CREATIVE INCLUSION

CREATIVE INCLUSION is a project created and coordinated by Everything is Possible and supported by the Youth in Action pro-gramme of the European Commission.

CREATIVE INCLUSION gave 14 organisations the chance to offer over 60 young people mostly with fewer opportunities the possi-bility to realize a European Voluntary Service and to take part in a worthwhile cause in one of the 5 countries :

- Ghana,- India,- Jamaica,- United Kingdom,- The Gambia.

EVS Project «Yes We Can Do It»

THE GAMBIA

the projectYes We Can Do It volunteering in The Gambia is a partner organisation of Nova Scotia The Gambia Association.

There is a variety of placements involved in the project including working in schools leading sessions in arts & crafts, games & dancing with disabled young people, volunteering with

orphans through social work and play, supporting in a community health initiative delivering sessions on sex, sexuality, Aids & HIV care, protecting the environment & planting trees, working in schools delivering IT sessions and sports coaching in the community.

contact: Long term coordinator

email : [email protected]

Unit 28, 30-38 Dock StreetLeeds, LS10 1JF, United KingdomTelephone: +44 (0) 113 242 0888Fax: +44 (0) 113 242 0999

www.everythingispossible.eu

accommodation and mealsThe volunteers will live in a volunteer house with a kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. As part of the cultural understanding they will be introduced to expereience a family home stay for a period of 2-3 weeks to help them understand and socialise better with Gambians.

For the project, volunteer • Enthusiastic, motivated volunteers• Be open to another culture & experience the Gambian way of life.

Meeting local family. IT class

‘‘Just go for it, that’s the best experience that

I had in my life’’ Nathan

Repairing lcal houses

The country Climate: The Gambia enjoys virtually uninterrupted sunshine and high daytime temperatures with almost no rainfall from November to June. From July to October the humidity level is high as the tropical sun will be punctuated by short but spectacular rain storms.

System of Government: Republic.

Capital: Banjul.

Currency: Dalasi.

Language: Educated in English and there are tribal languages and traditions the main ones are Mandinka, Wolof, Fula and Jola.

Time zone: Same than in the UK.

the project placeRegion: West Coast District: Kombo South Inhabitants: 5.391

the hosting organisationName: Yes We Can Do ItSupport Worker: Sisawo


THE GAMBIA

The language

A few words in Wolof:Thank you

HelloHow are you?

Good MorningGood Evening

GoodbyeToday

TonightHow Much

What is your name?

JerejefA Salamu AlikumNa Nga Def?Jamangen FanaanJamangen EndduCi JammaTeyCi Gudi GiiNyaatala?Na Ka Nga Tudda?

Tujereng

LocationEnglish is the official language in Gambia, but there are different dialects.


THE GAMBIA

Testimonies

Having spent a week at the head office (NDMA) where not much was happening due to the abundance of volunteers and staff I offered my services for field work. This was met with praise and I was immediately given a rotor where I would go from regional office to regional office spending 4 days at each, ensuring that I could still participate in my mandinka lessons.

My first region was KMC (Kanifing Municipal Council), although this covers a small area it looks after many people and is often badly affected by the flash floods. The team here is much smaller than at the head office as is the office but I like it, there is still air conditioning and internet access although the power situation is more temperamental.

Although the surrounding area is lovely and quaint; the journey from Westfield to the office is eventful, constantly getting bombarded by taxi drivers wanting to take me to Banjul “I give you very good price”, “Well in that case then sure I will go, oh wait no I won’t”; they really need to work on their selling technique. The easiest reply is simply I am going to KMC

and they leave you alone, some don’t even say goodbye. The field work is interesting I refrain from using the word fun because many people’s lives and possessions have been ruined.

I saw homes which were lucky to be standing and could collapse any moment on their occupants who are living outside of them, and many homes had simply collapsed or showed the remains of stagnant water which had been left standing waiting to be evaporated as there is nowhere for the water to go.

