VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK - Singapore International … · Chapter 2 About Singapore International...

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK1ST EDITION, 2012

Contents

Welcome Message 5

Chapter 1 About Singapore International Foundation 7-10

Chapter 2 About Singapore International Volunteer (SIV) Programme 11-13

Chapter 3 Support for Volunteers 15-23

Chapter 4 Emergency Preparedness 25-46

Chapter 5 Completion of Assignment and Continued Engagement 47-48

Addendum 49-57

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WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear Volunteer,

Welcome to the SIF’s Singapore International Volunteers (SIV) family!

The SIF aims to be a bridge between Singapore and world communities and a catalyst for change towards a better world, by bringing together like-minded individuals from all walks of life to share ideas, skills and experiences. As our volunteer, you play an important role in the fulfillment of this mission.

Since 1991, the foundation has fielded over 2,000 SIVs to serve in more than 16 countries, helping to improve the quality of lives in developing communities through skills training and resource provision. Through these meaningful interactions, bonds of friendships are forged between Singaporeans and world communities.

Under the SIV programme, the SIF has broadened its spectrum of project modalities in the last few years to better meet the interests of today’s volunteers, enabling them to contribute to overseas communities in new ways, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable development assistance. There are now four project modalities, namely infield projects, specialist projects, direct service projects and local service projects, to engage various types of volunteers. The SIF aims to provide every volunteer with a rewarding first experience and opportunities thereafter for continuous contributions. Through the SIV community, the foundation also actively promotes the cause of international volunteerism in Singapore as a means to build a better world – one that is mutually inclusive, peaceful and offers opportunities for all.

We have prepared this handbook to guide you through our volunteer policies, practices and support systems to enable you to contribute to and gain from your volunteer stint. Please take the time to review it thoroughly.

Finally, welcome once again to our community of special individuals who are working tirelessly to create a better world. We wish you an enriching learning journey ahead!

Warmest Regards,Margaret ThevarakomDirector, International Volunteerism

Chapter 1About Singapore InternationalFoundation

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Chapter 1 – About the Singapore International FoundationThis chapter covers:

• Organisation Overview • Key Milestones

Organisation Overview

The Singapore International Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 1991. Our mission is to build a better world through shared ideas, skills and experiences, so as to uplift lives and create greater understanding between Singapore and world communities.

Our activities are organised around three strategic thrusts: working with communities for sustainable development; exchanging ideas for greater understanding; and showcasing Singapore to build ties. We focus on the five core areas of healthcare, education, the environment, arts and culture, and livelihood and business.

The SIF was presented the Excellence for Singapore Award in 2003, an award which recognised and honoured individuals, groups and organisations that have brought credit to Singapore by being among the best in their areas of activity in Asia or in the world.

For more information about the SIF and its programmes, please visit www.sif.org.sg.

Key Milestones

The SIF has been responding to the growing needs of a changing world since 1991. At its inception, the foundation’s mission was to nurture Singaporeans into active global citizens while staying Singaporean at heart. Today, as Singaporeans have grown more international, the SIF revisited its vision and mandate to focus on ‘Making Friends for a Better World’ (2009). The SIF strives to harness the power of friendships and networks built to effect positive change. The SIV community is one such powerful network of change agents.

The diagram below illustrates the foundation’s key milestones from 1991 to 2011:

1991• 1st SIF volunteer mission to the Philippines.

1992• Launch of the Friends of Singapore programme to connect with foreigners in Singapore• SIF publishes the first issue of SINGAPORE magazine.

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1993• WorkAsia, a business internship programme for Singapore tertiary students, goes to 7 Asian countries.

1995• Launch of the Distinguished Visitors (prominent personalities) & Raffles (Japanese civil servants) Visit Programmes.

1996• 1st Camp Singapore that educates kids of overseas Singaporeans about the Singapore culture.

1997• Returned SVO Melina Nathan awarded the Singapore Youth Award by the National Youth Council.

1998• Launch of the US journalism fellowship with East-West Center in Hawaii.

2000• Launch of Singapore Internationale arts grant.• Launch of Youth Expedition Project.• SIF’s 1st mission under the Humanitarian Relief Programme.

2001• President S R Nathan becomes SIF Patron.

2002• First SVO Programme Open House to the public.• Launch of SVO-Communities in Partnership Scheme (SVO-CPS) to support Singapore voluntary groups and Singaporeans wanting to help the needy communities in ASEAN.

2003• SIF receives the Excellence for Singapore Award.

2004• Launch of the Singapore-China Young Business Ambassadors, a business exchange programme with Shanghai.• Launch of 1st Specialist Team Project – Enhancing English proficiency in Myanmar.

2005• SVO programme begins projects in India.• Organised the Singapore Humanitarian Conference 2005.

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2006• Inaugural Chief Executives Expedition (CXX), comprising of senior and chief executives from Singapore’s private and public sectors, sets off to Bhutan in a journey of self-renewal and community service.

2007• SIF publishes Gotong Royong: SIF Celebrates 15 Years of Friendship with Indonesia. The book, which chronicles SIF’s 15 years of working with various Indonesia organisations and Indonesians, was launched at the Singapore Embassy’s National Day celebrations in Jakarta.

2008• Launch of Partner for Good as a platform to engage businesses and organisations in fulfillment of their corporate social responsibility goals.

2009• SIF re-engages Timor Leste.• SIF launches refreshed vision “Making Friends for a Better World”. • Launch of the Singapore Kopitiam website, a lifestyle portal to showcase the lighter side of Singapore.

2010• Launch of the Artists-in-Residency programme for arts practitioners around the world.• Launch of the Young Social Entrepreneurs programme, to cultivate the spirit of social entrepreneurship in youths.• SIF hosts the first International Volunteer Co-operation Organisation (IVCO) 2010 Conference in Singapore.• Launch of SIF’s first direct-service project, Water for Life, in Siem Reap.• 1st SIF commissioned research on “Emerging Perspectives on International Volunteerism in Asia” carried out.• Soft launch of the refreshed Singapore International Volunteers (SIV) brand (formerly known as SVO) to more accurately reflect the expansion in depth and scope of the programme and to develop a vibrant volunteer community. • SIF starts SIV projects in Sri Lanka.

2011• Launch of second direct-service project, Words on Wheels, a mobile library in Hanoi.• SIF commemorates its 20th anniversary.• SIF launches Singapore International Volunteers (SIV), as the refreshed identity for its volunteer community. • President Tony Tan Keng Yam takes over from former President S R Nathan as SIF Patron.

Chapter 2About Singapore International Volunteer (SIV) Programme

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Chapter 2 – About Singapore International Volunteer (SIV) ProgrammeThis chapter covers

• Overview • The SIV Community • The SIV Promise • Volunteer Management System

Overview

The Singapore International Volunteers (SIV) programme supports the SIF’s strategic thrusts of working with overseas communities for sustained development, exchanging ideas for greater understanding and showcasing Singapore to build ties.

Through the contributions of time, knowledge, skills and resources, the SIV programme enables donors, supporters and volunteers to directly impact the development of communities in Asia (i.e. Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and Vietnam). Our capacity building projects are aligned with the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals in the areas of education, healthcare, economic empowerment, environments and governance.

