Csrs Zanzibar Volunteer Handbook

(CSRS) Volunteer Handbook 2012

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Table of Contents

Introduction

…………………………………….3

Contact Information

…………………………………….4

Statement of Values

…………………………………….5

Policies and Procedures

…………………………………….6-7

1.

Health and Safety

…………………………………….7

2.

Do’s and Don’ts

…………………………………….6-7

3.

House Rules

…………………………………….7-8

4.

Security

…………………………………….7

Volunteer Responsibilities 1.

What is Expected

…………………………………….8 …………………………………….8

2. Fees and Expenses

…………………………………….9

3. Visas

…………………………………….9

4. Orientation and Training……………………………………10 5. Current Programs Useful Information

……………………………………10 ……………………………….…..11

1.

Getting Here

……………………………………11

2.

What To Bring

………………………………..….11

3.

Religion

……………………………….…..11

4.

Getting Around

……………………………….…..11

5.

Tours and Excursions

……………………………….…..11

6.

Free Time

……………………………………11

7.

Money

……………………………………11

8.

Unforeseeable Expenses…………………………………..12

9.

Communication

……………………………………12

10. Electricity

……………………………………12

11. Laundry

……………………………………12

12. Dress Code

……………………………………12-13

13. Footwear

……………………………………13

14. Cultural Issues

……………………………………13-14

15. Our Village

……………………………………14

Volunteer Rights

……………………………………14

Management Rights

……………………………………14-15

Management Responsibilities

……………………………………15

Suggested Reading

……………………………………16

Volunteer Application

……………………………………17-18

Liability Form

……………………………………19

2

INTRODUCTION Greetings! Welcome to Creative Solutions Resource Systems CSRS) Zanzibar. We are Aida Ayers and Mbarouk Saad, directors of Creative Solutions Zanzibar. Thank you for taking the time to look into our project, we hope you find the following information helpful, as you search for the right place to share your expertise. For you first timers to Africa, you will encounter a variety of new experiences, both remarkable and bizarre. We have an anagram we use when interesting things happen; like the power going out, an ant invasion, a glorious sunrise, a majestic sunset or whatever strange mishap occurs; we say T.I.A. (this is Africa), and we try to approach life with a sense of humor and remember our blessings. We are a grassroots, community oriented project. We are located in a village 27 kilometers from town, about 50 minutes on local transport. When you volunteer with us you will be immersed in local life. There are no hotels in our area and thus many of the modern conveniences do not exist in Mangapwani. *As is typical in Africa we are subject to power outages and water shortages at the discretion of the government. We do our best to provide volunteers and students with a good, clean, safe and conducive learning environment. However, because we are located among the villagers, you will find that chickens and the occasional goat may wander into the classroom. For village people, this is considered a normal way of life, but we try to discourage the animals from attending classes! Many residents have not been exposed to traditions that the western world considers “the norm”, thus, culture shock will be temporarily experienced by both sides. Part of the volunteer experience is to share and understand cultural differences. Volunteer teaching placements are generally from 1 to 4 months. Longer placements can be individually arranged. Though volunteer opportunities are generally available all year round, school schedules can affect the availability of English teaching placements during certain months. The duration of technical assistance and other special projects are dependent on the nature of the project and volunteer and staff availability. We work together to liaise and provide interpretation as needed, we will assist you as much as possible to make your volunteer work productive. For English classes, you will be working in a classroom setting. Depending on what level of English you teach, you will either work with another teacher to provide pronunciation practice and helping with written English or on your own. Computer classes are taught to small groups of people by the volunteer directly, most often during morning hours. Patience and an ability to improvise are sometimes necessary, but we try our best to make sure that you have all you need for a successful facilitation.