Their problems include the mass dumping of waste within 10 meters of people’s homes, and within the sewage system meaning that pollution is a major problem both in blocking water ways entering the river, and the thick toxic smells which lie there rotting in the local’s mouths. As part of the field visits I got to communicate with the local people and get there point of view and ideas

about what is happening and what should be done to prevent further damage. This was very insightful, as many of the ideas were actually useful and could potentially help, although to implement the ideas would take some careful thinking so as not to waste precious time and money. Overall the people seemed happy with what help they were receiving and the life style was vastly different to what I experience living in Senegambia, it looked smelt and painted the perfect picture of a stereotypical idea of African village life. This experience allowed me to write my own report on the situation based on what impact last years help has had on this years floods and what further help is required; I added some of my own personal ideas which may or may not be taken on board due to costs, although some of them I believe are very cost effective and would be hugely beneficial if they were to be implemented.

‘‘So four weeks later much has happened, new

family, new name, and new life.’’

Alex

Alex, long term volunteer


THE GAMBIA

My second regional experience was at Banjul the sleepy capital city, summed up by the fact that on my first day nothing happened; I simply sat in the office (a small apartment on the 2nd floor of a block of flats) and met the solitary other staff member who was chilled and we just relaxed. The excitement started when Sisawo called me to say that he had set me up with a football team “Soul Samba FC” and I was to meet them later on that day, I also found out that 3 other volunteers who I had met once briefly at a meeting for the Ghana experience who had unfortunately been forced to move due to “safety” although it sounded like their hosting organization was a sham and maybe the main cause for why they came over. Either way myself and Leah were delighted to get some company and add to our experience, “new friends”.

Alex

Alex with other volunteers at his name ceremony

EVS Project in

GHANA

the projectYouth Creating Change (YCC) is a not-for-profit-organization working with young people. Tasks and projects include: a mini library community project, water and sanitation projects, tree planting, general health education projects, computer training projects, working in an orphanage and school teaching programme.

The volunteer could also help in the HIV project in which he would put together programmes and leaflets and hold speeches at schools. Another project could be The Sport for Youth development, where the volunteer will have to help in schools and animate children to play games like football and netball. All those projects have

fixed hours with a minimum per week of 24 and the volunteer will work 5 days a week.

contactLong term coordinator




accommodation and mealsLodging: The volunteers will live in shared accommodation.Two volunteers will share a roomand the kitchen and bathroom are shared by everyone in the house.There is also a security guard and cleaner for thehouse.

Meals: The organisation will provide food, there will be a resident cook in the house, but the volunteers will have to prepare it.

For the project, volunteer • Be happy to work with children and young people.• Get involved in a localcommunity.• Not recommended forvegetarians.

Volunteers in the project Volunteers in the school

Typical food

‘‘Just go for it, that’s the best experience that

I had in my life’’ Nathan

The country Climate: The climate is tropical but the temperatures vary with the seasons. During April to June and September to November the season is rainy. The Harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows during December and March from the northeast and lowers the humidity, creating hot days and cold nights in the North.The highest temperatures occur in March and the lowest in August.

System of Government: Constitucional Democracy

Capital: Accra

Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

Language: English (official), natives languages

like Asante, Ewe, Boron...

Time zone: (-0hours)

the project placeThe Republic of Ghana is part of West Africa and borders with Côte d’ Lvoire in the West, Burkina Faso in the North, Togo in the east and the Gulf of Guinea in the South.Ghana is former known as the Gold Coast and the name means “Warrior King”. Ghana is the

second largest producer of coco in the world and is home to Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world. There are 6 main ethnic groups and tribes which are famous for their different craftworks and colourful clothes. Everything happening is marked with

family ceremonies and festivals. Football is the most popular sport in the country and is home to the Red Bull Soccer Academy.

the hosting organisationName: Youth Creating Change of Ghana (YCC of Ghana)Website: www.yccghana.com

EVS Project in

GHANA

Ghana

Localisation

For more information and testimonies visit Everything is Possible website or scan this QRcode

Testimonies

EVS Project in

GHANA

«It was incredible. It is something I will never forget and am truly glad I did. I especially enjoyed their culture and church and being total-ly engulfedl by all of it.» Elly T.

«An unforgetable experience and once in a lifetime opportunity. So-mething I’ll have for the rest of my life!» David.

