Project partners: Peace Corps Volunteers, NGO “Djerelo”.
Project: Ukraine is occupying one of the leading places in Europe in the spread of HIV. The most critical situation is in the eastern regions of Ukraine and on the south. Lugansk region (the most eastern region of Ukraine) due to its specificity is a leader in Ukraine in this sphere. Lugansk region is a huge industrial area with all problems typical for such zones: pollution, poor ecological situation, limited opportunities for local people. Local youth have just few ways of spending their free time. In previous years international volunteers together with local youth created and decorated children’s playground and space for running clubs. Experience of hosting foreign volunteers was unforgettable for local community.
In Rubizhne is situated HIV/Aids Regional Daycares Centre for youth and children (age 5-15 years old). Centre offers services for people living with HIV/AIDS and provides social rehabilitation for at-risk members of the community. Daily Centre serves around 160 persons. Many children are orphans or come from problem families. Centre administration tries to provide youth with different workshops, clubs, trainings and classes to vary leisure time and wake their interests to something new. This year administration decides to introduce intercultural atmosphere to everyday’s routine of the clients of the Centre.
We plan that group of international volunteers together with 20 children who come from the poorest environment together will work and spend free time together. Also we plan to involve local youth activists.
Ultimately, the project is aimed at both renovating, as well as transferring technical and leadership skills to local youth volunteers. We plan to have study part – international volunteers will have an opportunity to learn more about HIV infection, situation with HIV/AIDS in Ukraine and also share information about situation in their native countries. Also we plan meetings with local youth and schoolchildren.
The project is really important for the local community and for volunteers who want to help and to see results of their work. For many children the Centre is the only place where they can feel safely, eat and have a rest. We hope that contacts with international volunteers will make days of those children brighter.
Work: the task for the workcamp is to renovate and improve children’s playground which was built by previous workcamp. The second task will be decorating of internal space (rooms, halls) of Daycares Centre in a creative way (pictures, symbols etc.). It is possibility to organise presentation about situation with HIV/AIDS in countries of participants.
Accommodation/Food: volunteers will be housed in Daycares Centre in rooms. Food will be provided two times per day. Breakfast will be prepared by volunteers.
Location: town Rubizhne, Lugansk region, Ukraine.
Terminal: Lugansk.
Nearest Airport: Kiev Boryspil Airport (KBP) or Kiev International Airport (Zhuliany).
Leisure time: Ukraine is a wonderful place to visit during the summer. Volunteers will be given the opportunity to swim at the local lake, barbeque in the forest, enjoy outdoor sports.
What to bring: working clothes and shoes, information about HIV situation in your country, pictures/postcards from your country, flags, music, games, recipes. We will have the opportunity to go to the beach – so, please, bring your swimming suit, slippers, sunscreen and towel. Bring mosquito protection spray/lotion. And of course, do not forget you good mood!
Language: English.
Remarks: alcohol is not welcomed on the project.
On the first day of the project (27.07.14) volunteers will meet in the office of Alternative-V in Kyiv and together will take an overnight train to the project site. Trip will take around 14 hours, one way ticket costs around 25 Euros.