3

CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address:

Physical Address

Creative Solutions PO Box 4630 Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mangapwani village at Njia Mbili Website www.creativesolutionszanzibar.co.tz

CEO Mbarouk Saad [email protected] Ph: 255 (0) 777 453592 Project Director Aida [email protected] Ph: 255 (0) 773 309092

Zanzibar Medical Group PO Box 3752 Zanzibar, Tanzania

Office Dr. Jidawi Dr. Omar

024 223 3134 0777 410954 0777 477938

US Embassy 686 Old Bagamoyo Rd Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Office email

022 266 8001 [email protected]

4

STATEMENT OF VALUES Each of us has a responsibility to the members of Creative Solutions and the surrounding community to adhere to the following guidelines: Creativity We believe in finding solutions creatively. We are willing to try things in the community, in order to address an unmet need. Respectability We treat every person with respect and are aware of the dignity of each person who comes to us, by creating a welcoming environment through open communication. Encouragement We stand beside those we serve, and encourage self-sustainability and growth. Attentive We are committed to serving the community and are therefore open to change based on the needs of the community. Tenacity We are determined to bring the best we have to offer to our project, the people who work with us and the people we serve. Integrity We place a high priority in living out of our principles, in our relationships, programs, and organizational practices Versatility We are open to new ideas, especially ideas from those we serve, and seek to create flexible, userfriendly services. Empathy We listen, we encourage, we try to get to know those we serve, we provide help and guidance, we advocate, in a spirit of kindness and compassion.

5

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Health and Safety Issues We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment. Everyone is expected to follow health and safety requirements established by law and by our organization. All supervisors have a primary responsibility for the safety and personal well being of the people they supervise. You are expected to know and to follow all safety procedures relevant to your work. Any hazards or potentially unsafe conditions and/or any accidents that occur on the property must be reported immediately to any Program Director, the Executive Director. CSRS prohibits smoking in all of its facilities. Volunteers will not be under the influence of, sell or possess alcohol or illegal drugs on the premises, or while otherwise engaging in CSRS activities. We make every effort to ensure your safety while you are with us, however, you must not forget that Zanzibar is a developing nation and has limited health care facilities and resources. All volunteers are required to obtain a traveler's health policy (if their current health care insurance does not cover them) and sign a liability waiver. They are advertised on the web or the US state department has a list of companies on it’s website http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html . Malaria is a risk so we advise volunteers to visit their health care providers to obtain the necessary prophylactics and follow appropriate prevention measures during their stay. Mosquito nets are provided in all our accommodations--but it is up to you to use them. Your health care provider will also advise you about the necessary shots and health care precautions to take before your trip. The US Center for Disease Control has a list of recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention medicines and other health recommendations forTanzania and Zanzibar. See http//wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationTanzania.aspx Please bring an adequate supply of prescription drugs you take and other medicines you might need. There are some relatively-well stocked pharmacies here but your medicine of choice may not be available. We have first aid supplies on hand for minor incidents.

Do’s and Don’ts Always: o wash your hands before and after eating and after using the toilet. o keep water with you at all times; write your name on your water bottle. o be proactive in regard to dehydration remember to drink regularly. o wear shoes at all times. o make certain that a new needle or finger lancet is used for any medical procedure. o inform the director early of any health problems. Do not call your parents as they cannot help you in Zanzibar and this will cause them to worry. o seek medical attention at the first signs of illness. Be proactive. Do Not: o share your water bottle with anyone. o eat any fruit or vegetables that you have not peeled yourself o eat or drink while walking on the street, or in classes (water excepted). o attempt to aid a drowning victim without ensuring your own safety first. o attempt to give first aid to anyone without protecting yourself (latex gloves). o walk at night by yourself or late at night ever. Take a taxi or arrange for a host family member to walk you somewhere. o walk or swim at the beaches near Stone Town. o walk or swim alone at ANY beach, EVER. o carry valuables with you. Avoid carrying large packs or fanny-packs around town (you will attract a lot of attention, and be a target for thieves).

6

Liability Volunteers must sign a release of liability prior to volunteering. Liability form must be signed and received prior to arrival in the country. (see page 16)

Incident/Accident Report In the case of accidents, injuries, thefts, damage, losses, or other incidents, a standard incident report will be filed.

