Community Conservation Initiatives with Voice Australia. Information Guide. Photo by Kristine May

Transcription

1 Community Conservation Initiatives with Voice Australia Information Guide Photo by Kristine May

2 VOICE Australia: Community Conservation Initiatives Volunteers in Community Engagement (VOICE) is a not-forprofit, secular, Australian based organisation that has been sending volunteers on grass roots, community identified development projects since VOICE utilises the passion and skills of volunteers to deliver education based programs that build the capacity of individuals, communities and organisations. They work closely with long established partners on the ground in a select group of countries to ensure that projects are identified by those communities as needed and worthwhile. Visit the VOICE Australia website for more information: Program Overview Work in partnership with local community group, Tarcoles Environmental Community Association to; Strengthen environmental awareness and education in the community through workshops, activities and information sessions; Support the staff of the famous Carara National Park and conduct environmental surveys, community needs assessments and research Empower young people through peer-to-peer learning on environmental education and youth leadership initiatives

3 Program Details Volunteers will work with the Tarcoles Environmental Community Association (TECA) to motivate and empower young people to protect their local environment, conduct research and surveys with staff from Carara National Park and conduct community and organisation needs assessments to help them increase their impact. This is a new organisation for VOICE Australia to work with, so its an exciting time to join this program as the association is recently established and having International volunteers is a wonderful support for them as they start out. Partner: Tarcoles Environmental Community Association Location: Playa Tarcoles, Puntarenas, which is a community located in between the beach and the famous Carara National Park. Living Conditions: Volunteers will be staying in a community house, with access to electricity and water, with drinking water transported in from a larger town. There will be mobile phone reception for those wanting to purchase local sim cards and the volunteers will eat a local diet (lots of rice, vegetables and occasional meat). Key activities: Motive local young people to be engaged in environmental conservation in their local community; Conduct needs assessment of TECA to support their work and identify ways to increase their capacity; Help maintain the national park, support conservation efforts and improve local tourism income. Proposed Itinerary: 26 th June: arrive in San Jose, overnight in San Jose 27 th June: transport to Tarcoles and ICOP 28 th June: ICOP 29 th June 16 th July: Project Work 17 th July: Project Review and Close 18 th July: Transfer to San Jose 19 th July: Fly home

4 Program Dates 29 June 19 July 2015 Program Cost $3,350 Travel Grants BUiLD Travel grants are available for 5 students. The travel grant available is $1,500. OS-HELP loan Extra financial support can be gained by applying for an OS-Help loan if applicable. If applying for OS-HELP is it compulsory that students attend the OS-HELP workshop on 23 or 24 April INCLUDED IN PROGRAM COST: Pre departure training and support Airport transfers upon arrival and departure Orientation (1-2 days) upon your arrival Food Accommodation In country transport to project site Field Staff 24 hour in-country support 24 hour emergency phone Personal and Medical Travel Insurance provided by UTS NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM COST: International flights from Sydney to San Jose Visa application costs Vaccinations required Personal Equipment required Weekend Excursions

5 Who can apply This fantastic trip is open to 5 UTS:BUiLD students with: A willingness to develop their understanding and practical skills in community development and cultural exchange An ability to undertake a physically demanding project and live in basic conditions in a remote environment An easy going, flexible and independent character with a willingness to take initiative to learn A keenness to work hard and adapt to different surroundings and work environments Strong team working skills A current GPA of 1.5 or over Requirements If you are selected you must: Attend a pre departure session Represent UTS with distinction at all times during the program Submit at least two blog posts during the program to UTS to be used on the UTS:BUiLD Abroad Blog Submit a reflection piece to BUiLD on your return Complete a feedback survey on your return Next steps Complete the BUiLD application form online. Applications close midnight 6 April 2015 For more information please contact: Kathryn O Connor Project Officer T: E: Kathryn.Oconnor@uts.edu.au W: