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Proudly  supported  by   Enterprise  4  Good  

Project  Volunteer  Handbook   “If  you  want  to  go  fast,  go  alone.   If  you  want  to  go  far,  go  together.”   African  Proverb  

 

History  has  proved  over  and  over  that  significant  change   usually  happens  with  the  smallest  of  effort.    We  can   never  underestimate  the  effect  any  one  of  us  can  have  on   helping  to  make  change.    Even  if  our  efforts,  building   brick  by  brick,  are  tiny  in  comparison  to  the  challenge,   every  problem  is  on  its  way  to  being  solved  when  we   take  that  first  step  to  make  a  difference.    

 

Welcome  to  the  Team!!!  

   

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  VOLUNTEER  TEAMS  2016   Welcome  to  Maasai  Friends  4  Good!     This  is  a  life  changing  opportunity!  Participants  of  all  ages  are  welcome  including  families.  Your   experience  will  bring  you  joy,  challenges  and  rewards;  but  rest  assured,  you  will  never  see  the   world  in  the  same  way  again!  You  will  work  and  live  side-­‐by-­‐side  with  the  local  villagers  and   learn  more  than  you  ever  imagined.  The  work  on  the  build  site  can  be  physically  demanding,  it   is  a  good  idea  to  increase  your  activity  prior  to  travelling.  But  rest  assured  that  anyone  is   welcome  and  if  there  are  physical  limitations,  you  can  participate  according  to  your  capacity.   Each  person  will  have  to  gauge  his  or  her  own  physical  input.  Please  obtain  medical  advice   prior  to  your  trip  if  you  have  any  concerns.      

A  typical  day  may  include:  brick-­‐ laying;  sand  sifting;  manual   concrete  mixing,  truck  unloading,   digging,  painting  or  working  with   the  children  in  the  school.  You   may  get  dirty  and  tired;  and  love   every  minute  of  it!  Training  in  all   areas  will  be  provided  on  site.    

ITINERARY  JANUARY  20-­‐FEB  3,  2016   January  20:  Arrival  at  Kilimanjaro  International  in  the  evening  and  transfer  to  Arusha  Mount   Meru  Hotel.   January  21:  Orientation  and  transfer  to  your  accommodations  in  Makuyuni  Village.   January  22-­‐26:  School  build  days   January  27:    Day  off  with  R&R  options   January  28-­‐Feb1:  School  build  days   February  1  (afternoon):  Closing  celebrations  and  transfer  to  airport  for  your  trip  home  or   overnight  in  the  village  if  you  are  going  on  safari.   February  2-­‐6:    Optional  National  Park  and  Serengeti  Safari,  with  evening  flight  home  on  Feb.  6    

 

3   ACCOMMODATIONS     We  make  every  effort  to  house  our   volunteers  in  a  comfortable  and  safe  location.   One  must  keep  in  mind  that  Makuyuni  is  a   remote  village  in  a  developing  nation,   therefore  be  prepared  to  give  up  “comforts  of   home”,  but  you  will  stay  in  a  safe  and   comfortable  lodge.   Accommodations  have  been  secured  in  a  new   guesthouse  in  the  local  village.    There  are   single  and  double  options,  showers,  flushing   toilets  and  “sporadic”  electricity/internet.    

 

 

RESERVATION  AND  PAYMENT:   • Contact  Ability  (see  below)  to  pay  your  $500US  project  fee.  These  funds  are  used  for   the  purchase  of  building  supplies.    This  is  non-­‐refundable  and  secures  your  spot  on   the  trip.   • All  other  fees,  costs  and  arrangements,  as  detailed  below,  to  be  complete  30  days   prior  to  departure.       • A  participant  can  cancel  at  any  time,  but  the  Project  Fee  is  non-­‐refundable  and  if   there  are  costs  or  charges  involved  with  the  booked  flight,  the  participant  is   responsible  for  payment  of  those  charges.  

