Sustainable Energy and Renewable Energy for the

Developing World Belize 2012Orientation

Chris Miller

Heartland Community College

Tech 296 at a glance

• Students complete an 8 week online course

• Combined with ten days spent in Belize completing hands-on renewable energy installations

• Credits earned may be applied towards HCC Renewable Energy Degree or as an Independent Study

Our Belize Partnership

ProWorld – Nicole Andrewin 501-669-5553

The have a web site and you will get a password and login information from them. www.myproworld.net

Heartland Community College Chris Miller

309-212-2218

LogisticsBe at the Rendezvous point outside the baggage claim area at the Belize City

International Airport by 2:00 pm on Jan 4.

- Exit airport and turn RIGHT look for chicken Bus Travel to Punta Gorda (~ 4 hours)

Belize in Mayan means muddy water

Punta Gorda is located in the

southern tip of the Toledo District on

the Gulf of Honduras

Overview of Punta Gorda

• Known as “P.G.”

• Open market in the town starts at 8:00am

• Small rural town of around 6-7000 residents

• English is spoken as well as Kriol

• Can get small amenities like shirts, shorts, flip flops

• No big stores

Exit here

meet here

What to bring

• Go light and easy to dry items.

• avoid cotton hard to dry no blue jeans

• Exercise type polyesters work well

• Get socks and underwear that dry quick as well

• Limit items to bring, possibly bring items that if lost or ruined will not be a major bummer

• Bring old stuff or good stuff that can be donated when we leave.

• Wear decent gym show that can get dirty and muddy and is comfortable for hiking

• Sandals, footwear is a good to have

• Have an active swim / day wear type

outfit

How to pack

Carry on• One change of cloths

• Medicines, bandaids, toothbrush

• Important documents make a copy of all credit cards, passport Id ect

• Winter related items for return

• Deck of cards / book

• Wear gym shoes

• Use a backpack that can be used for travel in country

• Empty water bottle

• A few wet wipes or hand sanitizer small

• camera

Checked• Cloths

• A few shopping bags

• Tools or pocket knife

• Flashlight, head light

• Small suitcase / large duffle bag, easy to carry and shuffle around

• Put a large ribbon / marker on it for recognition

• Pack light reuse shirts and shorts

• Leave room for items to bring back

Communications

• There are two internet café shops near our residence• No internet at the place of stay• There is a phone at the residence that we can use to call back home

with• We will share a phone card purchased in Belize for the phone• Might not want to bring much e no need for laptop or electronics• It is possible AND EXPENSIVE to use a cell phone in Belize, do not

worry about it. Bring it and turn it off when you arrive. Check with your carrier for exact rates and conditions if you want.

• Electricity is the same as in the States•

Food and Drink

• Lots of Fresh Fruit• Largely Vegetarian Meals• If traveling, try to stick with bottled beverages• Bring a personal H2O Bottle (tap ok in P.G.)• Chiles and coconut in moderation• Bring OTC GI remedies with you• Use common sense with alcohol

Plants and animals

• The best, and the scariest part of Belize

• Do not eat unknown plants Duh

• Be mindful of thorns/brush

• Mosquitoes

Safety in Belize

Don’t be a fool pay attention to yourself and be aware that you are in a new environment.

In the United States if you have problems call my mobile phone 309-212-2218

In Belize Call Nicole Andrewin, ProWorld, and she can assist us Belize mobile 501-669-5553

Workplace Safety

• Do not expect OSHA standards• Use good judgement and common sense• You have stop work authority• If in doubt, stop and ask• Travel to workplace may be challenging• Electrical hazards• The sun is a RISK• Use care on roofs• Tetanus risk!• Personal Protective Equipment

Important Facts and Figures

• Center Disease Control for Belize• http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belize.htm

• We will be in areas where there had been Malaria reported. However, our stay and work sites are not in the area of concern.

• CIA World Facts on Belize• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html

Pre-Trip Logistics

• Make a photo copy of all travel documents

• Credit card, bank card, license, passport

• Leave a copy with a contact or at home

• Contact bank and let them know you are bringing their card

• Get up to date shoots and vaccines if you wish