Description

Visions offers teenagers opportunities for ambitious service work and cross-cultural immersion in the United States and abroad. We work with and for intercultural communities that lack financial and other development resources. Through service, authentic experience, and active exploration, we encourage new perspectives and dynamic learning.

The Nature Island of the Caribbean is one of the purest of paradises, relatively untouched by tourist hordes. Nearly two-thirds of English-speaking Dominica is undeveloped, and its 365 rivers and streams are mostly usable by boats no larger than canoes. So abundant is fresh water that Dominica exports it to neighboring islands. In the volcanic mountain range running the length of the island is the world's largest oceanic rain forest, alive with exotic birds and animals. Evidence of Dominica's intense volcanism is everywhere: numerous hot springs, the world's second largest boiling lake, underwater vents that bubble offshore. And yet for all its tranquil beauty and wealth of natural resources, Dominica is one of the poorest Caribbean countries.

Visions's site is on the northeast shore in the Carib Territory. The Caribs are the sole surviving early inhabitants of the Caribbean. Originating in the delta forests of South America, they journeyed in dugout canoes up the Caribbean chain, migrating from one island to the next. They were the most accomplished seafarers of pre-Columbian America, arriving centuries before Colonial European ships. Once proud nomadic warriors, today the Carib people live quietly on their small Reserve where public facilities are primitive and resources few. Carib dances, music, foods, crafts and medicines are still practiced, but many traditions are quietly slipping away between generations.

Our home base at Salybia School is encircled by the homes of Carib families. Local children are ever present and always ready to play. We may have dinner with Karifuna or Korina, local cultural groups who practice drumming and dancing just over the hill from our home base, perhaps visit for an evening with members of the Carib Council who meet in a nearby building renovated during previous visions programs. Mangoes, bananas, and passion fruit grow on the surrounding trees and are free for the taking. At night the sound of the ocean crashing against the rock beach below drifts up to the school grounds where we often gather with our Carib friends. Life is simple and rustic on the reserve where even electricity and reliable plumbing should not be taken for granted.

Highlights

In Dominica you may construct a pre-school building or renovate a home. You might paint a world map mural on a school wall or bus stop, work on traditional Carib structures, build bus shelters or organize a summer day camp for Carib children. Past visions participants have accomplished all of these projects and more.

We take exploration seriously in this lush tropical environment. We swim and walk isolated beaches, tour the capital city of Roseau, hike through the oceanic rain forest to Victoria and Trafalgar Falls. At the end of almost every workday we relax at the nearby swimming holes of Melville Hall and Basa Majo. Our Carib friends will guide us on these and other outings.

Dominica offers hard core service work in a Third World country of unspoiled beauty, simplicity and friendship freely given.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

5,050

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

Everything except airfare to and from the program location and spending money (usually USD 50-60 per week)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Community Organizing

Age Range

14-18

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 24

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week or less

Visions Service Adventures's Mission Statement

Through service work and dynamic experience, Visions offers new perspectives and deep learning while working for and with under-resourced communities. Through construction-based and other service and on-site living, Visions introduces teens to cultures very different from their own. Participants are challenged to grow thoughtfully and intentionally within a community of peers and adult leaders. The service work accomplished is a gift to local hosts who welcome Visions participants into their homes and lives. Visions assists organizations that serve under-resourced communities. We provide labor and raw materials for projects designated by communities. Depending on the duration and size of a program, Visions provides USD 3,000 to USD 7,000 for each location's projects, which we fund in full or by adding funds to local funding sources for projects.

Year Founded

1989