The SIV Community

The SIV community comprises volunteers who have contributed to positive, sustainable development in Asian communities and build friendships between Singapore and Asia. They do this by sharing knowledge, skills and resources to help improve the well-being of overseas communities and to uplift lives. The SIV community holds respect, responsibility and dynamism as its core values which shape its actions and behaviour in carrying out its mission.

The SIV community is characterised by 3Cs - it is a CAUSE, COMMUNITY and CHANGE AGENT.

• Cause - The SIV supports SIF’s vision of Making Friends for a Better World by participating in SIF projects overseas to uplift lives through sustainable and capacity building community projects.

• Community - The SIV comes together to equip, share experience, network and mobilise community action in support of its cause.

• Change - The SIV is a change agent. SIF enables volunteers to be effective change agents through its Volunteer Management System (VMS). SIF provides SIVs with the necessary resources and tools, such as pre-departure orientations, project-specific trainings, in-field support, etc., to be effective and responsible change makers.

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The SIF’s Volunteer Management System

The SIV Promise

Members of the SIV community can look forward to the following forms of support from the SIF:

• Unique opportunities to participate in and address international development challenges.

• Opportunities to create positive impact on communities and uplift lives by contributing time, skills and resources.

• Opportunities to expand personal knowledge and skills, make new friends and explore wider horizons through international volunteerism.

• Volunteer journeys that are professionally managed to achieve maximum positive impact on the volunteers and for the beneficiary communities.

Volunteer Management System

To fulfill our promise, the SIF has developed a comprehensive Volunteer Management System (VMS) to support our volunteers through the volunteer assignment and help them effectively contribute to overseas community development. The chart illustrates this system. More details will be provided during your volunteer induction.

Chapter 3Support for Volunteers

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1 In-field assignments

2 Specialist assignments

3 Direct Service assignments

4 Local Service assignments

Chapter 3 – Support for VolunteersThis chapter covers

• Types of SIV Assignments • Support from SIF

Short and long term in-field projects where volunteers live and work in the overseas community for between 3 to 12 months.

Long-term train-the-trainers projects where teams of specialist volunteers make 2 to 3 week-long trips per year over 3 to 5 years to train their professional counterparts.

or;

Short-term skills-building workshops where teams of specialist volunteers make 2 to 3 week-long trips to train their counterparts to enhance their skills, over 2 to 3 years.

Short-term direct service projects where general-skilled volunteers make single trips of up to a week to provide services directly to the community.

Singapore based volunteers who lend support to overseas projects, e.g. interpretation or translation work, hosting of trainees from overseas, providing administrative or logistics support at local SIV events or within the SIF.

The next few pages detail the SIF’s support for volunteers on the various assignments.

Types of SIV Assignments

SIVs may embark on four different types of assignments:

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In-Field Assignments Support

Areas / Phase

Project related preparations

Health and Security

Before Placement

Volunteer will

• Receive a pre-departure orientation briefing.

• Have access to language training and other training deemed necessary.

• Be encouraged to attend conferences and meetings that are relevant to the assignment.

Volunteer will be

• Sent for medical and psychological screening.

• Given appropriate health and security advisories, including vaccinations required, guidelines for emerging health and security risks, etc.

• Given advisory relevant to living and working in their host country, including cultural briefing.

• Given the SIF’s Emergency Preparedness Guide.

During Placement

Volunteer will be given

• In-country orientation within 1st week of assignment.

• Language training.

The SIF will facilitate ongoing monitoring and evaluation through regular report.


• Access to medical facilities and attention when necessary.

• Emergency medical or security assistance and evacuation if necessary.

• Insurance coverage for group term life, personal accident, hospitalisation and surgical, group medical, public liability, emergency medical and security evacuation.

After Placement

Volunteer and the SIF will wrap up the assignment with final evaluation reports.


• Post-assignment medical examination and professional psychological support.

• Follow-up psychosocial support in the event of premature/early return due to health or security emergencies.

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In-Field Assignments Support (Cont’d)

Logistics The SIF will

• Facilitate coordination and communication between volunteer and host agency, and with relevant authorities in the host country.

• Make formal request to employer of volunteer to grant unrecorded leave for the duration of the assignment.

The SIF will

• Arrange air and road transfers in the host country.

• Arrange 20kg airline excess baggage allowance for the entitled flights to and from host country.

• Arrange for interpretation services in the host country, where required.

• Provide accommodation of reasonable standard in the host country.

• Regular monitoring visits by the SIF Country Manager.

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^ Please refer to your letter of appointment for specific terms and conditions.

Finances The SIF will cover the costs of:

• Medical and psychological tests.

• Vaccinations.

Volunteer will be given^

• A one-time settling-in allowance.

• Monthly living allowance sufficient to afford a decent standard of living.

• Housing allowance.

• One economy class return air ticket.

• Reimbursement of outpatient medical expenses overseas.

• Partial reimbursement of outpatient dental expenses.

• Reimbursement of other expenses for the purpose of the assignment.

• Up to S$500 a year to cover the cost of materials/resources required for the assignment.

Volunteer will be given^

• Upon satisfactory completion of assignment, a one-time settling-back allowance.

In-Field Assignments Support (Cont’d)

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Specialist Assignments Support

Areas / Phase

Project related preparation

Health and security

Before Placement

Volunteer will receive a pre-departure orientation briefing.


• Appropriate health and security advisories, including vaccinations required, guidelines for emerging health and security risks, etc.

• Advisory relevant to living and working in their host country, including a cultural briefing.

• A medical kit.

During Placement

The SIF will facilitate ongoing monitoring and evaluation through regular reports.


• Access to medical facilities and attention when necessary.

• Emergency medical or security assistance and evacuation if necessary.

• Insurance coverage for travel risks, accidents, public liability and emergency medical and security evacuation.

• Insurance coverage for medical malpractice if assignment involves the performance of any invasive or surgical procedures.

After Placement


Volunteer will be given follow-up psychosocial support in the event of premature/early return due to health or security emergencies.

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Logistics

Finances

The SIF will:

• Facilitate coordination and communication between volunteer team and host agency, and with relevant host country authorities.

• Make formal request to employers of volunteer team members to grant unrecorded leave for the duration of the assignment.

The SIF will cover the cost of necessary vaccinations.

The SIF will :

• Arrange airport transfers and land transport in the host country.

• Arrange 20kg excess baggage allowance per volunteer for purposes of the assignment.


• Provide accommodation of reasonable standard in the host country.

The SIF will cover the costs of:

• Return economy class air ticket.

• Travel and related insurance.

• Transport costs between home and Changi Airport.

• Accommodation of reasonable standard in the host country.

• Per diem for each volunteer.

• Up to S$2000 a year/team to cover training materials.

The SIF will provide reimbursements of:

• Pre-approved expenses incurred for the purpose of the assignment.

• Approved gifts and meals for project partners.

Specialist Assignments Support (Cont’d)

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Before Placement

Volunteer will receive

• A pre-departure orientation briefing.

• Detailed information on project.


• Appropriate health and security advisories, including vaccinations required, guidelines for emerging health & security risks, etc.

• Advisory relevant to living and working in their host country, including a cultural briefing.

The SIF will provide advice to volunteers on their flight arrangements.

The SIF will arrange

• Travel insurance.

• Accommodation of reasonable standard in the host country.

During Placement

The SIF will facilitate on-site operations.

The SIF will provide

• Health and security assistance and evacuation if necessary.

The SIF will

• Provide on-site assistance through in-country administrators or project staff.


• Provide transport and some meals in host country.