House Rules All Volunteers are bound by the policies outlined in the CSRS Volunteer Guidelines Code of Conduct. Particular attention should be paid to the prohibitions of alcohol, drugs, firearms, firecrackers, and explosives on the compound. Physical violence and all forms of harassment are prohibited. The policies stated below deal specifically with Volunteer Housing life and the requirements of community living. Alcohol- CSRS prohibits both the possession and consumption of cereal malt beverages (beer), and alcoholic liquor on the property. Amplified Instruments- Residents may not play amplified instruments in their rooms. Damages- Each volunteer shall be responsible for the upkeep of their quarters, damage to compound property due to negligence will be charged. Additionally, negligent damage caused to public areas will be prorated among all residents of that building when the specific individual or group responsible cannot be identified. Nails should not be driven into the walls. Decorations should be hung with tape or tacky putty. Emergencies- In case of emergencies, a staff member should be notified immediately, there is a First Aid Kit in the kitchen area. Fire Hazards- No materials, liquid or otherwise, of an explosive or combustible nature shall be kept in the rooms. Candles, incense, or any other open flame decoration are fire hazards and are prohibited in the bedrooms of any student housing unit. Smoking is allowed in open area only. Keys- Only keys issued by the Housing Supervisor are permitted. Lost keys must be reported to the Housing Supervisor immediately. Missing keys- will be handled on an individual basis regarding the decision to change room locks. The resident should contact the Housing Supervisor to request such a lock change. Any resident requesting a lock change will pay for the costs involved. Maintenance & Repairs- The Housing Supervisor should be notified immediately of maintenance and repair issues. Quiet Hours- Quiet hours are from 11 pm until 6 am. During quiet hours, no noise is to be heard outside a student‟s room (door, ceiling, walls, floor) which might interfere with others who may be studying or sleeping. During the daytime, or when quiet hours are not in effect, volunteers are expected to be courteous and concerned with noise which might be annoying to others around them. Room Entry & Search- Directors of Creative Solutions reserve the right to enter volunteer rooms to: 1. conduct health and safety inspections, 2. to make repairs or conduct maintenance, 3. to take action as may be necessary in any emergency, or 4. to maintain order and an appropriate living environment. Trash- It is the responsibility of the volunteer to regularly dispose of their trash and refuse in a

7

designated trash fire pit. Improper dumping of trash will not be tolerated. Burning of trash is a necessary evil, as village children tend to search unburned trash. Unauthorized Entry- Unauthorized entry of a volunteer‟s room by another is not permissible. Overnight guests must first be approved by the CEO, Mbarouk Saad. Co-habitation is strictly prohibited. Misuse of Window/Screens - Windows and screens may not be removed or altered from their normal operating position. Anyone tampering with windows or screens will not be tolerated. Security We have a critical responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the buildings and their contents. If entrusted with securing a building, please follow all instructions. Please secure your personal belongings. CSRS cannot assume responsibility in any way for personal property on the premises. VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES Volunteers are expected to uphold the mission and values of Creative Solutions and the village of Mangapwani and to interpret these responsibilities to the community. Your job assignment will be identified by and discussed with your supervisor upon arrival. WHAT IS EXPECTED Volunteers are: o Here to assist and supplement, not to replace the role of permanent staff o Expected to be on time to teach classes and let management know in advance if there is a problem o To be receptive to and participate in meetings, activities and training o To follow the policies and rules of the organization o To serve as a role model for students and the community by maintaining high standards of behavior o To remember that the directors have ultimate responsibility for the school and all personnel, including volunteers o Reveal any medical issues which could lead t potential incidents. o To dress in manner which is not offensive to the community o Expected to enjoy the students and be yourself! Volunteer Qualifications: o o o o o o o o

You must be at least 18 years of age Have completed at least two years University study Be flexible, open to new experiences and have a sense of humor Have a desire to work with others Be willing to take on odd jobs around the facility Be willing to learn another language Live in a communal environment Be in reasonably good physical and mental health

Fees and Expenses Our fees are $720 per month or 600.US for three months or more. This covers your placement, living expenses including accommodations and meals, airport pickup and drop-off, orientation, project expenses, interpreters, supervision. A portion of your fees support the continuation of our program and are used as donations to the projects. Not included in this fee; Visas, restaurant meals, alcoholic beverages, personal laundry and incidentals, as well as, airfare and travel expenses. If you choose to pay once you arrive, you may pay either in US dollars or the Exchange rate equivalent in Tanzanian Shillings. Upon arrival you can get a tourist visa for $100.US, you will also be required to

