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‹ Volunteering Query?

Porter Project...?

wander picture
Post Count: 2
Submitted by wander on Mon, 23/06/2008 - 16:19

Hi,

I have just received you brochures and it looks great [Smile]

I'm interested in taking part in the Inca Trail and Porter Project and was wondering about the level on actual involvement in the tour and weather I should bring extra spear cloths along for the building work or will my regular trekking cloths be fine?

Thanks.

ps. Do we get some kind of certificate for our efforts.

GH picture
Post Count: 2

Re: Porter Project...?

Submitted by GH on Fri, 29/07/2005 - 17:30

Hello Wander,

When I first travelled, I found it difficult to think what best to take and found that people in these far off countries welcome practical gifts which help them in their day to day routines. As Maxine

Maxine picture
Post Count: 11

Re: Porter Project...?

Submitted by Maxine on Thu, 28/07/2005 - 16:49

Hi there,

It isn't necessary to take gifts to the villages, your participation in the programme is gift enough.

If you'd really like to take something out to the villages then I would suggest that you take items that can benefit the whole community. A donation of stationary for the local school, or perhaps something useful for the toilet building programme i.e. measuring tapes.

You could even leave something behind that you brought to use in the volunteer programme, for example your safety helmet, or gloves.

Whilst it is a very kind gesture to offer gifts, there is a risk that local villagers could begin to associate volunteers with gift giving. Imaginative Volunteers offer a helping hand rather than a 'hand out' so please keep this in mind as you decide what to take.

Enjoy the trip

Maxine

wander picture
Post Count: 2

Re: Porter Project...?

Submitted by wander on Thu, 28/07/2005 - 15:59

Hi Max,

Thanks very much.

I have one more question.

Can I bring some gifts for the villages?

Maxine picture
Post Count: 11

Re: Porter Project...?

Submitted by Maxine on Tue, 26/07/2005 - 13:10

Hi there.

You'll certainly be involved 'hands-on' during the volunteer programme. Together with members of local families, volunteers are responsible for the whole building process. Mixing and laying cement, building the bathroom from wood and straw plus adding a roof and windows. The programme co-ordinator will provide training and supervision.

It is a good idea to bring some work clothes as they may get a bit mucky.

I'm afraid you don't get a certificate for your efforts, but you'll achieve a great sense of satisfaction upon seeing the finished bathrooms with your new friends.

Cheers

Maxine