After Placement


Direct Service Assignments Support

Areas / Phase


Health and security

Logistics

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Local Service Assignments Support

Areas / Phase


Finances

Before Placement

Volunteer will

• Receive detailed information on project.

NA

During Placement

The SIF will facilitate ongoing monitoring and evaluation through regular reports.

The SIF will provide an allowance adequate to cover basic transportation costs and meals.

After Placement


NA

Chapter 4Emergency Preparedness

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Chapter 4 – Emergency PreparednessThis chapter covers

• Part 1 Pre-departure preparations • Part 2 What to do in the event of an emergency overseas • Part 3 Infectious Diseases • Part 4 List of Emergency Contacts

The SIF takes your security and safety as an overseas volunteer seriously. Before sending you overseas, we will carry out independent assessments in consultation with the relevant authorities and to the best of our ability to ensure that the security and health risks in project sites are at low or acceptable levels.

Do note that the SIF’s capacity to respond and assist you speedily in an emergency may be impacted by our operations being based in Singapore. Nevertheless, we are committed to ensuring your security and safety and have built relationships, systems and procedures to minimise and manage threats to your safety and security in the event that they do arise.

The responsibility to avoid high risks and to minimise whatever emerging/emergent risks in country is a duty shared by the SIF, you and our host agency overseas. We urge you to assess your own risk tolerance based on your personal circumstances before you volunteer for an assignment.

Do note that by choosing to volunteer overseas, in a different culture and socio-political circumstances, you are accepting a potential increase in personal security risk posed by a new and unfamiliar environment. We strongly urge you to remain alert and vigilant to your surroundings while overseas and to avoid engaging in activities or behaviour that might increase your visibility and draw unnecessary attention to you.

The SIF has drawn up the following list of guidelines on how you may protect yourself and manage an emergency if it arises. We urge you to exercise sound judgment and discretion when dealing with an emergency overseas.

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Ensure that you are in acceptable physical and psychological health to undertake travel overseas. Please inform the SIF if we should be aware of any current situations that might affect your well-being, for example, a family member who is ill.

Provide accurate information about yourself to the SIF, including allergies, medical history, current medication, etc. The SIF will treat this information confidentially.

Draw up a list of emergency contacts of family, close friends, the SIF Country Manager and others. Do give this information to your family or close friends before you travel. Contacts of at least two of your family or close friends should be given to the SIF. We urge you to select your emergency contacts carefully, ensuring that they are able to handle the stress of emergencies, and to brief them on their expected roles.

Volunteers should take personal responsibility to obtain the relevant immunisations at least two weeks before your trip. The SIF advises the following and will update you if there are further country-specific requirements:

• Vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Influenza

• Prophylaxis: Malaria

Singaporeans should e-register your trip with the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your safety and protection. The website address is: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/internet/ eregister/eregister.html. Non-Singaporeans should register their travel with their respective embassies or consulates.

Familiarise yourself with the SIF’s safety and security policies and arrangements (including insurance coverage) and make arrangements for additional support and coverage if you require it. Please note that the SIF will not be able to cover you for your own leisure travel or for pre-existing medical conditions. Details of the SIF’s insurance coverage will be given to you prior to your departure.

Alert the SIF if you will be carrying out hands-on medical procedures during training as you might require medical malpractice insurance.

Ensure you have your confirmed itinerary, logistics and prior location and contact information of your hotel, host agency partners, embassy and facilities such as reliable clinics, hospitals and transport providers.

PART 1 Pre-departure preparations

Before you leave on a volunteer assignment, please ensure you are familiar with all the risks associated with your assignment and location. The SIF will provide you with available information. We urge you to update yourself on the ground situation at your destination.

The SIF has a checklist that may assist you in preparing for your assignment:

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Read up on the security and safety situation in the country you are visiting prior to the trip. The SIF also monitors the security and safety in these countries and will advise you of known risks and recommendations on a regular basis.

Pack a first aid kit and an adequate supply of current medications. Items that could be included in the first aid kit are:

• Alcohol hand wash• Sterile saline• Plastic plasters• Charcoal tablets• Cotton buds• Non-adherent dressing• Oral rehydration salts• Sterile gauze• Antiseptic cream• Triangular bandage• Elastic bandage• Surgical tape• Medicated oil• Insect repellent• Paracetamol tablets• Lubricant eye drop• Cold medication

Prepare to bring an adequate amount of cash with you to cover emergency expenses. While some expenses may be paid for via credit card, others require cash.

Prepare an emergency kit (a compact handy bag) that you can leave in the hotel room which you can immediately locate and bring along with you if an evacuation is required. Items that could be included in the emergency kit are: photocopy of passport and credit cards, spare medications, one bottle of water, cash, emergency contact list, torch, batteries, first aid kit, etc. Documents may be packed in a zip lock bag.

Prepare two photocopies of your passport and emergency contacts and carry one with you at all times, in your wallet for instance, and pack the other into your emergency kit.

Volunteers should contact our insurer International SOS for advice and guidance on medical and security matters as soon as they arise. This might help you manage the risks adequately and avoid a crisis or emergency. Please call ISOS at its 24-hr Emergency Centre at +65 6338 7800 for medical advice at any time.

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PART 2 What to do in the event of an emergency overseas

You are responsible for looking after your safety and security on a daily basis. The SIF will brief you on country-specific precautionary measures that you can employ to ensure your safety. Please also familiarise yourself with travel advisories and common travel precautionary measures to protect yourself in the country you have been posted to.

If urgent security concerns arise, please inform the SIF immediately of the problem so that we may to advise you or take necessary action to assist you.

It is advisable for you to develop support and information networks in the country who can alert you to changing levels of risk and provide initial help at times of stress, personal crisis or emergencies. In addition, the SIF has its own contacts in the host country and will advise you accordingly.

In the event of an emergency, you should attempt to contact SIF or your host agency partner for consultation before taking any action. However, if you are unable to do this safely, you should exercise your own best judgment and inform the SIF at the earliest opportunity, after ensuring your own safety. Do note that during emergencies, continued contact with the SIF will be crucial for us to assist you effectively.

The SIF will advise you and activate the necessary emergency management systems and processes to aid and assist you during the emergency to the best of our ability. We will also mobilise all resources and persons within reasonable means to assist you and bring you back home safely. We advise volunteers to observe all emergency directives issued by the SIF Country Manager assigned to you, which may include evacuation. Debates or non-compliance take up precious time, reducing the effectiveness of the organisational response.

The SIF will contact your Emergency List of Contact Persons in the event of an emergency and provide regular updates to them and at our discretion, arrange for them to be with you if required.

The section below provides a guide to managing the following emergencies and tips on how you may avoid them:

A) Medical Emergencies

B) Political Crises / Civil Unrests

C) Criminal / Terrorist Activities

D) Natural Disasters

E) Chemical Accidents

F) Damages Caused To Third Parties

G) Changes to Travel Plans Due To Security Risks

H) Emergencies Back Home

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A) Medical Emergencies

Inform the SIF and your host agency of the emergency as soon as possible. Do provide critical details of:

• What has happened and how?

• Your current medical condition

• Your present location

• Are you safe?

• An alternate contact number if the phone connection is disconnected

You may call International SOS (ISOS) at its 24-hr Alarm Centre at +65 6338 7800 for medical advice at any time. Please identify yourself as a volunteer of the Singapore International Foundation.