«It was an amazing experience and I will always remember it, it was a once in a life time experience» Mat-ty.

«It was a fantastic experience, ler-ned a lots. I hope to do something similar in the future. It was ama-zing!» Mo.

Short term volunteers

«My trip to Ghana was amazing, it was a fantastic experience and have learned loads. If I had the choise I would deffinetly go back!» Krim

«Our trip to Ghana was an increible opportunity. I would recommend it to everyone, in the world.» Abigail T.

«It was a fantastic experience that I’ll never forget. Ghana and eve-ryone in it always welcomed you and treated you like a long friend. I’m definetly going back at some point. David R.

«It was truely amazing, loved every second. An unforgetable expe-rience» Abigail.

Testimonies

EVS Project in

GHANA

Short term volunteers

EVS Project

INDIA

the projectVolunteers can work on several different projects all run by Manav Kalyan Trust. Manav Kalyan Trust is interested in volunteers that can organise activities in sport, dance, drama, arts & crafts, music and gardening.

The project work takes place in three schools, a deaf school, a school with children and young people with learning and physical difficulties and a schoolfor the blind. Other tasks include

classroom support and helping with the preparation and cookingof food for the school which has over 400 children.

The school runs Monday to Friday although orphans and boarders stay during the weekend.

Manav Kalyan Trust Mission:Our mission is to provide all the disabled children with primary, secondary, integrated, and

inclusive education and extend the support to pursue further studies to attend school and colleges. Our committed team constantly works for the overall development of every child with optimally utilizing the given resources.

contact: Long term coordinator




accommodation and mealsLodging: You will live on the main school campus in a separate building to school users.

Meals: All food is cooked on the campus and volunteers receive four meals a day which are vegetarian.

For the project, volunteer • Volunteers must have an interest in working with children and young people with a disability.• International sign language is commonly used in the deaf school.• Gujarat is a non drinking state.• Beneficial to speak Gujarati but not essential.

My dream was to work with children but I didn’t

have the skills to fulfill this. After my one month

adventure in India, I now have developed the skills

to pursue my dream.» Rebecca

Rebecca, in the blind school Lauren, in the deaf school

Accomodation: bedroom

The country Climate: India’s climate is defined by three seasons – the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north

to south.

System of Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic

Capital: New Delhi

Currency: Indian Rupees

Language: Gujarati

Time zone: +5.30hours

the project placeNavsari is a vibrant shopping town. It has a new indoor cinema, a traditional outdoor cinema, a swimming baths, internet café, library and yoga classes. It is safe to walk the streets and there is good railway station

with good connections for Surat city, twenty minutes away.There is also an agricultural college 5 minutes from the school and you are free to walk around the grounds.

the hosting organisationName: Manav Kalyan TrustSupport Worker: Mahesh, Nilesh, VinodWebsite: http://manavkalyantrust.org

EVS Project

INDIA

The languageA few words in Gujarati:

KemchoKemche

Majama Pani

ChaloJeldi

Jeldi Jeldi

hello how are you?hello how are you (if you know the person well).I am well.waterlet’s goquickquicker

Navsari

Localisation

EVS Project

INDIA

Testimonies

Lisa, long term volunteer

We have spent just over two weeks here in beautiful India at the Mamta Mandir Trust now and having a really fantastic, interesting and challenging ex-perience. We were immediately treated so well and welcomed as part of their family. After some initial awkward moments of getting through misunderstan-dings, miscommunication and the language barrier we feel very much at home and comfortable in these new surroundings! Our Gujarati is slowly slowly (haule haule) improving as is our sign language with the children. We’re also loving the yoga at 6.45 every morning!

Unfortunately the founder and director of the charity, Mahesh Kothari had sadly passed away but a few days before our arrival so the school was in the tradi-tional thirteen days of mourning when we arrived. It was a sad atmosphere but truly moving the way everyone paid their respects and many visitors came from surrounding areas – as well as Mumbai and Japan to show their respect and love. Each morning was spent in prayer, chanting hymns to the scent of incense. We realized that this is a really special and important place.

