Boys Home and Community Training Center

Team Size: One person only, must be male

Approximate Cost: $4,000 plus international airfare and visa

Description of the project:
In 2008 several private donors collaborated to fund the construction of a home for a large group of homeless boys in a village - all of whom were made orphans by recent warfare. The program provides for their basic needs and gives them an opportunity to be educated in the local village schools. The other major component of the project is livelihoods/skills training. All boys are required to complete 2 skills training courses over the course of 2 years. However, the skills training programs are also open to the entire community. We currently have training programs in carpentry and agriculture. We have the human resource capacity to provide the full carpentry program but not the agriculture classes or any other training courses we would like to pursue such as mechanics, welding, etc. The training in agriculture is crucial, as farming is a way of life and the primary source of income for virtually every family in the region, and it is essential for those whose lives have been disrupted by the war to have the opportunity to receive such training. Furthermore, the agricultural practices of the the local people are archaic - they are farming the same way their fathers farmed 1000 years ago. Many modern yet still simple and locally sustainable improvements to agriculture could be made to increase productivity, and, thereby, buttress the local economy and help spur development. We would like to pursue training in chicken/poultry farming, livestock farming (goats, cows, and production of dairy), drip irrigation, field terracing, introduction of new crops into the area, and any other helpful and sustainable practice.

Volunteer work to be accomplished: Agricultural Training

Skill Requirements:
Experience in livestock farming, poultry farming, dairy farming, agriculture in mountainous areas, and/or any agriculture. Formal training in agriculture helpful.  Bring copies of any certifications. (for making a case to government authorities about the legitimacy of this person’s travel to the area).

Living Environment:
African huts built from stones and mud with straw roofs and concrete floors. There is basic furniture such as beds, tables, and chairs, and there is a basic solar electrical setup. Cooking is done over a fire, and there is no refrigeration. The restrooms are basic pit latrines. There is no running water, so bathing is currently by bucket/solar shower bag. However, in 2010, we plan to set up a normal shower via a tank system. Basically, it is 1 step above camping. We will provide any special equipment you may need such as a satellite phone, GPS system, 2 way radio, etc.

Special considerations:
Volunteers must be physically fit with no health problems.  There is no outside communication except via satellite phones and limited satellite internet, both of which are extremely expensive.  Solar panels provide basic electrical supply such as lighting to all of the huts and the capacity to power small electronics such as phones, laptops, etc. However, there is no refrigeration and no running water. Cooking is done by fire. Food options are limited, but you may bring food from the major city. Be prepared for stomach ailments. We have 1 truck available for transport, but it is possible that transport will also be by horse or donkey. It should be noted the region is still considered a conflict zone, but, because of the policies, contingency plans, and evacuation procedures that are in place, we consider the work environment secure.

Contact:
Grace Shepherd at grace@gobgr.org.