Seek medical attention at a reliable clinic or hospital as soon as possible. Please note the limits of the insurance coverage in your selection of a hospital.

Do enlist the help of a reliable local person to accompany you to the clinic or hospital.

If your medical condition requires extended care at a hospital, the SIF will inform ISOS of your condition and make arrangements for ISOS to speak to your attending doctor for an assessment on whether a medical evacuation is required.

In the event a medical evacuation is required, the SIF and ISOS will make the arrangements and inform you accordingly. Evacuation might take place via a chartered flight or a commercial flight. Arrangements will be made for you to be admitted at a restructured hospital in Singapore. If a medical evacuation is not required, ISOS will recommend treatment for you at a reliable local hospital.

Where necessary, the SIF will assist in arranging for a family member or friend to travel to where you are to provide support to you. An SIF representative will also visit you to assist in whatever way possible.

The SIF will advise you on the procedures for payment for hospital services and assist in claiming the cost from our Insurers. Your attending doctor will be required to fill a declaration on your medical condition.

The SIF will advise you on the limits of coverage for urgent and follow-up treatment. Please note that our insurance coverage might not be adequate to cover your treatment costs for complicated or extended treatment. While the SIF will attempt to support you as much as possible, you are advised to have your own medical insurance policies to take care of extended treatment costs.

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B) Political Crises / Civil Unrests

Do pay close attention to evolving political situations and avoid participating in political activities at all times. Monitor local media for updates on the situation in the country and avoid all demonstrations or other large public gatherings, especially if they appear political in nature.

If there are indications that the political situation is worsening, contact the SIF at the earliest opportunity to provide updates on the following:

• What has happened and how?

• Your present location and condition

• Are you safe?

• An alternate contact number if the phone connection is disconnected

• Any plans of leaving current location

If violence or rioting breaks out near your location, establish contact with the SIF or your host agency and enlist the help of a reliable local person.

Attempt to go to the Singapore Embassy or Consulate. If you cannot get there, return to your home or hotel, or take shelter in a large public building such as a hotel, museum, hospital or department store, before contacting the consulate/embassy by phone.

Avoid government buildings and police stations, which may be a focus of public anger. Wherever you are located, resist the temptation to watch unrest by staying away from windows and keeping the curtains closed.

In the event of political unrest, the SIF will work with the Singapore embassies and International SOS to arrange for a safe re-location and/or safe passage to Singapore.

C) Criminal / Terrorist Activities

Please ensure that you do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself through your dress or behaviour at all times. Call the SIF, your host agency and/or the Singapore Embassy if you have been a victim of crime, as soon as it is safe to do so. Seek medical attention if required. Report the event to the local police. A police report will be required for the SIF to assist in making claims from our insurer for losses incurred.

You may call the ISOS 24-hr Alarm Centres for advice and assistance. Please identify yourself as a volunteer of the Singapore International Foundation.

The SIF will arrange for support for you and, depending on the seriousness of crime such as terrorist activity, activate the Singapore Embassy, the Singapore government and local government’s assistance.

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In the event of terrorist activity, kidnappings and hostage takings, the SIF will work closely with the Singapore government to secure your safe release. Our insurer, ISOS, will work with government agencies and resources such as trained hostage negotiators, counsellors and government security specialists to assist you.

Robbery

If you become a target of robbery, call for police help when it is safe to do so. Inform the SIF and host agency, and contact a reliable local person to accompany you during police investigation.

Petty / Violent Crime

Attempt to draw attention and enlist assistance during the crime only if it is safe for you to do so. Self-defence training may be helpful in disabling an attacker. However, if you are accosted by an armed attacker(s), most authorities advise cooperating with the attacker(s). Resisting them can provoke a violent response.

Sexual Assault

In the event of a sexual assault, please seek medical attention immediately. While gathering evidence of assault is highly recommended, please be aware that the local clinic or police might not be equipped to deal with sexual assault cases as a whole.

Bomb Threat

Be aware of your surroundings. Do not accept packages from strangers or leave your luggage unattended. Unusual behaviour, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.

In evacuating a building, leave quickly and do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not block the sidewalk or streets as these would be used by emergency officers or others still exiting the building. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.

Explosion

An explosion can cause buildings to collapse. Be prepared for an evacuation. Know where emergency exits and staircases are located when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic.

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Fire

An explosion can also start fires. If a fire were to break out:

• Stay close to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.

• When approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat. Burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire, i.e. climb ladders and crawl.

• If the door is not hot, slowly open it and ensure the fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternative escape route.

• If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for other escape routes. Escaping through a window should only be used as a last resort. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-coloured sheet outside the window, alerting firemen to your presence.

Kidnapping / Hostage Taking

In most kidnappings, victims are not harmed, as the attackers are primarily interested in gaining some quick cash with little risk. Often they will force the victim to make one or more ATM withdrawals and then release the hostage. If the criminals are armed, most authorities advise cooperating with the attackers. Resisting them can provoke a violent response.

If you are taken hostage, try to remain calm and patient. Avoid any action that might endanger your life.

• The initial 45 minutes might be the most dangerous period. Follow instructions and stay alert. Do not take drastic actions which could endanger your life.

• Exercise extreme discretion in trying to make contact with the SIF or other emergency contacts.

• Do not speak unless spoken to and only when necessary. Avoid being hostile.

• Try to rest. Avoid speculation and arguments. Comply with instructions as best as you can. Expect the unexpected.

• Be prepared to speak to the police on the phone or to convey messages on behalf of the captors. Comply with instructions as best as you can. Wait patiently.

• If medication, first aid, or restroom visits are needed, alert the captor. The captor, in all probability, does not want to harm persons unnecessarily.

• Wait for help to arrive.

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D) Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are extreme, sudden events caused by environmental factors. They can happen any time, often with little or no warning and can affect a very large area. Asia has seen an increase in natural disasters in the last five years and you are urged to monitor local news and national announcements for any warnings or predictions of a disaster striking. Be aware that disaster preparedness and disaster mitigation might be inadequate in your host country. But by identifying potential hazards ahead of time and with advance planning, it can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life.

• Know your community’s warning systems and evacuation routes.

• When these conditions do occur, listen to the radio, watch TV broadcasts or check the internet if possible for the latest dissemination of emergency information.

• Follow the advice of local emergency and law enforcement officials and contact a reliable local person to confirm the situation. Evacuate immediately if told to do so. Bring along your emergency kit and try to retrieve personal belongings and supplies for your immediate needs – spectacles, sturdy shoes, windbreaker, etc.

• Safely move to a secure location. Contact the SIF immediately, giving details of your location and status. Try not to panic.

• Do not attempt to record the event as you may be exposing yourself to further risk.

• The SIF will activate persons and resources, including International SOS, as soon as possible to advise you on what to do and/or evacuate you to a safe location or to Singapore.

• Use your phone sparingly to ensure you are able to maintain continued contact with the SIF and other emergency assistance providers until help reaches you.

• Exercise extreme discretion when helping others as this may compromise your safety.

Volcanic Eruption

Volcanic eruption may sometimes occur with little warning but for most cases, local authorities would give ample warning to its people. Eruptions can be quiet or explosive. There may be lava flows, flattened landscapes, poisonous gases and flying rock and ash. Volcanic eruptions can sometimes be accompanied by other natural hazards, including earthquakes, mudflows and flash floods, rock falls and landslides, acid rain, fire and (under special conditions) tsunamis.