8

get a volunteer permit for $500.US, which is valid for up to 2 years. These fees are not part of the $720.US per month or 600.US if you volunteer for 3 months or more. If you choose to pay by check, you may make payments to: "Philanthropic Ventures Foundation " and note on the "memo" line on the check - "Creative Solutions Zanzibar Fund." Mail fees to: Generosity in Action c/o Philanthropic Ventures Foundation 1222 Preservation Park Way Oakland, CA 94612-1201

VISAS Zanzibar requires that volunteers obtain an additional special visa known as a Class C Resident permit to work as a volunteer, whether you are volunteering for one month or one year. We will assist you in obtaining this visa, your cost is $500.00. You will be able to leave and enter the country again without cost during this period. It also entitles you to resident prices at some events, parks and on the ferries. We need the following items one month in advance: 2 copies of pass port 6 photos (pass port size) 2 copies of CV CSRS application Calendar Program - like action plan Proposed studies - what exactly the volunteer is going to do These items should be sent to: Creative Solutions, c/o Mbarouk Saad, PO Box 4630, Zanzibar, Tanzania OR you can scan and send us a passport size photo and copy of your passport via email and we will print them here. You will also need to get a tourist visa ($100 for most countries), either from the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country before your trip or, if this is not convenient, at your first point of entry into Tanzania (e.g. at the airport at Dar Es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar* or at one of the overland border crossings.) After your arrival in Zanzibar, we will assist you with getting your passport stamped with the volunteer visa by the Zanzibar Ministry of Immigration.

Orientation and Training Overall orientation and on-the-job training will be provided by your supervisor and will be relevant to your assignment. Orientation will include but not be limited to: o o o o o o o

Tour of facility and community Transportation methods around the village and to and from town Two weeks language/greetings introduction class Do‟s and don‟ts of village life Introduction to students and staff of CSRS Discussion of volunteer assignments On the job training

Volunteer Benefits In return for your dedication, your time and your service, you will o o o o o o o

Develop a connection with the students we serve, staff and other volunteers with similar interests and values Provide an in-valuable service to the community through living and working in our community Work in a casual grass roots environment Receive the CSRS newsletter Participate in the success of those you teach Enduring friendships with students and families

9

Respect for Others Everyone who works with Creative Solutions deserves to be treated with respect, fairness and justice, regardless of race, national origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, age, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, source of income, or other legally protected category. Verbal or physical discrimination, favoritism in providing service, proselytizing or harassment by any person associated with the organization will not be tolerated. If you know of, or become aware of a situation in which someone has been treated with disrespect, or discriminated against, or if this has happened to you, please go to your Program Director. All conversations will be held in confidence, the situation will be investigated and action will be taken if appropriate. CURRENT PROGRAMS Teach English, Italian, Spanish etc… Language is one path out of poverty for many Zanzibaris. Volunteers are constantly needed to help with English classes in our adult education program. A teaching background is helpful but not a necessity. We welcome those who are willing to teach other languages. But don't worry if you've never done it before. Gap year students and others with clear English accents are welcome. We custom-design the assignment to suit your interests and skills, provide ongoing supervision, assistance and liaison. We do our best to insure that your work is successful and satisfying. Teach Computer Skills The desire to learn how to use a computer is equally strong, and very few students have the opportunity. We have an ongoing need for volunteers who can teach basic computer skills (e.g., how to operate a computer, use word processing and spreadsheets, etc.) You don't have to be a hardcore computer techie to help out with this. Basic skills and the kind of practical experience most averagely-experienced users have are all we need. We have a syllabus and plenty of students waiting to learn. Teach Art/Drawing, Painting, Textile We try to incorporate the arts into all of our learning activities. Aside from that we also have students interested in learning Fine Art. Drawing and Painting on canvas are two favorite, as well as, textile art, such as screen printing, batik or any other form you would like to share. We are advocates of recycling and upcycling to create art. Music/Performance We believe that music and dance are essential to a good quality of life and we welcome those who want to share new methods or just have fun sharing. Pre-school Teaching Assistant We offer pre-school classes to 15 students (age 4-6) per Academic year. Assistance is needed in English instruction and Art/Crafts. You well work together with the local teacher following the curriculum of CSRS. Tuition Class Saturday mornings we offer English tuition for former preschoolers, there are 10 students in the class who wish to increase their English skills. Technical Assistance/Special Projects One of our goals is to provide technical skills which will empower our community. We are interested in working with health care providers, people with experience in community economic development and alternative technology, web page designers, business people and others who have the skills and knowledge and enthusiasm to help us improve the well-being of our community. We are happy to talk with you if you have specific skills to offer. While we can't guarantee the success of a project, our commitment is to doing our best to make it work. Good planning, community support and appropriate resources are crucial for each new venture. We will work closely with you to make sure this happens!