From the beginning we fully immersed ourselves in Indian Culture; the food (which is par-ticularly good, and is served in abundance – Hanish makes a mean cup of chai), getting to know locals (we’ve had so many invitations to people’s houses for chai), Religion (lost count how many Hindu temples and statues of Ganesh we have vi-

sited) and of course Bollywood! We were initiated into the won-derful world of Indian cinema by going downtown Navsari to the picture house to see ‘Bodyguard’ the new Salman Khan and Ka-reena Kapoor hit.

The Mamta Mandir Trust is split between three lovely schools – the deaf school in which we are staying and mainly working. Opposite across the road is the school for slow learners and about a two and a half hour drive away in the hills is the school for the blind students. It is situated in an area called Dang which is a totally jungly, rural and tropi-cal so humid infact Christelle’s glasses fully steamed up! The staff were all very welcoming and the children very musically ta-lented from tabla players to great singers. Previous volunteers had created a great sensory gar-den with water fountains, wind chimes and scented flowers.

We were treated to a delicious lunch including chapattis, daal and rice of course and also man-go pulp which is awesome by the

way. Next time we visit we will spend 10-15 days there to get to know the children and put on various workshops and activi-ties which we are really looking forward to.

The charity has won many awards including the best NGO in India and is also host to a range of charitable activities, not only including the three schools, it has a resident doctor. The doc-tor goes out every day in the me-dical van to surrounding villages to distribute medical advice and medicine and to see to anyone who needs medical attention- free of charge, as medicine is ex-pensive in India this is a brilliant scheme. We have twice been out with the doctor and his insanely fast driver Hiren out to the rural communities to see to all kinds of people, rich, poor, Hindu, Muslim, school children, alcoho-lics, student lawyers all of which are seen to with both ayurvedic and western medication.

One of the things that has struck us about the Gujarat is the warmth, hospitality and frien-dliness of the people, in one of the villages we went to a family open heartedly welcomed us into their home to offer us chair

and a tour of their wonderful gar-den in which they grew ocra (lady fingers), lemon, lime and mango trees, beans and chilli peppers,

‘‘After some initial awkward moments of getting through

misunderstandings, miscommunication and the language

barrier we feel very much at home and comfortable in

these new surroundings!’’

EVS Project

INDIA

Testimonies

oh and next to the kitchen the room where their buffalo are kept. It was nice to know, and this is quite com-mon in the Gujarat that they have family back home in Leicester so it is like home from home!

One thing we have gotten used to in India is the limitless number of cows casually grazing everywhere – in particular the middle of the road which we have to dodge and swerve not to hit, One thing we haven’t got used to yet is regular bowel move-ments! If it’s not the inevitable Delhi belly then it’s full on digestive block!

This week we prepared an English Cultural presentation for assembly where we delivered an insight into British culture, history, politics, food, festivals etc as well as stories about our home life and families. It was a success and the students and staff were really interested in our fa-milies and appreciated our dramatic play at the end! – and the sweets

Again, we have a full week ahead to look forward to; a prayer in town where we’re hitting Navsari in our new razzle dazzle salwar kameez’s the traditional Indian dress, and the upcoming week at the deaf school where we’re practicing for a big sports competition. Everyday is different and not knowing what to expect is part of the adventure, cant wait to find out what crazy situation we will find ourselves in next; we’ve already been on motorbikes, camels and singing with philosophers! We are also waiting in anticipation for three new volunteers from the UK that were looking forward to welco-ming into the family!

Lisa

«My experience was an adventure. It was good: vibrant experience. Lo-ved the hustle and bustle of Navsari village and India. It was a hard pro-ject, but worthwhile by all means. To see the kids so happy with life when really they have nothing is so good. It makes you appreciate how lucky I am. I loved the students, the staff and the food. It was one of my best experiences in my life and would do it again or recom-mend this project to anyone to go. I know now basic sign language and I know Gujarat words. Love to thank everyone at everything is Possible for all the support. My dream was to work with children but I didn’t have the skills to fulfil this. After my one month adventure in India, I now have developed the skills to pursue my dream.’’