TRIP  RELATED  COSTS  (to  be  paid  to  Ability  at  least  30  days  before  departure)     • Project  Fee:  $500  US  –  this  buys  building  supplies  and  serves  as  your  deposit.  This   secures  your  spot  on  the  trip  and  is  a  non-­‐refundable  contribution.   • Administration  fee:  $500.00  Canadian  for  adults;  $250.00  for  volunteers  under  the   age  of  18  (paid  to  the  Ability  Society  –  eligible  for  tax  receipt)   • In-­‐country:  $590  US.  This  includes  accommodations,  food,  supplies  and  in-­‐country   transportation  (paid  to  the  Ability  Society  –  eligible  for  tax  receipt).     •   The  following  to  be  arranged  and  paid  directly  by  participants:   • Flights  and  Travel  Insurance:  payable  to  the  Ability  Society)  (eligible  for  tax   receipt)  Please  Note:  Travel  insurance  is  mandatory.     • Visa:  $50.00  US  to  be  paid  at  Kilimanjaro  International  Airport  upon  arrival  (not   eligible  for  tax  receipt).     • Vaccinations:  Approximately  $100.00-­‐$300.00  CAD  (or  more)  depending  on  how   many  vaccinations  you  require  (not  eligible  for  tax  receipt).    

**NOTE:  To  arrange  payments  of  fees,  please  contact:   Deidre  Norris  at:  [email protected]  

 

4   A  Safari  Adventure!   An  optional  safari  adventure  has  been  planned  for  the  end  of   the  trip.  Check  out  www.warriortrails.com  for  the  variety  of   options  for  additional  trips  that  could  include,  cultural   experiences,  safari's,  mountain  treks,  beach  holidays   NOTE:  Costs  related  to  R&R  activities  are  in  addition  to  the   fees  described  above.  These  costs  are  not  eligible  for  tax   receipts  from  the  Ability  Society  (do  not  pay  through  Canada   Helps).       FUNDRAISING     Although  each  participant  makes  a  mandatory  donation  towards  the  building  materials   required,  we  encourage  everyone  to  raise  awareness  and  donations  for  the  project.  There  are   various  ways  to  fundraise.  Some  examples  are  listed  below:     • Write  a  simple,  heartfelt  letter  to  local  clubs.  Many  of  these  organizations  have  funds  set   aside  for  international  donations  (Kinette  Club,  Kinsmen  Club,  Kiwanis  Club,  Knights  of   Columbus,  Rotary  Club,  Royal  Canadian  Legion,  Lions/Lioness  Clubs,  Optimist  Club).     • Establish  a  Giving  Page  through  Canada  Helps.     • Bake  sale.     • Engage  local  schools.  Offering  to  show  a  slideshow  upon  your  return  will  further  engage   the  teachers/children.     • If  your  company  is  interested  in  supporting  you  and/or  our  project  with  a  donation,  we   can  arrange  to  have  someone  meet  with  your  organization  to  show  them  programs  to   help  build  goodwill  both  internally  and  externally.  It  is  well  known  that  those  companies   who  make  that  extra  effort  to  expand  their  social  entrepreneurial  programs  gain   significantly  in  building  their  goodwill  in  the  communities  where  they  are  generating   their  income  and  profits.     • Hold  a  Fashion/Talent  show.     • Talk  to  friends,  family,  co-­‐workers  and  employers.  They  are  usually  eager  to  share  in  and   support  your  volunteering  experience  by  donating.     • Host  a  fundraising  dinner  at  your  home.     Donations  (and  eligible  trip  costs)  can  be  made  in  the  following  manners:     1. Mail  a  cheque  to:     Ability  Society  of  Alberta  (reference:  MF4G  Jan  19/16  on  your  cheque)     Suite  104,  17707  –  105  Avenue,  Edmonton,  Alberta,  Canada  T5S  1T1       2. Go  to  Canada  Helps  website  (www.canadahelps.org/)  and  enter  Ability  Society  of   Alberta  (Note:  Not  to  be  used  for  payment  of  R&R  cost).    Select  this  charity,  click  on   “Donate  Now”  and  follow  instructions.  Enter  “Maasai  Friends  4  Good”  and  relevant   information  (i.e.  admin  fee,  in-­‐country  fee)  in  the  Message/Instructions  box.       3. Send  a  bank  wire  transfer  to  Royal  Bank  of  Canada  (RBC):     • Bank  Transit  #  01659      