• Stay away from active volcano sites. When an eruption does occur, remember to avoid river valleys, low-lying areas and areas downwind from the volcano. Look upstream before crossing a bridge to ensure that a mudflow is not approaching.

• Stay indoors (close doors, windows and all ventilation in the house) until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.

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Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. If you are in an earthquake-prone area, ensure deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations are repaired and overhead lighting fixtures are anchored to the ceiling as these will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

• If you are indoors, stay there but seek cover under an interior doorway or heavy desk or table. Avoid windows, mirrors, hanging objects, tall furniture, etc. Shut off gas, water and electricity supply in case the lines are damaged (which could lead to a fire).

• If you are outside, stay there. Stay away from buildings and watch for chimneys, over head wires, poles or other objects that might fall.

• If you are in a car, pull over and stop away from bridges and overpasses. Stay in the car and turn on the radio for further directions.

• Do not enter affected buildings until you know they are safe.

• If you are stuck under rubble, look for ways to draw attention to yourself and conserve energy and water while waiting for help to arrive.

• Call the SIF and your host agency to report your whereabouts and conditions.

Typhoon

Unlike earthquakes, typhoons are generally preceded by a fair warning period. Listen to the radio for updates on the size and expected severity of the typhoon.

• Cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.

• Stay away from windows and doors. Take refuge in a small interior room or hallway.

• If you are in a multi-storey building, it might be safe to stay on the lower floor. However, do watch out for flooding.

Tsunami

Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis. To generate tsunamis, earthquakes must occur underneath or near the ocean, be large and create movements in the sea floor. All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Pacific Ocean, there is a much more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along the margins of the Pacific Ocean. When you know that an earthquake has occurred, stand by for a tsunami emergency message that is usually aired through radio and/or TV. Early warning systems might not be fully functional in some countries. Do not stay in low-lying coastal areas after a strong earthquake has been felt.

• If trapped and unable to reach higher ground, quickly make your way to the topmost level of the sturdiest building, preferably away from the coast or get on the roof.

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• Remain at a higher elevation (e.g. top of a hill of height 30m or more) until the tsunami threat has completely passed. A tsunami cycle includes a series of several waves, both large (3 to 4 enormous waves) and small. The tsunami and danger can last for many hours. Local officials will issue an “all clear” advisory when appropriate.

• Stay tuned to the radio or TV for emergency updates.

• Avoid downed power lines and collapsed or deteriorated bridges and roads.

Flood

Floods may happen after an extended period of rain or as flash floods. While it is possible to prepare for the former, the latter often happens with little notice.

• Never walk or drive through rushing floodwaters. Even 15cm (around 6 inches) of moving water is dangerous.

• Avoid rising waters, storm drains and sewers. Also, avoid weakened bridges and submerged roads. Move to higher, firm ground.

• Watch out for snakes and small animals that might seek shelter in your home.

• Never enter buildings surrounded by floodwaters.

• Avoid electrocution by not walking in flooded areas with downed power lines and exposed live electrical wires.

• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water in that area until officials say it is safe. Wells, water tank and reservoirs might be contaminated during the flood.

E) Chemical Accidents

For small scale exposure to chemical hazard or large scale chemical accident that will impact the environment, immediately notify the relevant authorities of the exposure or spill.

• Move a safe distance away from the hazard but do not leave the scene.

• Stay calm and respond as carefully and clearly as possible. Wait for the emergency service personnel to arrive.

• Follow instructions provided by the emergency service personnel.

• You may need to be decontaminated.

• Do not leave the scene until the emergency respondents tell you to leave.

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F) Damages Caused to Third Parties

The SIF advises volunteers to observe the highest levels of decorum and good behaviour while overseas to avoid offending or causing harm to locals. Do note that any offensive or harmful behaviour by a foreigner may elicit a strong reaction from the local community, which might, in turn, be harmful to you.

Volunteers from the medical or allied health professions should avoid carrying out invasive procedures on local patients as much as possible to minimise the risk of causing accidental harm to the patient. If invasive work is essential and approved by the SIF, we will purchase medical malpractice insurance before your trip.

If you have inadvertently caused physical harm or damage to a local person or property belonging to a third party, please attempt to provide assistance first. Seek assistance of a reliable local person to speak on your behalf. Do not offer to make restitution until you have consulted your host agency or a reliable local contact. Depending on the circumstances, a consultation with a lawyer might be necessary.

Contact the SIF and your host agency immediately with details of the incident. The SIF will seek advice from the host agency and local sources on the best way to deal with the situation. If necessary, the SIF will seek legal assistance and assistance of the Singapore Embassy to attend to your circumstances.

Be observant of the response of the affected person and community. If you sense imminent physical danger to you, instruct your local representative to obtain the contact of the affected person, give your contact number and leave the location. Do not reveal where you are staying. Call your lawyer if necessary.

If you are apprehended by the police, comply with instructions and alert the police of your nationality and reason for being there. Request that they inform the Singapore Embassy immediately. Do not give any statements of what happened without benefit of legal counsel or advice from the SIF or host agency.

The SIF will work closely with the Singapore Embassy to assist you. Please note, however, that if a criminal offence has been committed, the case will be handled by the local judicial system and your family might have to engage a lawyer to represent you.

Do take note of the limits of coverage of the SIF’s Public Liability and Medical Malpractice insurances.

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G) Changes to Travel Plans Due to Security Risks

Unforeseen emergence or escalation of security risks could affect your travel plans. Contact the SIF immediately for updates and assistance in finding alternative arrangements. Remain in a safe location and be patient as this may take time. An unusually high demand for travel services might cause chaos to local service providers.

If there is no urgent need for you to return home, be prepared to remain in a safe location in the host country until the situation has stabilised. The SIF will advise you of a safe and reliable alternative route as soon as it is available.

H) Personal Emergencies Back Home

If a personal emergency happens back home in Singapore, you or your emergency contact person should inform the SIF immediately. The SIF will make a decision and assist you in preparing for your return home, after consultation with you and your host agency.

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PART 3 Infectious Diseases

Bird Flu

All volunteers departing Singapore for their overseas assignments should get the appropriate flu vaccinations, preferably two weeks before departure. Volunteers may purchase anti-flu drugs, such as Tamiflu for use when flu-like symptoms arise. Please note that a prescription from a doctor may be required to purchase these drugs.

Volunteers are reminded to avoid visiting bird flu-affected areas, poultry farms and crowded areas and to avoid eating eggs, meat and food products from poultry that are not properly cooked.

Anyone who falls ill and shows flu-like symptoms should alert the assigned SIF Country Manager and ISOS Emergency Centre and seek medical advice. Depending on the situation or the persons’ conditions, volunteers may be referred to the nearest ISOS clinic or recommended medical facility. Where necessary, the SIF will work closely with ISOS to evacuate ill volunteers to Singapore.

If the situation calls for it, the SIF will arrange for its volunteers serving in that country to return to Singapore immediately to avoid risks.

You are advised to maintain hygienic practices and monitor your own health diligently. If you do not feel well and suspect the onset of flu, consult a doctor immediately.

If you have been to a bird flu-affected area or come into contact with infected poultry, people or their contacts, wash your hands well and monitor your temperature for 10 days. If you develop a high temperature (>38 degrees Celsius) or flu-symptoms within these 10 days, consult your doctor to see whether you should receive any treatment. Tell the doctor about your symptoms and recent travel so that he or she can be aware you have travelled to an area reported to have avian influenza.