Rebecca, short term volunteer

“My experience has been AMAZING! I have loved every second and feel very privileged to have been cho-sen to take part. It has taught me so many new skills and opened my eyes even more to the world that surrounds me. I’ve loved embra-cing the culture and the challenge its been. The children I worked with made the trip fantastic. The band we had was awesome and I feel so proud of everything they are achie-ving and have loved being part of some of their achievements.After my A levels, I was very inde-cisive about what I wanted to do next as I’d lost the flare to learn and I wanted to do something new and exciting. Everything is Possible gave me the chance to go and work in India. This experience brought the fun back into working and has made me more excited for the fu-ture.”

Lauren, short term volunteer

EVS Project «Albert Town school & social»

JAMAICA

the projectVolunteers will work in Marlie Mount school a primary and infant school or in a school for children/teenagers with SpecialEducational Needs. The school isparticularly interested in sports or arts. The SEN school is small with around 20 pupils and a volunteer can either work full time in this school or work in the state school and work 2 hours

each day with this project.There are also opportunities for the volunteer to work in a homeless centre providing care for 8 elderly and 4 young people. This work will include preparing meals and social activities for the residents.

contactLong term coordinator




accommodation and mealsLodging: You will share a bedroom with one other volunteer in a 4 bedroomed house with two shower-rooms, two toilets and a large kitchen. You will live alongside other long and short term volunteers from the UK as well as local Jamaicans including the carvers some of whom live next door to you.

Meals: Volunteers will take turns

to prepare meals during the week you will eat together as a group with the carvers at weekends and free weeks you will receive money to prepare your own meals.

Special Comments: You will need approximately £10/$15 to leave Jamaica when your project ends, although we will refund this you need to have it to pay or you won’t be able to leave!

For the project, volunteer • You should like working with people and havesome skills in work withchildren and/or theelderley.• Be interested in beingclose to nature and happy to live with few luxuries (don’t expect hot water in the showers etc).• Have initiatives and ideashow to engage childrenusing limited resources.

‘‘Just go for it, that’s the best experience

that I had in my life’’

Nathan

The country Climate: Tropical climate 25—30 degrees at costal resorts with lower temperatures in land and in mountainous regions. In higher regions nights are cooler and expect rain in October and possiblymay hurricane season July to October.

System of Government: Parlimentary Democracy

Capital: Kingston (1,000,000 inhabitants)

Currency: Jamaican Dollars

Language: English & Patois

Time zone: (-5hours)

the project placeOld Harbour is a small town close to the fishing port of Old Harbour bay, it has numerous shops, take-aways, restaurants and bars and you will live around 1km from the centre. This is a safe town, however we would not recommend going to the bay at night, it is a fishing area and without Jamaican accompaniment you will get hassle at the bay but only to buy

fish or drink rum in one of the small rum bars which fit just two or three people inside.Jamaica, is based in the Caribbean, Cuba, Haiti and Cayman Islands are the closest neighbours, being situated east of central America. Jamaica has a reputation for it’s beaches and dangerous areas, actually you will be far from the tourist resorts on this project and will also not

be close to the no-go ghettos of Kingston and Spanish town. The people in Jamaica are friendly outside the tourist areas you will see very few white faces but will be accepted in the communities where you volunteer. Jamaicans often start early farmers starting work at 4am and regular jobs and some schools starting at 7am.

the hosting organisationName: Mighty Gully Youth Project


JAMAICA

The languageA few words in Patois:

‘Soon come’‘Just a likkle distance’

or ‘Just up the road’‘Yard’

‘Him/im’‘Babylon’

‘tea’‘nuff’

I’ll be there soon‘right on the other side of town’a Jamaican’s househe, she, his, her, itpolice/the establishmentany hot drink(tea/coffee)a lot (enough)

Old Harbour

Localisation



JAMAICA

Testimonies

Paul, long term volunteer

The Mighty Gully yard is still and serene as the late afternoon sun filters through the thick canopy of fruit trees, with most of the wood carvers taking their one day off of the week. For once the children are quiet, too – I’ve set them a task of colouring pictures and writing Happy Birthday mes-sages to send to my daughter, and they are all busy beavering away on one of the verandas. In all, five families live in the yard, with children aged from one through to mid-teens. There is also a sizeable collection of dogs, cats, goats and chickens milling about.