 

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Institution  #  003     Account  #  1002484     Account  Name:  Ability  Society  of  Alberta  (Friends  International)     Account  Address:  Suite  104,  17707  –  105  Avenue,  Edmonton,  Alberta,  Canada  T5S  1T1   Swift  Code  ROYCCAT2  (required  for  International  wires  only)  

NOTE:  Please  ensure  to  reference  “MF4G  January  19/16”  on  any  donation/payment  and   to  provide  all  necessary  information:  Name  (including  middle  initial),  mailing  address,  e-­‐ mail.  A  Canadian  tax  receipt  will  be  sent  to  you  upon  receipt  of  the  funds,  if  applicable.    

  FLIGHT  BOOKING  AND  REQUIRED  DOCUMENTATION  

The  following  forms  may  be  required  by  Ability  and  will  be  requested  by  them  as   needed:     1.  Application  Form  (so  we  can  get  to  know  you  better)   2.  Photography  Consent  Form  (parental  consent  for  children  under  18)   3.  Volunteer  Agreement   4.  Proof  of  travel  insurance.   5.  Copy  of  passport  (passport  expiry  date  must  be  at  least  6  months  from  date  of  departure   from  your  home  country).       Book  your  flights:   • The  easiest  way  to  arrange  your  flights  and  trip  insurance  is  to  contact  Brian   Hawksworth  at  Tier  One  Travel.    Brian  is  an  experienced  travel  agent  and  is  familiar   with  the  details  of  this  trip  and  the  optional  R&R  activities.  Contact  Brian  at:   [email protected]  or  phone  (250)  953-­‐8074.  If  you  want  to  book   independently,  you  are  free  to  do  so,  but  in  that  case,  no  tax  receipt  will  be  issued.   • Make  your  travel  arrangements  to  arrive  at  Kilimanjaro  International  Airport  the   evening  of  January  20,  2016  and  depart  on  February  3,  2016.    Arrival/departure  at  dates   other  than  these  will  mean  you  will  be  responsible  for  your  own  transfer  fee  to/from  the   airport.       • Brian  will  assist  you  with  arranging  flights  and  dates  to  accommodate  the  build  time  in   Makuyuni.  If  you  wish  to  book  a  safari,  or  spend  extra  time  in  Europe  before  or  after  the   trip,  please  discuss  with  Brian  and  he  will  book  your  flights  accordingly.     • Purchase  your  travel  insurance  from  Brian  or  independently  (it  is  mandatory)   • Once  you  have  the  invoice  for  your  flight,  e-­‐transfer  or  send  a  bank  draft  to  the  Ability   Society.  Contact  Deidre  Norris  by  e-­‐mail:  [email protected]    or  call  780-­‐ 442-­‐2740  for  instructions.    Ability  will  include  the  price  of  the  flight  in  your  tax  receipt.   • Please  send  Ability  a  copy  of  your  flight  itinerary  and  trip  insurance  documents.     Once  your  flights  are  booked:     It  is  mandatory  that  you  acquire  travel  insurance  for  your  trip.  Although  the  village  and  the   work  you  will  be  doing  are  quite  safe,  unforeseen  occurrences  may  happen  (i.e.  you  fall  sick,   bags  go  missing  or  something  is  stolen).  Make  sure  your  insurance  covers  you  for  emergency   evacuation  to  either  a  Western  country  or  Canada.  You  will  need  to  provide  us  with  a  copy  of   your  insurance  policy.            