10

SOME USEFUL INFORMATION .... Getting Here You can book flights directly to Zanzibar and we will meet you at the airport when you arrive. You can also take the ferry from Dar Es Salaam (for approximately $40). Do not purchase tickets from anyone other than the ticket agent at the window! Roundtrip tickets do not exist. There are several ferries per day and we can meet you at the port if you let us know in advance which ferry you are taking. Let us know if you need further information on where to stay in Dar and how to get the ferry, etc. If you would like to have someone meet you in Dar and escort you to Zanzibar, we may be able to arrange this for an additional fee. What to Bring To comfort you in case of home sickness, you might bring a few snacks. However, do not bring anything you are not prepared to leave behind. After souvenir shopping, the weight of your luggage will increase. Religion Zanzibar is over 90% Muslim. The island has mosques representing every major and most minor branches of Islam. Zanzibar is also noted for its tolerance of other faiths. There are several Catholic churches, Hindu temples, and the Anglican Church built over the former slave market in Stone town. Getting Around Locally, "Dala dalas" (buses or small lorries fitted with seats) are the common mode of public transportation and what you will likely use. They are cheap (around 90 US cents), fast, cover the entire island and are available from early morning until around 5pm (Stone town to Mangapwani.) Many are old vehicles and usually are quite crowded. Taxis are also readily available for late night events in Stone town (around $30 at night) and can be hired for trips to the countryside if desired. Car and motorbike hire are also available. Walking is the most common form of transportation in Zanzibar. Vehicle roads are limited within Stone town. Walking, bicycles or small motorbikes are the only way to get around most of its narrow streets. Many Zanzibar women wear an outer garment called "buibui" everywhere. At home, more casual and colorful attire is the norm. Robes called "'kanzu" and embroidered "Kofia" caps are traditional garments for males, both old and young! Tours and Excursions There are many tours and excursions available on the island, depending on your interests. Available tours include spice farms (one of our main industries), seeing Jozani Forest (and the famed Rd Colobus monkeys), visiting the slave caves and slave market and learning about this unhappy part of our history, sailing to a nearby island or two on a dhow, and swimming at some of the more famous beaches. We want you to learn about our history, our lifestyles, the development work that is going on here and enjoy the many pleasures Zanzibar has to offer. Mbarouk is one of the islands most respected tour guides and can arrange whatever you like. Free Time Most volunteers will enjoy the opportunity to swim every day, the beach is a 20 minute walk from the compound. Watching the sunset in the evenings--we have some spectacular ones--and visiting the beach at daybreak to watch the fishermen bring in their catch are special pleasures. Stone town has been named a world heritage site by the UN and wandering through its maze of narrow alleyways and visiting its museums, marketplaces, gardens, coffeehouses and wharf is a another pleasure. There are frequent outdoor musical events in the Old Fort and at various venues in the city and at the local dance clubs. Volunteers a can spend weekends in town if so desired, hotel rates range from $15. and up. Zanzibar also has a wealth of beautiful beaches, world class snorkeling, diving and fishing, spice farms and numerous other interesting places to visit while you are here. There is a new resort (Sea Cliff) about 3 miles down the road where one can spend the day swimming in the pool and relaxing. We try to have movie nights for the community at least once a month and there is a projector and DVD players in the main house. There is a well-stocked library on the premises, as well as, bookstores in town. Cards, board games, art supplies and other diversions

