Mongolia
June 2011
Mongolia 2011
Community Works Project
Background
The Lamp of The Path is a Buddist organisation working amongst the very poorest people on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. They currently run a community centre which provides a soup kitchen, a medical centre, Children’s Development Program and a self help group for women who make and sell items of clothing in a sewing centre. The object of this project is to provide a kindergarten for children living in the area who otherwise would have no hope of education.
There is only 5 month period when building is possible due to extreme weather patterns in the region around Ulaanbaartar therefore the project will start in late March and finish in late August. The JOAC 2011 team will be helping local builders in June/July. By the time of the team’s arrival the foundations will have been laid so the team will, most likely, be helping with the walls that may be made of heavy concrete blocks. It is therefore important that applicants are physically fit and able to take part in heavy building work.
Ulaan Baatar
Ulaan Baatar is the Capital of Mongolia and its largest city. The city is an independent municipality not part of any province, and its population (as of 2008) is just over 1 million. Located in the north central part of the country, the city lies at an elevation of about 1,310 metres (4,300 ft) in a valley on the Tuul River. It is the cultural, industrial, and financial heart of the country. It is also the center of Mongolia's road network, and connected by rail to the Trans- Siberian Railway and the Chinese railway network.
The Team
Over the years Overseas Aid has found that a Team of equal numbers of males and females with an age range of 20 to 60 works well. Ideally we would wish to include some skilled tradesmen and a nurse but it is also important to have the willingness to pitch in and work hard from those less or unskilled. A total of 10 volunteers would be required to undertake this project which will be for three weeks.
Applicants should be reasonably fit and should not suffer from any health problems which would prevent them from carrying out physically demanding work for eight hours per day, five and a half days per week.
Each volunteer, if accepted, will be expected to make a contribution of at least £550 to the project cost and to provide all his/her personal kit. £50 is returnable at the end of the project providing the volunteer has maintained a good standard of behavior throughout and has completed the de-brief form and attended the teams debrief session upon return. A recommended kit list will be provided during the training period.
Accommodation
The team will be accommodated in Mongolian tents (two tents – one for men and one for ladies) the tents, called Gers locally, have heating and carpet. They will be situated within the Buddist compound and the team will therefore be expected to conform to a reasonable standard of behaviour (no smoking or drinking allowed on the premises for example) The Gers are more substantial than normal tents but you may be sleeping on the floor, Showers and toilets will be available in the centre itself. Food choices are limited in Mongolia, most of the food we prepared at the centre here is vegetarian. Some of the team might feel the need for meat and so will try to ensure it is available at least twice a week. There is, very occasionally, an air pollution problem in Ulaan Baatar so anybody who suffers from asthma or any breathing complaint would be advised not to apply for this trip.
Training and Fund Raising
Applicants should be prepared to give up much of their free time prior to departure to prepare for the Project. (Please consider this carefully and ensure you are able to give that commitment) Training will include keep fit, first aid and training in technical skills. Fund raising is an essential part of the preparation. The funds raised will be used to improve the lives of people in the local community, in areas decided by the Team. Fund raising is an important means of building Team spirit and cohesion. Attendance at team meetings is essential.
Travel & Proposed Dates
At the moment it is anticipated that the Team will be away from Jersey for three weeks, the actual dates are yet to be finalised but will essentially be most of June 2011 and may extend a few days into July.. Volunteers will be informed as soon as the exact dates are finalised.
Local Customs
It is essential that the Jersey Team does not, in any way, offend the local population. All applicants must be aware that restrictions will apply on alcohol and tobacco. Swearing is not acceptable at any time and displays of intimacy may also offend. The Team may be expected to attend church on Sundays. If a potential volunteer feels that these rules are too restrictive, he/she should not apply.
Free Time
The team will, of course, have some free time. They will have the opportunity to see some of the local scenery and may spend a weekend at one of the established but remote resorts this will be at your own expense.
How to Apply
Application forms are available at the launch evening, anyone not able to attend but still wishing to apply should collect a form from the States Greffe Bookshop at Mourier House, download from our website or by email to knisbet.joac@hotmail.com
Applicants should:-
- Preferably have lived in Jersey for at least five years
- Be able to take three weeks leave from their employment/studies
- Be able to give up much of their free time between now and the departure date to be able to take part in training and fund raising activities.
- Be able to pay a £150 deposit on being accepted as a volunteer and the balance of £400 six weeks prior to departure.