 

6     Shop  around  for  rates  and  compare  what  is  being  offered  (i.e.  medical,  baggage  coverage,  trip   cancellation/interruption).  Provincial  Automobile  Associations  have  some  of  the  best  programs   at  very  reasonable  rates.  You  can  also  look  at  obtaining  a  Volunteer  card  which  offers  extensive   coverage  at  a  reasonable  cost:    http://www.volunteercard.com/  .  You  will  be  asked  for  Proof   of  Affiliation.  Deidre  Norris  will  be  able  to  provide  this  to  you.     Requested  documentation  can  be  forwarded  to  Deidre  Norris   ([email protected]).   104-­‐17707-­‐105  Ave   Edmonton  AB  T5S1T1   780-­‐442-­‐2740     VACCINATIONS     It  is  strongly  recommended  that  you  visit  your  local  Travel  Health  clinic  to  determine   which  vaccinations  and/or  medications  you  will  require  for  your  trip.  Based  on  your   itinerary,  they  will  provide  you  with  all  the  pertinent  information.     For  malaria  medications,  please  discuss  with  the  clinic  personnel  the  ones  that  are  best  for  you.   There  is  a  daily  medication  (Malarone),  which  is  probably  the  best  one  (i.e.  few  side  effects).   There  are  also  malaria  medications  that  you  can  take  weekly,  which  are  cheaper,  but  may  cause   nightmares  and/or  hallucinations.     For  malaria  medications,  please  discuss  with  the  clinic  personnel  the  ones  that  are  best  for  you.   There  is  a  daily  medication  (Malarone),  which  is  probably  the  best  one  (i.e.  few  side  effects).   There  are  also  malaria  medications  that  you  can  take  weekly,  which  are  cheaper,  but  may  cause   nightmares  and/or  hallucinations.       For  example,  the  travel  doctor  may  recommend  some  or  all  of  the  following:  Polio  booster,   MMR  booster,  Tetanus,  Hepatitis  A&B,  Typhoid,  Diphtheria,  Meningitis,  Flu  &  H1N1.   As  soon  as  you  have  booked  your  flights,  please  contact  your  Travel  Health  clinic  to  set  up  an   appointment.  It  is  approximately  $45.00  CAD  for  the  visit,  plus  the  cost  of  vaccines  and   prescriptions.    

WHAT  TO  PACK    

In  case  your  luggage  does  get  misplaced/delayed,  it  is  always  best  to  pack  all  your   expensive/necessary  stuff  in  your  carry-­‐on  (i.e.  medication/camera/one  change  of  clothing).  A   MUST  to  carry  with  you  includes  your  passport,  electronic  airline  ticket,  vaccination   certificate/booklet,  malaria  pills.       Here  are  some  suggestions  on  what  to  pack:     • First  Aid  Kit  including  the  following:  band  aids,  antiseptic/ointment  for  cuts  and  grazes,   aspirin  or  a  similar  pain  reliever,  antihistamine  for  relief  from  allergies  or  bites,  diarrhea   medication  (i.e.  Imodium),  scissors  and  tweezers.  The  Ability  Society  will  also  have  a   first  aid  kit  on  site.   • Personal  sanitary  items  such  as  toothbrush,  toothpaste,  shampoo,  soap,  hand  sanitizer,   wet-­‐wipes,  contact  lenses  and  other  toiletries.                

 

 