11

are available. Visiting and conversation with the neighbors is, of course, the most common past-time in the evenings. And you are always welcome to join in on the ongoing art projects with Aida! Money ATM machines are readily available in Stonetown, as are Forex bureaus which change major currencies and also accept traveler's checks (though at a lower exchange rate.) US dollars are sometimes required for government fees. Older style (pre 2003) bills in $20, $50 and $100 denominations are frequently not accepted. The exchange rate is approximately 1500 TShillings to 1$ dollar. For example: U$ 1.00 = 1,500 Tsh U$ 10.00 = 15,000 Tsh U$ 100.00 = 150,000 Tsh Unforeseeable Expenses You will find 99% of your relationships with Zanzibar is enjoyable and true. However, there are sometimes people who will try to make extra money through extorting additional fees. These matters are unfortunate and completely beyond our control. Communications For day to day communication, we strongly recommend using a cell phone. SIM cards, which will give you a local number and cheap prepaid phone service are inexpensive and easily available. Cell phones use GSM 900 and 1800 networks so US visitors need to make sure their phones operate on these networks, (eg; world phone) and are unlocked so they can accept a different SIM card. These are sometimes available used or over the internet. If not, it is possible to purchase one here for under US70. We also appreciate the donation of any used moblile phones for our volunteers and staff to use. Long distance calls may be made from your mobile phone or slightly cheaper, from several businesses in Stone Town. The international dialing code for Tanzania is is +255. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for Dar Es Salaam. Internet access is available on site for Tsh1000 per hour. Post Office For packages mailed to you by post, address them c/o Mbarouk Saad, Creative Solutions, PO Box 4630 Zanzibar, Tanzania, East Africa Electricity Zanzibar uses three pronged English style outlets, adaptors are available for European or American style appliances. Please note, that the electrical current is 220 AC so Americans and others coming from countries that use 120 current will need to check that any appliances or equipment they bring from home will work on this currency. Mobile phone and camera chargers and laptop computers will often accept variable currency. Solar Energy Our volunteer house uses both solar and government electricity. Our computers and all lights use solar, we also have solar fans in the rooms. It is important to remember that all power must be turned off when not being used. Laundry Hand laundering is the norm in Zanzibar. You can either hand launder your personal items, sheets and towels or we can make arrangements for you to have someone do it for about Tsh5000/ (U$3.50). Dress Code The way you dress while you are in Zanzibar, will directly affect the way in which local people will perceive and treat you. Inappropriate dress can offend people, it can convey unintended messages, and it can incur undesired attention and headaches, including harassment of a sexual nature.

12

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim society and conservative dress is simply not negotiable. The two biggest concerns local people have concerning foreigners are the use of alcohol and inappropriate dress. Zanzibaris and many mainlanders find the shorts and skimpy tops often worn by tourists to be offensive and view it as a form of willful disregard for their social customs. As a rule of thumb, no one should be able to see the contours of your body. All clothing should be modest: tops should cover shoulders and waist/navel (no tank tops, crop tops, sleeveless shirts, or bikinis). Skirts should cover at least the knees, no clothing should be tight or see-through, and plunging necklines are not acceptable. Tight legged, tapered pants, stretch pants, jeans, basically any tight-fitting pants are not acceptable for either men or women. NOTE: Kangas are not ever worn as skirts alone by Zanzibar women. They are see-through, and are used as domestic wraps for going back and forth between the toilet and house, etc. You must wear something underneath a kanga, a skirt or at least a slip. People will very much appreciate it if your appearance is neat and clean at all times. Being dirty and smelly and wearing visibly dirty clothes are disrespectful and communicates negative messages to others. While Americans usually “dress-down” and value casualness in interpersonal interactions, many East Africans “dress-up” as a matter of course and value formal, respectful behavior. For special occasions we recommend that women wear a nicer dress. Men can get by with a good shirt and neat trousers. Do not wear sloppy clothes, nor clothes with holes or splashed paint outside of the compound. Any clothing with camouflage design or army uniform clothing is officially banned in Tanzania. Footware Going barefoot anywhere can be hazardous. Walking barefoot leads to larval infections such as „jiggers‟ and hookworms, as well as potentially serious skin infections. DO NOT GO BAREFOOT! Wearing thongs or water shoes is mandatory for walking on any beach at any time and for swimming. No one should ever see your underwear with you in it or on a public washing line. Women, be careful how you sit when wearing skirts, dresses, and kangas. The same goes for men wearing kikois or baggy pants.