Avoid contact with secretions of people who have flu-like illnesses. Always wash hands after having any contact with respiratory secretions as these can spread disease.

Anyone with respiratory-type illnesses should be careful with secretions from the nose and mouth. Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing − use a tissue and throw it in the waste once used.

Be careful with respiratory secretions (e.g. coughing and sneezing) when around other people, especially small children. It may be best to avoid contact with individuals who are more at risk of becoming ill (small children or those people with chronic illnesses) until your respiratory symptoms have been resolved.

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Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (a more severe form and can be fatal if unrecognised or early treatment is not sought) are the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world. Dengue can only be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. A mosquito only becomes infected when it takes a blood meal from a dengue-infected person. Please note that dengue fever is not contagious.

If a person is infected with the dengue virus, there is generally an average of 4 to 7 days of incubation before the onset of symptoms.

• Dengue fever is characterised by the sudden onset of fever (which can last up to 7 days) and is accompanied by intense headache, body aches, joint pains, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and the development of skin rashes. A blood test will often show low platelets.

• Dengue haemorrhagic fever presents similarly to dengue fever but is associated with more severe bleeding problems (e.g. gum bleeding, nose bleeding and bleeding into the skin and internal organs) along with evidence of plasma leakage.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent dengue and there is no specific treatment to cure dengue. However, supportive care with intravenous fluids and frequent blood test monitoring reduces complications of the disease. In severe cases, hospitalisation is recommended and blood transfusions may be required.

Although not all fever conditions are caused by dengue fever, you should always consult a doctor immediately when you are not feeling well and have a fever.

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Malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by a blood-borne parasite carried by mosquitoes. Malaria is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. One infected mosquito bite is enough to give you malaria. The parasite infects and destroys red blood cells, causing repeated episodes of fever and anaemia. It may sometimes be fatal.

Malaria begins as a flu-like illness eight to 30 days after infection. The main symptom is fever that may be continuous, intermittent or in some cases, develop a typical cyclical pattern. Some common symptoms include headache, muscle aches and weakness, shaking chills and drenching sweats, diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing, abdominal pain and jaundice.

A more severe form of malaria may not show a cyclic pattern and if left untreated or inadequately treated, it could attack the brain and cause cerebral malaria. Symptoms could include severe headaches, convulsions, confusion and reduced level of consciousness.

Although not all fevers are caused by malaria, you should always consult a doctor immediately when you are not feeling well and have a fever. If you are treated for malaria but are not getting any better, it is essential that you return to the clinic/hospital for further medical check.

No anti-malarial drugs would be able to provide 100% protection as there is some resistance to most anti-malarial drugs in a large part of the world. It is therefore possible to contract malaria even if you are taking anti-malarial drugs. Thus, it is important to take physical protection measures alongside with taking anti-malarial drugs.

Before taking any anti-malarial drugs, please discuss with your country manager who would be in the best position to give you more specific advice. Some anti-malarial drugs might not be suitable for your consumption because of your medical history. Also, there would be a risk of you experiencing possible side effects that could affect your performance.

You may receive contradictory, confusing and occasionally even dangerous advice from other sources. Please contact ISOS for more accurate advice.

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Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes Bites

Volunteers can reduce their risk of getting infected by malaria or dengue fever by protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread these diseases usually bite at dusk and dawn but may also bite at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when the weather is cloudy.

Do take note that you would be more at risk contracting malaria or dengue if:

• You are living and working in a rural area, particularly if you are close to mosquito breeding habitats (swamps, ponds). Dengue is often spread in cities as well.

• Your accommodation is not well screened with mosquito netting on windows and doors.

• You do not use a bed net.

• You do not have air conditioning or fans.

The SIF cannot guarantee against your getting malaria or dengue fever but if you take adequate physical precautions to prevent mosquito bites, the risk of getting malaria would be lowered. Some examples of physical precautions you could take are:

• Always use mosquito repellents, especially when you go outdoors. If you work in a humid environment, you may need to re-apply the repellent more frequently than suggested.

• Cover up as much as possible. Long sleeves and long trousers, preferably in a light colour would deter mosquitoes from biting you.

• Always use a bed mosquito net. Ensure that the net is properly tucked under the mattress and any tear in the net is mended quickly and thoroughly.

• Check that the doors and windows of your house are properly screened with fine mesh netting.

• Mosquito coils are also helpful. Make sure that they are placed away from easily flammable materials to prevent a fire risk.

• Also, good personal hygiene reduces the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes as they are often attracted to dirt and sweat.

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PART 4 List of Emergency Contacts

The SIF will provide an updated list with local contacts before you travel.

1. INTERNATIONAL SOS Tel: +65 6338 7800

(24-hr Alarm Centre)

2. SINGAPORE’S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Singaporeans overseas who require consular assistance e.g. for cases of overseas arrest, repatriation, accidents, illnesses, natural disasters, etc, should call the following numbers:

MFA (during office hours) +65 6379 8000 (from overseas)

MFA Duty Office (24 hours) +65 6379 8800 / 8855

General Enquiries - MFA One-Call Centre 1800 476 8870(during office hours) (toll-free number for calls within Singapore)

You may also call the following numbers to reach the officers manning the various country desks during office hours:

Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia & Myanmar +65 6379 7733

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines & Thailand +65 6379 7724

Central Asia +65 6379 7716

East Asia +65 6379 7736

Europe +65 6379 7716

Middle East, Africa & Afghanistan +65 6379 7723

South Asia +65 6379 7737

The Americas +65 6379 7715

Australia, New Zealand, The Pacific & South America +65 6379 7715

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These are some other numbers that you might find useful:

Authentication of documents for use overseas +65 6379 7713

+65 6379 7719

+65 6379 7721

Consular Homepage +65 6379 7718

Consular Publications +65 6379 7713

3. CORPORATE TRAVEL SERVICES

Tel: +65 6395 5333 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm) +65 6395 5398 (after office hours)

4. SINGAPORE AIRLINES / SILK AIR Call Centre (Reservations)

Tel: +65 6223 8888 (24 hours)Fax: +65 6786 6947

Embassy of Singapore in Cambodia

Address : 129 Norodom Boulevard, Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, 12207 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Office : +855 23 220 914

Fax : +855 23 210 862

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/phnompenh

Email : [email protected]

Office Hours: Mon-Fri : 8am-12.30pm; 2pm-5pm

24-hours Emergency Contact No.:+855 977 017 371

5. SINGAPORE MISSIONS OVERSEAS

Embassy of Singapore in Vientiane, Laos

Address : Ban Watnak, Unit 4 Thadeua Road, Km3, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Office : +856 21 353 939

Fax : +856 21 353 938

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/vientiane


Office Hours:Mon-Fri : 8.30am-12pm; 1pm-5pm

24-hours Emergency Contact No.:+856 20 559 9059

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High Commission of Singapore in New Delhi, India

Address : E-6 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India

Office : +91 11 4600 0915

Fax : +91 11 4601 6413

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/newdelhi


Office Hours:Mon-Fri : 9am-1p; 1.30pm-5pm

24-hours Emergency Contact No.: +91 (11) 9810203595

High Commission of Singapore in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Address : 209 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Office : +02 03 2161 6277