7     All  personal  Medication   Sunscreen,  lip  balm,  insect  repellent.   Towel,  wash  cloth,  bag  shower.     Mosquito  net  (though  most  hotels  in  Tanzania  have  these  all  set  up.,  Makuyuni  guest   house  has  all  linens,  towels  etc.  If  staying  in  a  tent  in  the  village,  sleeping  bags,  pillows   are  provided.  Towel  and  wash  cloth  will  be  required.   • Ear  plugs  (the  roosters  “cock-­‐a-­‐doodle-­‐do”  all  night!).     • Small  padlock  for  securing  bags  and  valuables.     • Under-­‐clothing  money  belt/pouch.     • Camera   • Flashlight/head  lamp,  batteries   • US  $50  for  Tanzanian  visa  (purchase  on  arrival  at  Kilimanjaro   • US  dollars  for  personal  expenses  like  souvenirs,  snacks  etc.   • Bubbles,  Frisbees,  soccer  balls  etc.  to  play  with  children  (can  leave  behind  when  you  go   home.)   • Travel  Guide  if  you  plan  to  travel  before/after  the  project  (i.e.  Lonely  Planet)   •  2  long  pants,  3  modest  T-­‐shirts  or  tank  tops  (no  revealing  neckline,  no  halter  tops  etc.   • Older  running  shoes  or  hiking  boots  with  thick,  sturdy  soles.   • Sandals  can  be  worn  around  “home”.  Cheap  flip-­‐ flops  are  handy  to  wear  in  the  shower  or  while  washing   up.   • Pajamas   • 1  simple  nice  outfit  (not  too  fancy)  in  case  we  go   to  church  or  a  celebration.   • For  women  -­‐  cotton  pants,  capris/dress  or  skirt   (below  the  knee),  plain  top  or  blouse,  *kanga.  It  is  not   advisable  for  visiting  women  to  wear  short  shorts  or  very   short  skirts  in  the  rural  areas.    Visiting  women  can  dress   casually,  but  neatly,  in  loose-­‐fitting  skirts  or  dresses  that   are  long  enough  to  cover  the  knees.  Loose  trousers  are   acceptable  for  women  to  wear.     *A  kanga  is  traditional  clothing  for  women,  which  is  a   colorful  piece  of  fabric  wrapped  around  the  waist.    Its   length  is  approximately  mid-­‐calf  to  ankle  length.  This  is   mainly  used  as  an  apron  or  to  tie  babies  on  the  back.  It  is   advisable  for  women  to  wear  long  skirts  or  kangas  when   visiting  traditional  leaders  (Chiefs  or  headpersons)  at   their  homes.  While  it  is  not  required  that  teams  do  so,  when  women  team  members  wear  a   kanga,  they  will  experience  a  bond  with  the  women  of  the  village.  These  can  be  purchased  in   Arusha.   Keep  in  mind  the  temperature  and  environment  you  will  be  working  in.  You  will  get  very   dusty/dirty,  so  don’t  bring  expensive  or  sentimental  clothing.  You  will  most  likely  leave  your   work  clothes  behind.  Light,  cotton  clothing  that  covers  your  whole  body  is  ideal  protection  from   sun  and  insect  bites.  However,  also  pack  a  set  of  warmer  clothes  for  at  night  and  early  morning   (sweatpants,  fleece,  hoodies,  sweater,  light  jacket,  jeans).     • • • •

 

8   GIFT  IDEAS   Below  are  some  suggestions  if  you  would  like  to  bring  gifts.  Please  note  that  gifts  are  not  to   be  personally  handed  out  to  individuals.  Out  of  respect  for  the  people  in  the  village,  we  do   not  want  to  show  favoritism,  encourage  begging,  nor  cause  ill  feelings  or  jealousy.  All  gifts  will   be  collected  and  given  to  one  of  the  village  leaders  en  masse  for  fair  and  equitable  distribution.   Below  is  a  “wish  list”  from  Makuyuni:       • School  supplies  (i.e.  pens,  pencils,  markers,  chalk,  crayons,  erasers,  note  pads).     • Face  Paint   • Music  player  and  some  children's  music   • Musical  instruments   • Stickers,  stamps  and  certificates   • Group  games  such  as  bingo,  snakes  and  ladders,  twister  etc.   • Colored  drawing  paper   • Balloons   • Bubble  Solution   • Chalk/colored  pavement  chalk   • Books   • Posters       Other  suggestions:     Medical  supplies   are   also  appreciated  and   our  local   staff   will   always  find  a  use  for  them  at   local   clinics  and  hospitals.   • Vitamins/Calcium  tablets   • Antibiotics,  antiseptics   • Medical  family  guides   • Any  books  and/or  research  on  health  care  relevant  to  Africa   • First  aid  materials       Please   let   other   group   members   know   what   you   are   bringing   so   we   don’t   all   bring   the   same  items.  

