Taylah Ryen will travel to Phnom Penh next year where she will spend four weeks volunteering at an orphanage.

Taylah, who will complete her high school education this year, said that she wanted to do something more worthwhile on the completion of Year 12 than going to Schoolies Week.

"I consider this my reward for doing Year 12," Taylah said, "I researched different organisations and charities and decided to go through Love Volunteers. They have a program that places volunteers in orphanages to teach and do childcare."

Love Volunteers place volunteers depending on the level of their skills. Some may assist in teaching English, mathematics, basic IT, geography or arts, by helping with homework and with personal hygiene, by organising games and trips, and by carrying out general maintenance and upkeep of the buildings.

Taylah has volunteered in the Dimboola community for several years, including with the Dimboola Basketball Association, the high school, participating in the Run for the Kids, doing Meals on Wheels and at the Gateway Shop. She was awarded the Dimboola Netball Club Julie Jones Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012 and the Dimboola Town Committee Junior Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013.

"I applied for the program and was accepted after a few days. I am now aiming to raise over $3,000 to cover my expenses and will donate the excess money to the orphanage," Taylah said.

Taylah will be staying either with a host family or at the orphanage for the duration of her stay.

"I have a webpage where people can make donations, www.volunteerforever.com/volunteer_profile/taylah-ryen, or people can donate to me directly."

Taylah will be conducting fundraisers over the coming months to help fund her trip, which will commence on January 4 next year.

In the meantime, Taylah will study English, Maths, Biology, PE and Food Technology before hoping to gain a university place in either Education or Nursing.

"I will go to university next year after I return from Cambodia," Taylah said, "I want to continue my study without a gap year."

To contact Taylah to make a donation, email taylah_ryen@hotmail.com or phone 0497 067 374.