Fax : +02 03 2161 1013

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/kl


Office Hours: Mon-Fri : 8.30am-5pm

24-hours Emergency Contact No.:+016 661 0400

Singapore Consulate-General in Chennai, India

Address : 17-A North Boag Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600017, Tamil Nadu, India

Office : +91 44 2815 8207/2815 8208

Fax : +91 44 2815 8209

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/chennai


Office HoursMon-Fri : 8.30am-1pm; 2pm-5pm

24-hours Emergency Contact No.: +91 98 4003 3136 (In an Emergency)

Embassy of Singapore in Yangon, Myanmar

Address : 238 Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Township, Yangon

Office : +95 1 559 001

Fax : +95 1 559 002

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/yangon



24-hours Emergency Contact No.: +95 1 559 001 (In an Emergency)

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Embassy of Singapore in Jakarta, Indonesia

Address : Blok X/4, KAV No. 2, Jalan HR Rasuna Said, Kuningan, Kuningan, Jakarta 12950

Office : +62 21 2995 0400

Fax : + 62 21 520 1486

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/asean


Office HoursMon-Fri : 8.30am-12.30pm; 1.30pm-5pm

24-hours Emergency Contact No.: + 62 811 863 348

Embassy of Singapore in Hanoi, Vietnam

Address : No. 41 & 43 Tran Phu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Office : +844 3848 9168

Fax : +844 3848 9178

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/hanoi



24-hours Emergency Contact No.: +84 904 696 589

Embassy of Singapore in Bangkok, Thailand

Address : 129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120

Office : +662 286 2111

Fax : +662 287 2578

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/bangkok


Office HoursMon-Fri : 9am-12pm; 1pm-5pm


General Consulate of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Address : The Saigon Centre, Level 8, 65 Le Loi Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Office : +848 822 5174

Fax : +848 3914 2938

Website : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/hochiminhcity


Office HoursMon-Fri : 8. 30am-1230pm; 1.30pm-5pm


Note: Not all countries have Singapore consular office. Check MFA website for info at http://www.mfa.gov.sg/consular or for inquiries contact 1800 476 8870 (toll-free number for calls from Singapore); email: [email protected].

Chapter 5Completion of Assignment and Continued Engagement

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Volunteers’ Appreciation

The SIF deeply appreciates your partnership in helping us build a better world.

The following are some initiatives we have in place to express our appreciation, to support and keep SIVs engaged in the development of overseas communities:

• Certificate of Appreciation.

• Long-service awards for volunteers who have served for 5 years and beyond.

• Nominations for other awards for volunteers in Singapore, e.g. President Award,

National Day Award, etc.

• SIV Appreciation Evening.

• SIV Networking Evening(s).

• Volunteer related conferences/workshops.

The SIV Online Portal

The SIV online portal is a gateway to the SIV community. You may access information and updates on the SIF’s international volunteerism activities, volunteer vacancies and project partnering opportunities. SIVs can also share ideas, experiences and form support groups among themselves through social networking tools on the portal.

How to Register?

• Log on to www.sif.org.sg/siv

• Sign up for an account

If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties accessing the portal, please contact the SIF Volunteer Management Team at 6837 8700 or email [email protected].

Chapter 5 – Completion of Assignment and Continued EngagementThis chapter covers

• Appreciating our Volunteers • The SIV Online Portal

Addendum

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Addendum Volunteer Code of Conduct

The SIV Code of Conduct promotes responsible international volunteering. Your support of the principles it upholds will help to ensure a spirit of partnership, solidarity and respect between you, the SIF, the host agency and community with which you volunteer.

1. To be ethical and responsible in safeguarding the interests of vulnerable persons that I encounter in the course of my volunteer stint. Your volunteering stint may see you come into regular contact with vulnerable persons such as children, physically and/or mentally challenged individuals, and the sick or elderly. Often, these people are in a position of need and may look to you for guidance and support. In these situations, fulfil your moral obligation to protect their rights and interests.

2. To be informed about and familiarise myself with my volunteer duties and responsibilities.

Please spend some time considering your motivations for volunteering as they will have an impact on your expectations of your placement and subsequently on your overseas experience. You should also examine carefully all the information and resources provided by the SIF to ensure that you are making an informed decision to volunteer.

3. To conduct myself in a professional manner and be flexible and adaptable during my placement.

As a volunteer fielded by the SIF, you are an ambassador for the organisation and for Singapore. Your conduct will also set a precedent for all volunteers who come after you. Thus, it is important for you to conduct your volunteer responsibilities with professionalism.

While you are required to adhere to your role description, another essential characteristic is the need to be flexible when undertaking a volunteer placement. There may arise a number of occasions where you need to exercise flexibility, for instance, to adapt to changes caused by a lack of resources on the ground; or simply to respond to the changes in a community’s needs as the project evolves. These changes are not always predictable and may take place abruptly. Managing them with a positive attitude will go a long way in helping you to make the most of your placement.

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4. The signing of the volunteer appointment letter acts as an agreement to abide by the Code.

Depending on the nature of your assignment, you might be required to sign an Agreement or a Contract with the SIF; in which case this handbook will serve as an addendum to the contract. The clauses in this handbook are binding for volunteers who do not need to sign Agreements or Contracts with the SIF. The information in the handbook (First Edition, 2012) is correct at the time of printing. This handbook will be updated every two years. The SIF reserves the right to amend or change the policies and procedures at any time, and will communicate the relevant changes to you periodically.

5. To take due care with my personal safety, and physical and mental health. While the SIF provides our volunteers with guidance and training, it is also your responsibility as a volunteer to abide by that advice and to use your common sense. Additionally, your general research into your placement should include finding out about the local health and security situation. In a situation where you are volunteering with other people, you also need to consider the impact of your actions and whether they will have an effect on the safety and security of those around you.

6. To treat local customs and practices with respect. A large part of being a volunteer is about forging relationships with other people and learning from and about other cultures. It is important to remember that volunteering is a mutual exchange, and that it is not only about personal gain. Respecting the expertise and experience of other staff and volunteers, and accepting that things may be done in different ways, are very important parts of the volunteer experience.

By talking to former volunteers and familiarising yourself with the culture in which you will be working, you can begin to prepare yourself for some of the cultural differences you may encounter in your placement. This may include being prepared for the living conditions, changes in diet and different ways of socialising. Be prepared to spend time with the local community and to build relationships based on understanding, not assumptions.

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SECTION A – Personal Conduct

Acceptance of Gifts and Gratuities

Volunteers are strongly discouraged from accepting cash, donations or gratuities from participants, clients or members of the community in return for their service. They are to report to and seek advice from the SIF Country Manager when presented with expensive gifts (e.g. valued above S$100). All gifts presented as tokens of appreciation to the SIF (e.g. plaques, statuettes) should be handed over to the foundation.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs may adversely affect the proper discharge of the volunteers’ duties and responsibilities or affect the reputation of the SIF. While moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable, the use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at all times. Volunteers should note that alcohol and drug use may be deeply offensive to the cultural norms of their host country or community.

Production, possession, consumption, distribution or sale of any narcotics, including hashish, marijuana or any other controlled substance prohibited by the laws of either Singapore or the host country will result in the termination of the volunteer assignment.

Child Protection

To protect and safeguard the well-being of children in our projects, the SIF requires all volunteers who will work directly with children to undergo special screening processes and reference checks. The SIF will not permit volunteers to work with children if they pose unacceptable risks to children’s safety or well-being.