Cultural Issues Always o o o o o

o

wash hands before and after eating. accept tea and food when visiting; if offered something you can't eat or drink, refuse politely (try to accept if at all possible). This is an important part of hospitality. Offer tea or food if others visit you. remove shoes when entering the home. greet each person individually and shake hands with everyone in all social situations. Exception: the Q‟uran states unrelated woman and men are not to touch each other AT ALL. Some women adhere to this rule and will not shake hands with men. Male students being introduced to Zanzibari women might wish to wait and see whether or not they extend their hands, rather than extending yours and assuming that the women in question will shake hands with you. keep yourself appropriately covered; use a kanga or kikoi when on the beach, never walk in public in shorts.

Do Not: o eat while walking or in classes. o receive or give things with your left hand. o handle food with your left hand. o show physical displays of affection in public between men and women.

13

o

touch or play with stray dogs. It can be culturally insensitive and dogs may cause disease. Most dogs you might encounter are not accustomed to being treated as pets, and will bite if you attempt to pet them. Such dogs may or may not have had rabies vaccinations, so you will have to go through rabies treatment.

Our Village Mangapwani itself has a population of about 500 people, however, we serve surrounding villages as well, a total of around 2000 people. Our students come from as far as 3 miles away by foot, bicycle or mini bike. There are no large shopping facilities within 20 miles, but we have a couple of small shops which sell bread, sodas, phone cards and a lot of odds & ends. There are a few beaches within 20 minutes of the compound which are nice and safe to go to. Surrounding villages are also nice to visit and local people love for visitors to take the time to visit their homes. When visiting a home it is appropriate to take a small gift, it can be anything from food to balloons, but never money. Our students and staff will often invite volunteers to have lunch in their homes and meet their families, so practice your Swahili! Basically the people in the village are “country folk” and not used to foreigners. On occasion you will be called mzungu, which means foreigner. If you find it offensive, explain in your best Swahili that Jina langu ni_______sio mzungu, (my name is ________not mzungu) and you will be called by your name.

VOLUNTEER RIGHTS Volunteers have the right to: o

o o o o o o o

undertake activities in a healthy and safe environment; be treated in accordance with principles of equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation; be adequately covered by insurance; be given accurate and truthful information about the organization for which they are undertaking activities; be given a copy of the organization volunteer policy and any other policy that affects their volunteer activity; have a description of the voluntary activity and agreed activity hours; have access to grievance procedures; be provided with orientation to the organization; have his/her confidential and personal information dealt with in accordance with the privacy principles; and be provided with sufficient training to undertake volunteer activities.

MANAGEMENT RIGHTS Management reserves the right to: o o o o o

Assign or re-assign volunteer posts as needed based on the skills and performance level of volunteer. Call group and/or individual meetings as is appropriate Reward volunteers in a manner which is appropriate Require more clarity or information about a potential volunteer prior to arrival. Dismiss or fire any volunteer who violates the organization policy or is a danger to himself or others

Generally dismissal is a response to one of three areas of concern: performance problems, conduct problems, or economic problems. Performance problems generally relate to the quality of work, the quantity of work, the timeliness of the work performed, or the rate of improvement on a given work-

14

related task. Conduct problems relate to behaviors such as the volunteers attendance, dependability, and generally acceptable work behaviors such as honesty, and sobriety. Economic problems can also apply to the area of volunteerism. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES o o o o o

Provide adequate supervision and feedback for the volunteer. Provide policies and procedures that are consistent with non-discriminatory practices and guidelines. Provide volunteers with sufficient training to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively undertake the volunteer activity. Identify the range of risks that might affect volunteer staff and implement strategies to deal with these risks. Make policies and procedures understandable and transparent for all involved.

