traditions, and local lifestyles.
Phnom Penh
In the capital city, participants explored Cambodia’s modern development, historical landmarks, and social challenges. Visits included cultural sites, local markets, and youth community centres where students interacted directly with Cambodian youth.
Siem Reap
The group visited the world-renowned Angkor archaeological sites and learned more about Khmer civilisation, Cambodian heritage, and traditional arts. Cultural performances and local community visits further strengthened international friendship and cultural appreciation.
Kampong Thom
Participants experienced rural Cambodian life while learning about local agricultural communities, education systems, and youth development initiatives supported by YMCA partners.
Battambang
In Battambang, students explored the province’s artistic culture, traditional lifestyles, and local social projects. They also engaged with local children and community leaders through educational exchange activities.
Strengthening International Friendship and Leadership
The GATN Program 2026 created valuable opportunities for young people from different countries to learn from one another, build lasting friendships, and strengthen leadership skills through hands-on community engagement. Throughout the week, participants shared cultural traditions, teamwork activities, personal experiences, and reflections on global citizenship and social responsibility, reinforcing the YMCA’s commitment to building a more connected and compassionate world.
3. Proceedings, Outputs & Outcomes
Swim for Safety Program & Hosting Denmark Volunteers through YMCA Cambodia
1. Proceedings
YMCA Cambodia successfully organised and implemented the Swim for Safety Program in collaboration with local communities, schools, youth leaders, and international volunteers from Denmark. The program was conducted to improve water safety awareness, swimming skills, and youth development among children and communities in Cambodia. The proceedings included:
Coordination meetings with local authorities, schools, and community representatives.
Preparation of training materials and water safety awareness sessions.
Recruitment and orientation of Danish volunteers before field implementation.
Organisation of swimming lessons, rescue techniques, and safety demonstrations for children and youth.
Cultural exchange activities between Cambodian youth and Danish volunteers.
Monitoring and evaluation sessions to assess participant progress and program effectiveness.
Community engagement activities to raise awareness on drowning prevention and child safety.
The Denmark volunteers worked closely with YMCA Cambodia staff, local youth leaders, and community members to support teaching activities, teamwork, intercultural learning, and community outreach.
2. Outputs
The program achieved several direct outputs, including:
Swim for Safety Program Outputs
Conducted multiple Swim for Safety training sessions in targeted communities.
Trained children and youth on basic swimming techniques and water safety practices.
Delivered awareness sessions on drowning prevention and emergency response.
Developed educational materials and practical demonstrations for participants.
Strengthened collaboration between YMCA Cambodia and international volunteer networks.
Volunteer Engagement Outputs
Hosted Danish volunteers for community service and cultural exchange activities.
Provided practical volunteer experiences in education, youth development, and community engagement.
Facilitated intercultural learning opportunities between Cambodian communities and Danish participants.
Enhanced leadership and teamwork skills among local youth volunteers and international participants.
Community Outputs
Increased participation of children, youth, and families in water safety education.
Improved community awareness regarding risks related to drowning and unsafe water activities.
Encouraged community ownership and support for child safety initiatives.
3. Outcomes
The Swim for Safety Program and international volunteer engagement generated positive short-term and long-term outcomes for participants and communities.
Child & Youth Development Outcomes
Improved swimming ability and confidence among participating children.
Increased knowledge of water safety, rescue response, and drowning prevention.
Reduced fear of water and encouraged healthy recreational activities.
Strengthened youth leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Community Outcomes
Enhanced community awareness on child protection and water-related safety issues.
Strengthened relationships between local communities and YMCA Cambodia.
Encouraged community participation in promoting safer environments for children.
International Collaboration Outcomes
Strengthened partnership and cooperation between YMCA Cambodia and Danish volunteer groups.
Promoted intercultural understanding, friendship, and global citizenship among youth.
Increased international exposure and learning opportunities for both Cambodian and Danish participants.
Built a stronger network for future volunteer exchanges and collaborative programs.
Organizational Outcomes
Enhanced the capacity and visibility of YMCA Cambodia in delivering community-based safety and youth programs.
Improved experience in managing international volunteer programs and cross-cultural activities.
4. New Insights Gained (Share the key takeaways or learnings from the program as reported by participants or organizers).
The Swim for Safety Program and the ten-day hosting of the Denmark group in Cambodia created valuable learning opportunities for both participants and organizers. One key insight was the importance of water safety education in preventing drowning among children and communities living near rivers, lakes, and flood-prone areas. Participants demonstrated increased awareness of basic swimming techniques, rescue skills, and safe behaviour around water, highlighting the positive impact of practical and community-based learning approaches.
Another important takeaway was the value of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Through the interaction with the Denmark group, Cambodian participants and local organizers gained new perspectives on teamwork, leadership, and inclusive learning methods. The exchange encouraged mutual understanding, respect for cultural diversity, and stronger international friendship.
organizers also learned that combining educational activities with cultural immersion significantly improves participant engagement and confidence. Activities such as community visits, group discussions, and shared learning sessions strengthened communication skills and built lasting relationships among participants. Furthermore, the program highlighted the importance of partnership and coordination between local communities, facilitators, and international guests. Effective planning, flexibility, and active participation contributed to the overall success of the ten-day program.