ELECTRICITY   Tanzania  uses  the  UK/European  standard  power  supply  of  220-­‐240  voltages.  Converters  may   be  necessary  for  travelers  from  other  parts  of  the  world.  Three-­‐prong  adapters  in  this   configuration  are  required:    The  overwhelming  majority  of  camps  and  lodges  make  it   possible  to  use  an  electrical  outlet  to  recharge  camera  and  other  batteries.     PHOTOGRAPHY   Some  cautionary  notes  about  taking  pictures:  Locals  should  always  be  asked  prior  to  taking   their  photos  and  it  is  not  uncommon  for  them  to  ask  for  a  small  donation.  Never  take  photos  of   police,  military  personnel  or  buildings.  The  same  goes  for  any  government  buildings,  post   offices,  banks  or  the  railway  station.      

 

9  

  CURRENCY   The  monetary  unit  in  Tanzania  is  the  Tanzanian  Shilling.    For  up  to    date  exchange  rates  with   your  own  currency,  visit  www.oanda.com/convert/classic.    TZ  shillings  occur  in  bills  of  Tsh   10,000,  5,000,  1000  and  500,  and  coins  of  Tsh  200,  100,  50,  5  and  1  shilling.       Credit  cards  are  frequently  not  accepted  in  Tanzania,  even  at  many  upmarket  hotels.    Where   they  are  accepted,  it’s  often  only  with  steep  transaction  fees,  which  means  that  you  may  need   to  rely  more  heavily  on  cash  and  ATM’s.    Visa  and  MasterCard  are  most  widely  accepted.     American  Express  is  not  often  taken.     It  is  recommended  that  you  bring  cash  in  US$  only.    Carry  small  denominations  of  the  NEWLY   designed  US  bills,  preferably  newer  than  2005.  Generally,  $100  or  $50  bills  are  not  accepted.     You  will  require  mainly  $10  and  $20  bills.    It  is  a  good  idea  to  bring  some  $1  bills  for  tipping  at   the  airport  etc.,  but  generally  it’s  best  to  get  some  TZ  shillings  for  local  use,  as  the  banks   charge  the  locals  to  change  money.    When  changing  money  to  Tanzanian  Shillings,  it  is  a  good   idea,  if  at  all  possible,  to  get  small  denomination  notes  and  coins  in  the  local  currency  as  often   there  is  a  lack  of  change  when  your  are  making  purchases  and  on-­‐one  in  Africa  ever  seems  to   have  change.    Having  said  this,  US$  are  accepted  in  almost  all  but  the  most  remote  regions  of   Tanzania.     Bartering  is  customary  and  expected  in  Tanzania.    Although  not  for  the  faint-­‐hearted,  it  will   give  you  insight  into  a  unique  way  of  doing  business  in  a  foreign  culture.    Enjoy  the   experience!   TANZANIA  VISITOR’S  VISA       On  arrival  at  Kilimanjaro  International  Airport,  you  will  have  to  pay  US$50  cash  for  a  visa  to   enter  Tanzania.  Make  sure  your  US  bills  are  clean  and  fairly  new.  It  is  best  not  to  say  that  you   are  coming  to  volunteer  or  work,  which  will  result  in  a  much  higher  priced  Visa  that  can  take  a   few  days  to  obtain.    The  best  answer  is  “vacation”  or  “safari”  when  asked  the  purpose  of  your   visit.  

 

CLOSING  COMMENTS   You  are  about  to  embark  on  an  exciting,  life-­‐changing  journey.    Volunteering  with  Maasai   Friends  4  Good  in  Tanzania  may  be  a  first-­‐time  experience  for  some,  but  an  extremely  generous   and  compassionate  venture  for  all.    We  will  do  everything  in  our  power  to  ensure  that  this  is  a   safe,  exciting  and  fulfilling  experience  for  each  of  you.     This  handbook  is  designed  to  answer  all  your  questions  (hopefully!),  but  if  there  is  anything   else  you  need  to  know,  please  do  not  hesitate  to  contact  Georgiana  Graham  at   [email protected]       Thank  you!   Maasai  Friends  4  Good  Team