Commercial Activities

Volunteers are prohibited from engaging, whether directly or indirectly, in commercial activities during their period of appointment. Commercial activities include but are not limited to:

• Exploiting one’s volunteer status for financial gain.

• Investing in real estate, bonds, shares or stocks of commercial concerns domiciled in the host country.

• Engaging in any business or activity for profit or personal financial gain or undertaking any gainful employment.

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Discrimination or Exploitation of Vulnerable Persons

The SIF does not condone any conduct which discriminates, exploits or abuses the rights and well-being of women, children, the disabled, the poor and other vulnerable persons. Conduct giving rise to allegations of discrimination or exploitation of vulnerable persons, including sexual harassment, will be taken seriously, amounting to corrective action or termination of the volunteer assignment.

Dress Code

Volunteers shall dress appropriately in public and at work, always keeping in mind the cultural norms and practices of their host country and community.

Ownership or Operation of Motor Vehicles

Volunteers shall not own or operate motor vehicles whilst stationed overseas. The SIF shall not be liable for any personal injury suffered or loss or damage incurred by a volunteer whatsoever arising from or in connection with the operation of motor vehicles by a volunteer.

Personal and Public Communication

Volunteers shall exercise discretion in any public communication regarding their assignment, the host agency, the SIF or other related persons and issues. They shall refer ALL media requests received to the SIF Country Manager, and seek the SIF’s prior permission and guidance before speaking to the press.

Volunteers shall exercise extreme discretion in posting personal comments about the project or project partners through personal communication in public and private communication channels via new media and social media platforms such as weblogs (or blogs), podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Offensive or unwarranted negative comments may result in corrective action. Volunteers shall contact the SIF if they require advice on such communication.

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Personal Relationships*

While it is acceptable for volunteers to develop close personal relationships while they are on assignment, they are encouraged to exercise discretion in their personal affairs. The SIF strongly discourages the following:

• Cohabitation irrespective of the length of time.

• Fathering or conceiving a child by a resident of the host country to whom the volunteer is not married to.

• Marriage.

A volunteer who wishes to marry a national or resident of the host country and who also wishes to continue serving as a SIV must inform the SIF in writing three months before the solemnisation of the marriage. Failure on the part of the volunteer to comply with this clause shall constitute a breach of this Code of Conduct and entitles the SIF to terminate the assignment.

The SIF shall, in its absolute discretion, decide whether the volunteer should serve the remaining period of appointment after marrying a national or resident of the host country.

In deciding whether or not the volunteer may continue his/her appointment, the SIF may, without limitation and in consultation with host agency and/or host country officials, take into account whether the marriage will adversely affect the volunteer’s ability to carry out his/her duties and responsibilities.

The SIF shall not provide support of any nature to the spouse.

Political Expression

Volunteers shall not be involved in or comment on the political affairs of the host country in public.

Pregnancy*

An SIF volunteer who has fathered or is expecting a child and who also wishes to continue serving as a SIV shall inform the SIF in writing six months before the expected date of delivery of the child. The SIF shall, in its absolute discretion, decide whether the volunteer should serve the remaining period of appointment.

In deciding whether or not the volunteer shall continue the appointment, the SIF may, without limitation and in consultation with host agency and/or host country officials, take into account whether there are adequate medical facilities for the volunteer and whether the pregnancy will adversely affect the volunteer’s ability to carry out her duties and responsibilities.

The SIF shall not assume any responsibility for issues or costs relating to the pregnancy.

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Proselytizing

Volunteers shall refrain from religious proselytising, preaching or otherwise carrying out religious beliefs in any manner that impairs the proper discharge of his/her duties and responsibilities as a volunteer; or that which affects the reputation of the SIF or the SIV programme.

Unlawful Behaviour

Volunteers are advised that the SIF shall not intervene if they commit any criminal offence or are involved in any civil dispute identified by local law.

The SIF will not condone any conduct or pattern of behaviour, which incurs risk of injury or physical harm to self or others, or presents a substantial possibility of loss or destruction of property. This might result in the termination of the volunteer’s appointment.

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SECTION B – Professional Conduct

Volunteers have the responsibility to conduct themselves in the highest possible professional standard so as to uphold the good image of the SIF and Singapore. They are to perform to the expected standards and achieve deliverables established for the position, within the given timeline. They are also to report to work punctually, dress and communicate sensitively and appropriate to existing cultural norms, while maintaining cordial work relationships.

Absenteeism

Volunteers are expected to perform their duties on a regular and punctual basis. When expecting to be absent from scheduled duty, volunteers shall inform their direct supervisor (SIF Country Manager and contact person within the partner host agency) as far in advance as possible so that alternative arrangements may be made. Continual absenteeism will result in a review of the volunteer’s work assignment or term of service.

Confidentiality

Volunteers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a staff member, volunteer, client, or other person or involves the overall business of the SIF or host agency. Volunteers are advised to not share confidential information about other employees, volunteers, customers, clients of the SIF or the host agency’s programmes and services unless required by law.

Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship by the SIF or other corrective action.

Performance of Other Services

Volunteers shall not perform other professional services not originally planned for and for which special certification or licensing is required in the host country, unless currently certified or licensed to do so, and upon the approval of the SIF.

Performing under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Any volunteer who reports for service under the influence of illegal drugs may be subject to corrective action. Any volunteer who habitually reports for service while impaired by the use of alcohol, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or other controlled substance may be subject to the termination of his/her volunteer assignment.

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Photography/Videography

Volunteers are expected to use their discretion when taking photos or video of a beneficiary or friends/relatives of the beneficiary. The volunteer has to seek their permission/host agency’s permission before taking the photos or video.

Responsibilities to the SIF

Volunteers are required to comply with all requirements of the SIF, as agreed to in the Letter of Appointment. This includes submission of written reports to the SIF on the SIV programme and related matters on a regular basis and to participate in monitoring activities, as and when requested.

Termination

The SIF may review or terminate any volunteer who engages in behaviour which, in the opinion of the SIF, affects the proper discharge of his/her duties and responsibilities as a volunteer or affects the reputation of the SIF or SIV programme.

Unauthorised Absence from Work

Corrective action may be taken against volunteers who fail to inform the SIF of their whereabouts. This includes failure to inform the SIF of plans to travel outside the host country during the period of appointment as a volunteer and/or failure to inform the SIF of a delay in returning for any reason following a period of absence from the host country or the assigned site(s).

Volunteer Supervision and Evaluation*

The SIF has in place a system of supervision and evaluation for volunteers. This is to maintain accountability and ensure quality service delivery. Every volunteer or volunteer team will work with a Country Manager who will monitor their well-being and the project progress through various channels including regular communication and reports submitted by the volunteer (team). Volunteers will be advised on the format of reports, timing and regularity of report at the time of appointment. Based on regular assessment, the SIF may recommend appropriate corrective actions to address concerns, new needs or opportunities.

Note Clauses with ‘*’ are not applicable to volunteers going on Direct Service projects.

# Corrective actions may include:

• Re-designofjobdescriptionandobjective • Additionalvolunteertraining • Re-assignmentofthevolunteertoanewposition • Suspensionorrecallofthevolunteer • Dismissalorterminationfromvolunteerservice

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK - Singapore International … · Chapter 2 About Singapore International...

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