Overall, the experience reinforced the belief that safety education, youth engagement, and international cooperation can create meaningful and sustainable impacts within communities.
5. Feedback and Quotes (Include notable quotes from participants, resource persons, or organizers)
Feedback and Quotes
The Swim for Safety Program was successfully conducted through the collaboration of instructors from three Osaka YMCA branches, two Tainan YMCA teams, and hosted by the Cambodia YMCA. The program reached approximately 100 children, providing essential swimming and water safety education aimed at preventing drowning and promoting confidence in the water.
Participants, instructors, and organizers expressed positive feedback regarding the program’s impact, international cooperation, and children’s engagement throughout the sessions.
Feedback from Participants
Many children shared excitement and happiness after joining the activities. Several participants mentioned that it was their first opportunity to learn proper swimming and water safety skills.
“I learned how to float and stay safe in the water. I am no longer afraid of swimming” – Ms Malis, one of the local youth of the Cambodia YMCA, said.
Quotes from Instructors and Resource Persons
Quotes from Instructors
The instructors from Osaka YMCA emphasised the importance of water safety education for children and highlighted the value of international collaboration.
“Teaching children how to protect themselves in the water is not only about swimming skills, but also about saving lives.” – Ms Hikaru, Instructor from Osaka YMCA.
Representatives from Tainan YMCA expressed appreciation for the active participation and enthusiasm shown by Cambodian children.
Mr Kevin said, I am very honoured to have had the opportunity to participate in the water safety exchange program held in Cambodia. One special arrangement in this water safety education program was that, besides teaching the children, we also organised a training day specifically for the local volunteers. The volunteers took on the role of students while we conducted teaching demonstrations. This arrangement was very helpful for the volunteers in assisting with the lessons over the following days. It also gave us hope that, in the future, these volunteers will continue teaching local children how to swim and help spread correct water safety knowledge.
During the water safety education sessions, although we needed translators because of the language barrier, the children were surprisingly attentive and eager to learn throughout the lessons. After several days of practice, the children showed significant improvement in both their swimming skills and self-rescue abilities.
Finally, through this exchange camp, we not only gained a deeper understanding of Cambodia as a country, but also had the opportunity to share what we have learned through hands-on teaching with local volunteers and children. We hope that water safety education can continue to grow and take root in the local community, helping more people understand the importance of water safety.
Quotes from Resource Persons
The hosting organisation, Cambodia YMCA, acknowledged the strong partnership and collective effort that contributed to the success of the program.
“This program demonstrates the power of international cooperation in promoting child safety and community wellbeing. We are grateful to all instructors, volunteers, and partners for their dedication.” – Mr Thel HEM, organizer at Cambodia YMCA
Overall, the Swim for Safety Program created a positive learning experience for children while strengthening friendship and cooperation among YMCA partners from Cambodia, Japan, and Taiwan.
6. Visual Content (Attach Photos with photo credit information and illustrations related to your article; video links. Please send high-resolution photos that are at least 1MB in size).
7. Participant Contributions (Include articles, reflections, or testimonials written by participants. Feature their photos where appropriate).
My name is Heng Lihouy, or everyone can call me Milley. I am currently a junior student at the Institute of International Studies and Public Policy, "IISPP,” majoring in International Studies. I started volunteering with the YMCA in 2023. Volunteering had always been my passion, which had allowed me to volunteer with the youth exchange program at Tommerup Efterskole twice already. This second time, as I look back on my journey as a volunteer with the youth exchange program at Tommerup Efterskole in Cambodia, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. The ten days spent immersed in Cambodian culture, alongside Danish students, have been nothing short of transformative. Each day brought new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth, both personally and culturally. The visit to the Killing Fields on our first day was a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding history and its impact on a society. As volunteers, we not only shared in the sorrow of Cambodia's past but also stood in solidarity with the Cambodian people, emphasising the role of education and cross-cultural understanding in preventing such atrocities in the future. Throughout the week, we engaged in various community service activities, connecting with residents and organisations such as the Visit Old People's project, the YMCA, Tiny Toons, and the Youth Institute. These experiences underscored the universal language of compassion and empathy, transcending cultural barriers and fostering meaningful connections. The visits to S21, Angkor Wat temples, APOPO, and SSLA provided invaluable insights into Cambodia's rich history, heritage, and contemporary challenges. Each excursion deepened our appreciation for the diversity and resilience of the Cambodian people, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex issues. One of the most memorable moments was participating in a traditional Cambodian wedding ceremony, where we not only witnessed the vibrant rituals and customs but also experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the local community. It was a testament to the power of celebration in bringing people together across cultural boundaries. As our journey came to an end, saying goodbye to our newfound friends was bittersweet. However, the connections forged and the experiences shared will forever remain etched in our hearts. We parted ways with a sense of gratitude for the memories created and the lessons learned, knowing that our time in Cambodia had left an indelible mark on our lives. Until we meet again, Cambodia. I personally would like to say thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the profound moments of cultural exchange. Our journey may have ended, but the impact of our experiences will continue to resonate within us, shaping our perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Thanks
By Ms. Nimey Rin
Acting General Secretary
Cambodia YMCA