SUGGESTED READING Else, David; Guide to Zanzibar, 2008, Bradt Finke, Jens; The Rough Guide to Zanzibar, 2009, Rough Guides Parkenham, Thomas; The Scramble For Africa, 1991, Abacas Ruete, Emily; Memoirs of An Arabian Princess From Zanzibar, 1998, Gallery Publishers Sheriff, Abdul Zanzibar Under Colonial Rule, 1991, Eastern African Studies

15

Please insert or attach a passport size photo. We will use this to recognize you when we pick you up and also in case of emergency. If you are returning this application by email, please compress the photo or make sure it is relatively small in terms of pixel size since our server is so slow.

PO BOX 4630, ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA www.creativesolutionszanzibar.co.tz [email protected]

Volunteer Application

Name you Name and preferred to be called Mailing Address:

Contact Information

Daytime Phone:

Evening Phone:

Dates you want to volunteer: (please spell out name of month to avoid confusion)

Mobile or Other Phone:

Beginning date:

Full Name as Information Passport it appears on your passport: First Passport Number: Place issued:

Name Person

Date:

Email Address

Ending date:

Middle

Last

Country:

Date of Birth: Expiration date:

Date issued:

to Contact in Case of Emergency

Mailing Address: Daytime Phone:

Evening Phone

Mobile or Other Phone

Email Address:

Please tellInformation us about any Health aspect of your health that may affect you during your stay with us (back pain, allergies, diabetes, mental illness, etc.)

16

Volunteer Interests

Teaching English in:

Teaching Computer Skills

Do you have a roommate you want to share your room with?

If yes, Name:

Special Projects/Other (

What kind of Volunteer Work would you like to do? Please check all that apply. Please use this space for comments or a more detailed description if needed. How did you hear about CSRS?

Education Background Please briefly describe your educational background (e.g. degrees, field of study, special training, etc.) Work Experience Please briefly describe your work experience.

Please describe any professional licenses, awards or honors or special skills or interests that you might use as a volunteer. Languages spoken

Our accommodations are Accommodations generally for double occupancy rooms. Single rooms, if available, may require an additional fee. Other questions, information Other Information about yourself, or anything else you think we should know? I certify that these answers Signature are true and complete. Please sign or if completing on line, type your name to indicate your agreement.

17

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS (CSRS) VOLUNTEER LIABILITY AGREEMENT

I (full name) _____________________________ have voluntarily enrolled in a program for volunteers sponsored by Creative Solutions (CSRS) I will be volunteering from (date) ________ through__________. I understand that travel and volunteer work in a developing region such as Zanzibar, other parts of Tanzania and/or Kenya carries a risk of personal injury and property loss or damage. It also may involve changes in plans, unexpected delays and limited access to some services. I also understand that I am subject to the laws of the countries I am visiting, including those of Immigration, and Creative Solutions (CSRS) can not be held accountable for the actions of governments and their representatives. I release and discharge Creative Solutions (CSRS), its officers, directors, employees, volunteers and representatives from liability or injury, damage or loss arising out of the arrangement or provisions of transportation, housing, food or any other service or goods involved in the volunteer program. I agree not to sue or make a claim against Creative Solutions (CSRS) or any co-sponsoring organization and its officers, employees, directors, volunteers or representatives for any liability, damage or loss incurred during or in connection with my participation in Creative Solutions (CSRS) program. I do not release the above mentioned parties from liability for willful or intentional acts. I understand that the deposit for the program is non-refundable and will not be returned to me. The remaining payment for participation in the program is due in advance and is not refundable after I begin the program. I agree to Creative Solutions (CSRS) right to cancel the program or to cancel my participation in the program, under reasonable circumstances, at any time as long as all money I have paid to Creative Solutions (CSRS) is refunded to me. I understand that Creative Solutions (CSRS) requires travel insurance and has provided me with travel insurance information to make an informed decision. I understand that I am participating in a volunteer program in a developing country and agree to abide by the laws of the country, act in a respectful manner in the community, abide by local customs and follow Creative Solutions (CSRS)’s rules and requirements for volunteers. I understand that if I break this agreement I will be given two (2) warnings and if the same behavior continues I will be asked to leave the program at my own expense. A serious violation of the laws of the host country may result in my immediate removal from Creative Solutions (CSRS)program at my own expense. Signature

Witness:

Print Name

Print Name:

Date:

Date:

18