BCG Ways to Give Volunteer Opportunity::
Project Istwa is looking for motivated and enthusiastic people to volunteer as facilitators for the summer 2014 workshops which will be conducted in two rural batey neighborhoods (impoverished areas where Haitian migrant workers reside) in the Haiti/Dominican Republic border. Click here to access the application. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11:59pm.
Volunteer Dates:
Team 1: July 2, 2014 – July 14, 2014
Team 2: July 12, 2014 – July 24, 2014
About Project Istwa
Project Istwa is a seven day photovoice workshop for children ages 10-14. During the project, each participant is given a digital camera and have the opportunity to take pictures of their surroundings to show what a day in their life looks like from their perspective. Working with facilitators, the children learn about their cameras and photography, have shooting practice before photographing on their own, discuss which photos they chose to take, and at the end of the week show their photos to their family and friends in a public exhibit in their neighborhood.
While the media coverage of Haiti is significant, particularly after the 2010 earthquake, the opportunities for Haitians themselves to portray their views and perspectives directly are limited. The purpose of Project Istwa is to allow participants to use photography to communicate what is important to them and how they see their world. We have several goals for the project; first and foremost, the hope is that the children simply have fun and that they find the project fulfilling. While that is the main priority, Project Istwa is also designed both as a community building activity as the children will be participating in a group, but also as an empowering exercise that will hopefully leave them with a feeling that their voices and perspectives matter.
After the initial workshop, which took place in the Cité Soleil neighborhood of Port-au-Prince with 11 participants, we hope to replicate this project in different areas of Haiti. Projects in the bateyes (impoverished areas where Haitian migrant workers reside on the Haiti/Dominican Republic border) are in process. Thus far we have completed 11 workshops in the departments of Ouest, Sud, Sud Est, Nippes, Grand’Anse, Nord, Nord Est, Nord Ouest, Artibonite and Centre. The Project Istwa staff also hopes to develop initiatives to connect the children who participate in the different projects so that they can see how others their age live in and view their lives in Haiti.
Volunteer Qualifications:
We are looking for individuals who are passionate and have experience in public health, humanitarian assistance, photography, youth development or international development. Ideal applicants are those who have a strong interest in development and/or global health and are looking for a cross-cultural opportunity to work in a rural setting. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Volunteer Fundraising Requirement
Once accepted, all new volunteers are required to fundraise a minimum of $500 USD for Project Istwa, in addition to a deposit of $500 USD. The deposit is refundable upon successful completion of the program. Local volunteers’ requirements vary.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications for the summer 2014 workshops is Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11:59pm. In order to apply, there are two steps:
1. Complete the online application at http://bit.ly/1227rut
2. Submit your CV /resume via email to inquiries (at) projectistwa.org — instructions on how to submit your
CV/resume are on the last page of the online application
If you have Questions? Email inquiries@projectistwa.org. Visit www.projectistwa.org or www.facebook.com/projectistwa or www.instagram.com/projectistwa.