Last night I went to a Nine Night, the Jamaican equivalent of a Wake but held the night before a funeral, which was up at a beau-tiful big house on the road up to Marlie Mount Infant and Primary School. I was amazed at how many people were there, young and old, dancing to the live Gos-pel-cum- Reggae band and drin-king the free bar dry. My friends told me it wasn’t huge for a Nine Night by any means.

Tomorrow I will be up at 5.30am again, boiling porridge and drin-king tea under the ackee tree in the morning cool, getting ready for another week at Marlie Mount School. It promises to be busy – I have four PE classes a day to teach, a Cub Scout meeting to plan for on Friday, cricket trai-ning to organize and work to do on helping the school set up an adult learning programme for unemployed parents. There’s no sign of the searing summer tem-peratures easing off just yet des-pite it being mid-September and I reckon I’m going to need my rest while I can get it.

Coming here to volunteer is no holiday. Nor is it like any other trip I’ve ever been on - while tourists pass travel for enter-tainment, I will take something much more important from my time here – rather than just pas-sing through, I feel like I’ve really lived here, I’ve adapted, I’ve lear-ned, I’ve made friends, I’ve given my all, and will return home the better for it.

EVS Short Term Hosting Project

Environmental

the projectThis environmental project has you doing something different every day. You will work in three areas:

1.Outdoor environmental work – you might be planting trees, building fences, growing vegetables or other physical work. You will always be outside

whether it is raining, snowing or if the sun is shining so warm clothes and suitable footwear are essential.

2.RePaint – you will be helping to recycle paint that has been donated by local people to be distributed to needy organisations. You will filter

it, mix it and store it. You will definitely get dirty so bring some old clothes.

3.Treehouse cafe – here you will be preparing the vegetables that you helped to grow for local people to eat. You might also make coffee and clean up in this cafe with a great atmosphere.

contact: BobTrainer and Short-Term Facilitatoremail : [email protected]



accommodation and mealsLodging: You will be living and working with up to 3 other people and sharing a bedroom with one person of the same gender. The flat is in the centre of Bradford and is fully furnished.

Meals: You will have a fully working kitchen and will be expected to prepare food for yourself throughout your project. You will be provided with £60 each week with which to purchase food or anything else that you require (most volunteers choose to pool their money to shop and cook together).

For the project, volunteer • To be hard working.• To be able to work outside, often in the cold or the rain.• To not mind getting dirty.• To be able to live with other people (tidy and clean up after yourself etc).

Volunteers in the BEES project Volunteers in the Treehouse cafe project

‘‘When they offered me the opportunity to volunteer in

the UK in an environmental project, I found the idea amazing.

This experience, the new skills I gained and the new

contacts I made, will be very useful for me in the future.’’

Stephanie, Short Term volunteer from France

The country System of Government: Parliamentary

democracy with a constitutional monarch.

Capital: London – the largest city in the EU and

has a population of 7,500,000 – more than 10% of

the whole of the UK.

Currency: Pound (£) £1 is divided into 100

pence, or p.

Language: English

Time zone: GMT in winter. GMT+1 in summer.

the project placeYou will be living in Bradford – a medium-sized town in Yorkshire in the north of England. You will be able to walk to the shops and to the town centre where there is a cinema, an ice-rink and many pubs and clubs etc. You will be a short train-journey from Leeds – the 3rd biggest city in the UK

where there is lots to see and do, and also you will be close to York – a beautiful Roman city full of amazing architecture and history. Many volunteers choose to travel to London in their spare time which is 320 km from Bradford – this is possible by train but is cheapest on the bus.

the hosting organisationName: Everything is PossibleSupport Worker: Bob McDougallWebsite: www.everythingispossible.eu

EVS Short Term Hosting Project

Environmental

Bradford

Localisation

York (one hour from Leeds by Bus)


CREATIVE INCLUSION

Documents

Transcript of CREATIVE INCLUSION