Description

What is an eco-village and how can it promote sustainable living? How can we spread environmental awareness while making a true, direct impact on the environment? This project will involve the volunteers' efforts in building an eco-village and the promotion of sustainable living.

Forests make an important contribution to the quality of the environment. Besides creating renewable raw material, they can help to control soil erosion, flooding and avalanches, help to balance the earth's atmosphere by carbon sequestration, improve the landscape, support variety of flora and fauna, and offer opportunities for leisure and recreation. The trees along Chamazi has been greatly affected by human activity, including animal feeding, bush fires, cutting wood for domestic energy, construction and business. The impact of these practices has been very visible which includes water sources and streams drying up, the disappearance of various important tree species, a change of seasons, draught, increased heat, etc.

This project is organized in collaboration with the newly established Eco village in Chamazi to give hand to the various initiatives which are already in place to promote sustainable living. During the project, volunteers will join the Eco village members and host community on the following activities:
- Replanting trees in open spaces in the area
- Planting some plants to mark the land boundaries
- Taking care of the existing trees including weeding, watering, etc.
- Establishment of a tree nursery for new trees to be planted in the next rain season
- Raising awareness on the importance of trees in sustainable living.

Extra activities will be teaching, organizing sports, games, arts and crafts for children in the local primary school and orphanage center. Activities will mainly be focused on environmental education.

On arrival, the volunteers will receive a one day orientation in which they will become familiar with the culture of the community, by understanding the various program policies, sharing in fears and expectations, and participating in team building activities.

During the project, there will be a presentation about the newly established Eco village in Tanzania and how it is anticipated to promote sustainable living. Volunteers are requested to study/research a bit about Eco villages from their home countries or elsewhere and bring some information for sharing. The theme is "Can the Eco village be an alternative model for sustainable living?"

Highlights

Excursions have always been an exciting activity in the project. During the week and on weekends, the volunteers will be involved in a wide range of outdoor pursuits for fun and recreation. Possible activities are visits to Bagamoyo historical town (about 60 km from the project), South beach swimming, a week night in Zanzibar, etc.

Each country or culture represented among the volunteers in the project will have an opportunity to do a presentation. Volunteers are encouraged to be prepared beforehand to present their countries and cultures. Depending on the interest of the participants, the presentation can be in the form of songs, drama, dance, storytelling, speech, etc. Make it more creative and more fun!

Qualifications

No specific skills or experience required. Motivated to work for a charity project within an international team.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 290

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement

CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.